Warning: Bypassing the Heater Matrix - DON'T DO IT!

[306Puggy]

I understand that bypassing the heater matrix would cause the water to take the easiest path through the bypass pipes instead of through the cylinder head channels, but what I don't understand is why I didn't end up blowing my gasket when I did it. I drove it hard during the time but it still didn't overheat. Not that the tempature gauge would pick up over heating anyway, since the sensor is situated in the radiator, not in the engine.