2003 Solara: Should you replace thermostat at same time as water pump?

[tereza]

Hi all,

I have a 2003 Solara (V6) and I was wondering if you are supposed to replace the thermostat at the same time you get your water pump replaced. I've planned on getting the timing belt and water pump replaced. One place tells me they do the water pump and thermostat together, while another place tells me that my thermostat is fine and that I dont have to replace it at this time. What is the deal? Does anyone know where the thermostat is exactly located and if it is hard to get to? Is it located next to the water pump or elsewhere?

Thanks!

[Gadgetjq]

Originally Posted by tereza

Hi all,

I have a 2003 Solara (V6) and I was wondering if you are supposed to replace the thermostat at the same time you get your water pump replaced.

Tereza,

Those who are telling you not to replace the thermostat are from the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' school. On the other side is the proactive fix brigade.

The thermostat which opens and closes fully each time the engine warms up and cools off with constant adjustments while you're driving to keep coolant within a certain temperature range is installed on the engine side of the inlet water hose from the radiator. If it goes bad (which usually means an overheated engine) all the coolant has to be drained, the serpentine drive belt for alternator, power steering etc has to be removed, and the alternator has to come off. THEN you can reach the two bolts holding the thermostate housing to the engine block and finally reach the thermostat itself.

When the water pump and timing belt are being replaced, everything has been removed anyway so why not replace that very important five dollar part?

In the end it's up to you but with (presumably) 90,000 miles or more on your car I'd be replacing not only the thermostat but all radiator and heater hoses too.

Cheers

[bronzemaxell]

thermostat $13 part + $2 gasket can be replaced at anytime without touching the water pump, or without any part that involve with timing belt change.

for your reference, the V6 thermostat is right around under valve cover on the right hand side, when you facing the engine.
trace the lower radiator hose from radiator, and you will find it.

the 4cyl is on the on the opposite side under front of valve cover.

on V6, the only extra work is probably just drain the coolant again.

the v6 thermostat is a bitch to replace, held by three of 10mm bolt, but the space is very tight, i would recommend change it all at once at the part is cheap, and while your car is at service.

you can tell when the thermostatic as the temperature gauge on dash starts to fluctuates after warm up, such as on stop and go traffic.

[tereza]

Thanks for the replies! Appreciate your help!