thermostat location 5sfe toyota camry - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

klex · 10-31-2008, 06:27 PM

Hey, does anyone know where the thermostat is located on a 99 4cyl camry? The car runs too cold and I can not find the thermostat. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

BigDog4All · 10-31-2008, 06:44 PM

REMOVAL

HINT:
Removal of the thermostat would have an adverse effect, causing
a lowering of cooling efficiency. Do not remove the thermostat,
even if the engine tends to overheat.

1. DRAIN ENGINE COOLANT
2. w/ Oil Cooler:
REMOVE OIL FILTER
3. REMOVE WATER INLET AND THERMOSTAT

(a) Remove the 2 nuts, and disconnect the water inlet from
the water pump cover.
(b) Remove the thermostat.
(c) Remove the gasket from the thermostat.

klex · 10-31-2008, 08:28 PM

Alright, I am a noob, where exactly is the thermostat located? I have no idea where to look except around the water pump. How do I drain the coolant? Thanks for your patience...

touringcamry · 10-31-2008, 08:55 PM

Follow the lower radiator hose to the engine and you'll see the plastic thermostat housing. Remove that and the thermostat is inside.

klex · 10-31-2008, 09:23 PM

Ok, i'll check it out tomorrow and let you know. Thanks

touringcamry · 10-31-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klex

Ok, i'll check it out tomorrow and let you know. Thanks

Removing the oil filter makes getting to the thermostat easier but puts you at risk of getting water in there.

djb2 · 10-31-2008, 11:08 PM

The thermostat housing is much more obvious than you are expecting. It's up front, somewhat on the passenger side of the engine. Open the hood, and look a little to your left, around the alternator and A/C.

The outlet is held in place by just two nuts. But before you start, plan and gather the tools you'll need to remove both. The nuts are easy to see, but access is blocked by brackets and hoses. You'll probably have to alternate between a socket and wrench.

A new thermostat should cost between $10 and $20.

klex · 11-01-2008, 04:27 PM

Ok I bought the thermostat and gasket for $15 and am going to install it on Tuesday when my brother is off of work. I didn't buy coolant I don't think I need any more the reservoir is about a quarter inch above the full line. Do you think I need to buy more coolant? Thanks for all the detailed replies that is greatly appreciated!!

Hajoca · 11-01-2008, 05:25 PM

Get a jug of Toyota red and a jug of distilled water. Don't add just water. Premix is an option if you do not want to bother.

You have mild winters in Coral springs right? So mix coolant and water to your lowest expected freeze point. You need the coolant to lubricate the water pump.

The amount of coolant you will lose is quite a bit. Expect all from the cylinder head, and about 1/3 the rad.

JCamry94 · 11-01-2008, 05:40 PM

My car runs kinda hot... I just flushed out the whole coolant system, and added green pre-mixed coolant/anitfreeze.

Should I look into a new thermo as well?

Thanks

touringcamry · 11-01-2008, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCamry94

My car runs kinda hot... I just flushed out the whole coolant system, and added green pre-mixed coolant/anitfreeze.

Should I look into a new thermo as well?

Thanks

What do you mean by "runs kinda hot"? Is it overheating?

JCamry94 · 11-02-2008, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by touringcamry

What do you mean by "runs kinda hot"? Is it overheating?

Sorry I should've specified....

I bypassed the TB with my coolant line and my TB and CAI are scalding hot lately, even after a decently short drive.

They used to be cold to the touch!

Thermo has anything to do with this?

fnkytrd · 11-02-2008, 01:15 AM

klex... I've had bad experiences with using aftermarket thermostats. You may end up changing it out again if you don't use a toyota one. I wouldn't skimp on a part that cools your engine.

klex · 11-02-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fnkytrd

klex... I've had bad experiences with using aftermarket thermostats. You may end up changing it out again if you don't use a toyota one. I wouldn't skimp on a part that cools your engine.

Ok, i'll call Al Hendrickson Toyota on Monday and return the thermostat I got from advance auto parts. I didn't think of that as much...

klex · 11-03-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fnkytrd

klex... I've had bad experiences with using aftermarket thermostats. You may end up changing it out again if you don't use a toyota one. I wouldn't skimp on a part that cools your engine.

Ok I went to the dealership and got a thermo and gasket for $32 and change, about twice as much as the advance auto parts brand but it will pay for itself when the car is still kicking when the aftermarket one would have died(maybe a year or two from now). So i'm not bothered by spending twice as much. I'll install it tuesday or wednesday and i'll get back to you guys. Thanks!!