Change Thermostat

[oibone781]

How do you change thermostat, i think it might be going bad. I put water in the radiator but the car still runs hot or it could be the water pump, guess i'll change the thermo first...

[88 LE]

The thermostat is in a housing. The housing is bolted to the engine and the lower radiator hose runs into it.

Changing the thermostat is just a matter of draining the coolant. Or unbolt the thermostat housing (you need to unbolt it anyways) and it'll drain out.

After you unbolt the thermostat housing, remove the thermostat, and replace with new one. Also replace the gasket that goes around the thermostat.

Pics from my 3S-FE:

http://webs.lanset.com/trbocam/thermostat/1.jpg
http://webs.lanset.com/trbocam/thermostat/2.jpg
http://webs.lanset.com/trbocam/thermostat/3.jpg
http://webs.lanset.com/trbocam/thermostat/4.jpg
http://webs.lanset.com/trbocam/thermostat/5.jpg

[oibone781]

could this be the problem for the overheating?

[atobe]

yes if the thermostat stays closed then the coolant just stays in the engine block and doesn't goto the radiator.

[howru]

You got to look at the shop manual to do it, otherwise you can mistake the orientation of the thermostat.

Also, be careful not cross-thread the nuts. Change them if possible.

[88 LE]

Originally posted by howru
You got to look at the shop manual to do it, otherwise you can mistake the orientation of the thermostat.

The thermostat only goes in one way. If you install it backwards it won't sit all the way into the housing.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8013e98f.jsp

[JetspeedCamry]

88LE - Is the thermo located in the same position on the V6 (2VZFE) Camry?? Lower Radiator hose?

Thanx.

[Nico]

Originally posted by oibone781
could this be the problem for the overheating?

In fcat the thermostat can be defective in two different ways :

- It is always opened (most common problem) : your engine can't warm up or only after a too long time. ( Flow constantly goes through the radiator)

- It remains closed (a bit less common) : your engine will overheat since it has no way of going into the radiator

[88 LE]

Originally posted by JetspeedCamry
88LE - Is the thermo located in the same position on the V6 (2VZFE) Camry?? Lower Radiator hose?

Thanx.

Yes.

[oibone781]

If the thermostat doesnt open, then where is the coolant going, i have no leaks, and it is a week old radiator...

[howru]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 88 LE
[B]The thermostat only goes in one way. If you install it backwards it won't sit all the way into the housing.

There is an orientation problem. see below:

INSTALLATION
1. PLACE THERMOSTAT IN WATER INLET
(a) Install a new gasket to the thermostat.
(b) Align the jiggle valve of the thermostat with the protrusion
of the water inlet, and insert the thermostat in the water
inlet.
HINT:
The jiggle valve may be set within 5¡ã of either side of the prescribed
position.
2. INSTALL WATER INLET AND THERMOSTAT
Install the water inlet and thermostat with the 2 nuts.
Torque: 8.8 N¡¤m (90 kgf¡¤cm, 78 in.¡¤lbf)
3. w/ Oil Cooler:
INSTALL OIL FILTER (See page LU¨C2)
4. FILL WITH ENGINE COOLANT
5. START ENGINE AND CHECK FOR COOLANT LEAKS
6. CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

[emeny2]

the coolant reamins circulating throught the block and never makes it to the radiator to cool off. it wont leak anywhere stuck shut or open. and a wek old radiator has nothing to do with a bad t-stat.

[treecitybusa]

How significant is the jiggle valve that howru is describing? What does it do??

[Pineapple]

Very important. It allow air to get out so you don't have air pocket.