Further to my previous reply. I live in Queensland Australia where the avg daytime temp is mid 20 celcius in winter and high 20’s in Summer so I’m inclined to block the water passage rather than bypass it. Any thoughts?
I think this is connected to the coolant bypass and seems to contain a spring. Could it regulate pressure?
https://www.amazon.com.au/clouddrive/share/rwswVE7EgA62Soc3jOMegJ0TGIW5MdRlvtAlHbAVYWF