Replacing thermostat for 91 Camry. - Difficult, or do-able??

[89_3SFE]

I've got a V-6 1991 Toyota Camry and I have located the Thermostat. I think it needs to be replaced because after about 10 minutes of freeway driving with A/C on, it creeps up past halfway point, but never goes beyond it. Then the A/C kinda gets warm, but that's another discussion.

I need to replace the thermostat and I want to know if it is a difficult job for just myself. Also, what other tools do I need besides very basic tools such as a socket wrench. I took a look at it myself and it looks pretty hard to get there. I have small arms and hands, so maybe that'll be to my advantage. If you could let me know, thanks!!

[jackfrost1031]

I did it once, I didn't remember it being very hard. You have to disconnect the altenator I think to get to it, just be sure to remember how things bolt back together.

oh, and don't forget the little gasket on the thermostat.

[Cyorke]

SHouldnt be very hard at all. Like jackfrost said may have to move the alternator to get to it easier. 2 or 3 bolts and the housing comes off. Replace the t-stat and the oring around it put it back together fill with coolatn/water and let it run til it heats up to get all the air pockets out. Once the t-sta opens up top off your coolant and put the cap back on. Oh yeah when you are ltting it heat up turn the heat on so you get coolant into the heater core and dont end up with air pockets. shouldnt take more than about thiry minutes probably and alot of that is waitng for the coolant to drain and then wating for the t-stat to open up making sure it is full.