temperature drop

[ladyofluck]

starting few years ago, my car started to drop it's engine temperature quite rapidly. so when i go down hill w/o using the gas pedal, the temperature actually goes back down to cold....

so what could be wrong w/ it? car seems to run fine, but just temperature rises slower than b4, and decreases quicker than b4.

[nuron]

It's probably a thermostat that is open a lot instead of being variable to increase or decrease the flow of coolant like it's supposed too. Better open than closed all the time like mines was!

[white90dx]

Ummm... you let it go *years* like that??

Just replace your thermostat. Quite a simple fix. Get an OEM Toyota one if it is in your budget. Consider replacing your radiator and heater core hoses along with your radiator cap while you you are in there.

-Charlie

[Mike Gerber]

I have to agree. You have the classic symptoms of a thermostat that is stuck in the open position. Change the thermostat and it's gasket and properly bleed the cooling system. Your heat will be hotter and your gas mileage will also improve a bit.

Mike

[ladyofluck]

okay.. so is it simple enough for me to just swap it?

or do i have to take it to mechanic?

if it's easy, can anybody tell me where about i can find this thermostat? thx

[white90dx]

Replacing the thermostat is one of the easiest repairs you can do on the 4-cylinder Camry. You will still need a few different sockets to get to it.

The thermostat is on the water inlet of the motor, under the alternator. A Haynes or Chilton's manual can walk you through it pretty easily.

-Charlie

[toyomoho]

Easy enough. Follow the lower radiator hose back to the engine. The T-stat is located under the housing the hose attaches to.

The coolant needs to be drained; there should be a drain valve on the radiator. The housing is held on by a couple of nuts. Make sure to install the new T-stat with the large spring facing the engine and the small hole in the T-stat outer housing oriented in the up position. Use a new rubber gasket around the T-stat (if it doesn’t come in the box).

[ladyofluck]

i must drain? where would i go about and dump it?

[Zod]

I'd suggest draining it into clean containers, and reusing the coolant.

Unless it's up on a change.

No disposal required, and you won't need to buy antifreeze..