Eliminate water bypass hose?

Hello Tacoma folks, I have a 2009 base Tacoma with a 2.7l 4cyl and a plastic bypass hose. I’m wondering if anyone has just removed the hose and had a cover made to seal off the opening? I live in an area where I NEVER use the heater. There’s a small hose that I believe connects to the throttle body, maybe I can connect that another way? Please let me know what you all think..

 

*plastic

i forget what year they switched, but that part is now metal. if you want to do anything, just replace it with the new metal part.

 

I know I can replace it with a metal one, trying to avoid all the work. Thanks

 

Does anyone have an old plastic pipe that can send me a photo with dimensions so I can have a cover made? I’m also going to look into feeding the TB from the coolant pipe that connects to the output of the heater core, any thoughts? Thanks

 

I'm thinking, and I could be wrong, but this project you have in mind might end up being more work and time spent overall than just replacing that plastic pipe.

I've got the V6 so I don't know exactly what's involved in replacing your pipe. I know my bypass pipes will be a fun job though. Not!

 

I think there would much less work involved with just capping it off than replacing it, you have to remove the intake manifold. I can install a cap very easily.

 

I wonder if coolant flow through the bypass pipe is a critical function of the cooling system when the thermostat is closed.

 

Yeah, good point, that’s why I posted the question, hoping someone with more knowledge chimes in. Thanks for you comment

 

The intake manifold comes off pretty easily

If deleting the bypass results in a overheat situation you'll spend more time screwing around with it than just fixing it correctly

 

Yes, this is why a coolant bypass exists, and has since at least the 1960s on many engines- it lets a small amount of coolant flow when the thermostat is closed. This helps the engine warm up evenly and is beneficial for the water pump as it's always turning.

 

good to know, thanks

 

thank you!

 

Steve is on the right track. There has to be some kind of flow through the cylinder head so the wax/spring side of the thermostat will get some hot coolant flowing over it. If you eliminate the bypass then you risk having the stat never open

 

Cool. Didn't realize the end you're concerned with had easy access. Good luck with your endeavor.

 

The water pump is turning if the engine is running. Without the bypass, if the heater core is valved off (heat is off) and the thermostat is closed (cold engine), the water pump is trying to pump coolant through a closed system. It can't- the coolant has no where to go. This should lead to cavitation in the pump - which is not a good thing. In addition, the bypass helps ensure the engine warms up evenly by allowing a small amount of coolant to circulate. The bypass is there for a reason.

 

There is no valve in the heater core piping.