Electronically controlled thermostat

A method of controlling a temperature of an engine having a coolant circulation system comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a thermally activated actuator;
• b) providing a thermostat having a fixed thrust surface and an openable valve including by a valve body;
• c) operatively connecting said thermally activated actuator to said valve body of said thermostat;
• d) monitoring said engine to determine when to open said valve;
• and
• e) opening said valve by activating said thermally activated actuator in response to said engine monitoring.

An apparatus for controlling a temperature of an engine, said apparatus comprising:

• a thermostat having a thermally controlled valve which opens to a first position in response to a coolant temperature, said first position corresponding to a first rate of coolant flow sufficient for maintaining an optimum engine temperature;
• a thermally controlled actuator for opening said valve to a second position, said second position corresponding to a second rate of coolant flow sufficient to permit said engine to cool to a power delivering temperature below said optimum temperature;
• and
• a heater associated with said actuator, said heater being initiated when additional power is required.