I'm in the process of getting my parts/fluids lined up for a engine coolant change on my 2014 T4R with about 170k miles. First change was just the fluid. I was going to change out the thermostat and upper/lower hoses on this change as I did with one of our Camry's a couple years ago. Also need to find some new clamps, lower radiator hose clamps (especially the bottom clamp) on all of our Toyota's start rusting away here in the Northeast.
Read some negative feedback on aftermarket thermostats when I did the Camry so I just went with Toyota on that. I was just looking up the thermostat for the T4R and it looks like you can only get it as an assembly with the housing - first time I've run into this? Best I can do on a Toyota part is about $50. Rock Auto has some options including an Aisin, Gates, Motorad and Calorstat. Photo of the Gates shows a Motorad. I'm putting together a RA order with these parts and a number of other parts for the Camry's and some OPE, and I'm looking to add the Aisin thermostat assembly for the T4R at $30 - I have no experience with Motorad or Calorstat. Any know good or bad aftermarket thermostats for the T4R?
Same issue with the coolant - looking for a lower cost option than the Toyota SLLC. RA has Beck/Arnely, Pentosin A4, and Aisin ACT002, all pink SLLC/extended life. I've read a bit on the alternatives. I'm leaning toward the Aisin ACT002, I can't find anything negative on it.
Just buying the Toyota parts/coolant is an option and I buy OEM parts/fluids sometimes when there is no alternative or it's the better option. But I try to save money if I can, it all adds up. I've got a first coolant change on the 2nd Camry coming up, so I'm going to need enough coolant for both. I did the first Camry and initial T4R using Toyota SLLC. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Read some negative feedback on aftermarket thermostats when I did the Camry so I just went with Toyota on that. I was just looking up the thermostat for the T4R and it looks like you can only get it as an assembly with the housing - first time I've run into this? Best I can do on a Toyota part is about $50. Rock Auto has some options including an Aisin, Gates, Motorad and Calorstat. Photo of the Gates shows a Motorad. I'm putting together a RA order with these parts and a number of other parts for the Camry's and some OPE, and I'm looking to add the Aisin thermostat assembly for the T4R at $30 - I have no experience with Motorad or Calorstat. Any know good or bad aftermarket thermostats for the T4R?
Same issue with the coolant - looking for a lower cost option than the Toyota SLLC. RA has Beck/Arnely, Pentosin A4, and Aisin ACT002, all pink SLLC/extended life. I've read a bit on the alternatives. I'm leaning toward the Aisin ACT002, I can't find anything negative on it.
Just buying the Toyota parts/coolant is an option and I buy OEM parts/fluids sometimes when there is no alternative or it's the better option. But I try to save money if I can, it all adds up. I've got a first coolant change on the 2nd Camry coming up, so I'm going to need enough coolant for both. I did the first Camry and initial T4R using Toyota SLLC. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
