I see from the (very comprehensive, thanks guys) replies to my earlier post about my nephew's car, that I should replace the airbox thermostat. The car is in Sydney, where we never get below about 40F at the very worst. How important is this thermostat? Does it make sense just to remove it? We have no emissions test to worry about, if that is relevant.

Thanks

JohnH

but I've just searched the archives and found the answer. Looks like disconnecting it has minimal side effects and should minimise risk of damage to the AMM. I'll just disconnect the aluminised tube for starters.

I just did this. I found that removing only the thermostat left the spring loaded flapper valve set in the hot air position, i.e., the fresh air opening was blocked and the heated air opening was open. I took the air inlet box out and removed the plastic frame which holds the thermostat and the flapper valve ( I kept it so I could replace it if needed.). Then I took the aluminum tube off of the exhaust manifold heater so now the engine draws air through both the front snorkle and the aluminum tube but none of it heated. The gas mileage has improved by 2 miles per gallon but I put in new plugs at the same time. We also don't have emission inspections, yet.