07-27-2014, 11:25 AM
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#1
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Fail-Safe Thermostat
The temps are getting crazy in Alabama so yesterday, I replaced my coolant with Yota Red and distilled water. While I was doing it, I put in a "Fail-Safe" thermostat by MOTORAD. My 14 year old T4R Limited has almost 250K miles on her so I figured it might be an extra ounce of prevention for overheating. Apparently, if the thermostat fails, it locks in the open position to keep from being stranded on the side of the road. It might be a "gimmick" and I guess I will find out soon enough in this heat. Does anyone have any experience (either positive or negative) with these things? My fear is that if my rig gets to hot, it will be catastrophic with the age and mileage on the engine. Any comments/opinions are welcome!
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07-27-2014, 12:07 PM
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#2
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Simple watch the temp gauge and don't let it get to hot
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1997 sr5 Mall crawler 3.4l 174,000
1993 sr5 3.sloooow 5 speed ome 2" rear coils slightly cranked torsion bars
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07-27-2014, 03:26 PM
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#3
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OEM please and no other. If the rest of your cooling system is up to par, you need not worry.
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07-27-2014, 03:38 PM
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#4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LittleCaesar
OEM please and no other. If the rest of your cooling system is up to par, you need not worry.
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I have many none oem parts and they are good. Ofcourse they are the best option out of the aftermarket but they seem to hold up and do good job. I have a continental water pump kit.
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07-27-2014, 04:29 PM
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#5
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Let me clarify:
If you do want to get another 14 years out of your rig, I'd suggest using another OEM thermostat. Why deviate from using such?
I have used Motorad t-stats before but in American car applications. Some worked fine, others seemed to have rust build-up on them after five years or so. Not worth the $$$ IMHO.
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07-27-2014, 04:42 PM
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#6
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Good point about using the OE thermostat. I guess I am always trying to build a better mousetrap......
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07-27-2014, 04:55 PM
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#7
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OEM, and original green coolant because the original green coolant is NOT broken.So why fix it? Get Toyota dual-stage OEM thermostat, instead of after-market one. How would you know when that aftermarket T-stat locks in open position and stops doing its job?. The OEM 2-stage will keep on doing its job regardless.
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86 4Runner, 22R-Eliable, 5-Speed Manual, dlx. WHAT'S YOURS?
If you want us to help from afar please let us see, hear, feel what you're dealing with.
A picture paints a thousand words.
Toyota components are bullet-proof. Issues often arise from poor wiring, assembly and/or maintenance. Suspect those first.
Next only to our senses, the multi-meter is the most important electrical diagnostic tool. Spend $6 at Harbor Freight or $$$ blindly replacing parts.
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07-27-2014, 05:00 PM
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#8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LittleCaesar
Let me clarify:
If you do want to get another 14 years out of your rig, I'd suggest using another OEM thermostat. Why deviate from using such?
I have used Motorad t-stats before but in American car applications. Some worked fine, others seemed to have rust build-up on them after five years or so. Not worth the $$$ IMHO.
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I got ngk plugs , none oem wires, none oem valve cover, I think my water pump kit is basically oem. Still origbal thermo I believe. New oem rear and main front seals. None oem axels, none oem upper and lower. Must say uppers needs to be replaced soon lol. I guess a lot has to do with maintance also you know. But I also check everything once a week and keep an eye on everything.
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Last edited by kolelt; 07-27-2014 at 05:03 PM.
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07-28-2014, 12:34 AM
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#9
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Banned
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RAD4Runner
original green coolant
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Whoa, cowboy. Easy now.
Ain't true. Something about something in the red thats not in the green or in the green thats not in the red.
Do not MIX them.
It does not need to be Toyota brand. It cannot be the green stuff. I use the Zerex red/orange for asian vehicles.
Last edited by slapdappy; 07-28-2014 at 12:40 AM.
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07-28-2014, 02:13 AM
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#10
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Stuck thermostat
Just to let you know that a stuck open thermostat will cause overheating once your coolant could no longer cool down.My vote goes to OEM and stick with red coolant,quit experimenting with your rig if you don't want to break down.Just my 2 pennies.
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07-28-2014, 03:28 AM
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#11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slapdappy
Whoa, cowboy. Easy now.
It cannot be the green stuff. I use the Zerex red/orange for asian vehicles.
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OOPS! Sorry, guys. I thought I was responding to a post on "Classics".
__________________
86 4Runner, 22R-Eliable, 5-Speed Manual, dlx. WHAT'S YOURS?
If you want us to help from afar please let us see, hear, feel what you're dealing with.
A picture paints a thousand words.
Toyota components are bullet-proof. Issues often arise from poor wiring, assembly and/or maintenance. Suspect those first.
Next only to our senses, the multi-meter is the most important electrical diagnostic tool. Spend $6 at Harbor Freight or $$$ blindly replacing parts.
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07-28-2014, 08:57 AM
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#12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vipergrhd
Just to let you know that a stuck open thermostat will cause overheating once your coolant could no longer cool down.My vote goes to OEM and stick with red coolant,quit experimenting with your rig if you don't want to break down.Just my 2 pennies.
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No it won't. Bad info if the thermostat is stuck open it will NOT overheat after a while it will continue to stay cool and will not overheat. I'd still go with OEM
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07-28-2014, 09:06 AM
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#13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vipergrhd
Just to let you know that a stuck open thermostat will cause overheating once your coolant could no longer cool down.My vote goes to OEM and stick with red coolant,quit experimenting with your rig if you don't want to break down.Just my 2 pennies.
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Once your coolant can longer cool down?with a stuck open thermostat!?
I've never had overheating from a stuck open thermostat.what will happen is your engine will run too cool therefore not running at 100 percent efficiency.and your heat won't work lol
Oh yea and op go OEM.trust me I'm the type to try and " reinvent the wheel" a swell but I learned the hard way. 
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07-29-2014, 11:33 AM
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#14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 541joseph
Simple watch the temp gauge and don't let it get to hot
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Doesn't really help him from getting stranded on the side of the road with a stuck-shut t-stat.
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07-29-2014, 03:42 PM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robb235
Doesn't really help him from getting stranded on the side of the road with a stuck-shut t-stat.
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If it's a quality item then he shouldn't have to worry for several years anyways
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