90 4run t-stat/radiator hoses

[fredwillbe]

Hello, I guess my question has two parts.

Every description I've read about thermostats (including in the Hayne's manual) says that it opens into the upper radiator hose and the coolant flows down through the radiator. But based on the description of the location (adjacent to the water pump) and the picture for the V6 engine, it looks like mine is connected to the lower radiator hose. I'm pretty sure I'm looking at the t-stat housing, but wanted to have some verification.

I think my t-stat is fine, the reason I ask is because the upper radiator hose is attatched to a metal junction (originally I thought it was the t-stat housing), its a little smaller with two bolts, connects to something behind the black cover and another small hose. I was wondering what that metal piece is called and if there is a gasket inside that because mine appears to be leaking a little and I'd like to fix it.

Thanks!

 

[joshuabrady]

my thermostat in my 1994 v6 was in the lower radiator hose, that was a biotch to replace with the fan right there.

 

[fredwillbe]

Upon further inspection, there is a piece that comes out from the black cover (timing belt cover?) and a metal piece is bolted down on top of that which connects to the upper radiator hose and has another hose going out the other side up into the intake manifold area (roughly, I didn't follow that one closely).

Well mine is leaking coolant at the seam between those metal pieces, and there seems to be some sort of sealant (silicone or similar) that was used to seal it. A small bead of it used out of the seam. Does anybody have any experience with this? I'd really like to fix the leak, but would like to know what I'm doing before I start taking things apart. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!