Doesn't there need to be circulation through the motor at ALL times in
order to smooth out hotspots?
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Yes.  You could never turn the pump completely off.  There would have to be
a minimum speed (as yet undetermined) to prevent localized overheating.

Rusty
Turbo 13B powered RV-3... Be Afraid :-)
1993 RX-7 R1... Stock (for now)