Guide: Radiator and Thermostat Replacement for Noobs

[JakeV]

Yeah, that seems like the answer. Don't want to rip everything apart a little ways down the road to replace a $20 part.

 

[Sturge]

Lower radiator mounting bolts help

I just did a timing belt and water pump on my 2000 sr5 4x4 3.4l. well my truck suffers from rust issues that I'm slowly repairing. None the less instead of removing the mounting bracket from the front core support I just removed the four bolts attaching the radiator to the mounting bracket. I need the two lower bolts the utilize the square nut. I sheared both of those bolts. Anyone know the part number or where I can find these? I can make them or find something close on mcmastercarr but I'd rather get the original part.

Thank you!

 

[Whtrnr]

I did my thermostat replacement today, I found the original thermostat dated 1999 and the jiggle valve was at the 12 o'clock position so either it was reused and put back in that way or the manufacturer did it originally???

I was running an average of 203 with a high 208.4 before and now it is running 188.6 to 194.4, don't know how or why but it works.

Thanks Tim for your video as it was very helpful to watch it prior to doing the work.

 

[tystaco]

I did my thermostat replacement today, I found the original thermostat dated 1999 and the jiggle valve was at the 12 o'clock position so either it was reused and put back in that way or the manufacturer did it originally???

I was running an average of 203 with a high 208.4 before and now it is running 188.6 to 194.4, don't know how or why but it works.

Thanks Tim for your video as it was very helpful to watch it prior to doing the work.

I finally got the torque app and am seeing my wife's runner putting out about 208 pretty consistently. The radiator is a new Koyo as of 8 months ago, but I was an idiot at the time and did not do the thermostat. Everyone think I'll see a drop in temps with a new one?

 

[Whtrnr]

I think you will see a drop in temps. It's worth the time to try.

 

[tystaco]

I think you will see a drop in temps. It's worth the time to try.

I am going to go for it. I found a write up showing how to do the thermostat without pulling the whole radiator.

 

[kf4aqo]

I appreciate the time you took to share this info. Replacing this radiator was a lot easier than replacing the radiator on my 86 FJ60.

 

[Sweiźyglock]

Good write up but one flaw i noticed

According to the book the dongle you oriented to six o'clock on rhe thermostat is incorrectly placed. Should be place as high as possible at 12 o'clock. Geussnit suppose to help "burp" air out of the system if its orientated the correct way. Hope that helps anyone else! I had to drain again and spin it around. That finally got all the air out of my system.
Otherwise fantastic write up!

 

[snydmax]

According to the book the dongle you oriented to six o'clock on rhe thermostat is incorrectly placed. Should be place as high as possible at 12 o'clock. Geussnit suppose to help "burp" air out of the system if its orientated the correct way. Hope that helps anyone else! I had to drain again and spin it around. That finally got all the air out of my system.

Otherwise fantastic write up!

Actually on this engine the “jiggle” valve should face 6 o’clock or towards the ground otherwise you’ll run too hot.


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[Riceye]

According to the book the dongle you oriented to six o'clock on rhe thermostat is incorrectly placed. Should be place as high as possible at 12 o'clock. Geussnit suppose to help "burp" air out of the system if its orientated the correct way. Hope that helps anyone else! I had to drain again and spin it around. That finally got all the air out of my system.
Otherwise fantastic write up!

While this may seem logical, there is much anecdotal information that it is incorrect. Jiggle valve at six o'clock.

The air should burp from the system regardless of jiggle valve orientation as the thermostat is located very low on the engine. When the engine heats up and the thermostat opens, the air will rise.

I still don't understand the black magic behind the 10º temp drop with the jiggle valve at six o'clock. Mine runs at 200-204º when warmed up, even in winter, as per my wireless obd reader. It always has. I'll be doing the timing belt, etc. this summer. I'm taking bets on the orientation of the current thermostat when it is removed.

 

[RomanSchnobrich]

Just wanted to say thanks again for such a great little write up. I've been running hot for the past few months and finally took the time to replace my thermostat (did a new OEM radiator last fall), it was rather easy with this awesome guide. I'm a real noob to mechanics and working on my car, so this write up was super thorough, easy to follow, and helpful with the photos. Thanks!

 

[farmerjon]

Thanks for the detailed pictures and write up! Long time owner (12+ years) and have never done rad myself, but have swapped thermostat, and can confirm with my Ultraguage that temps do drop 10-20 degrees with jiggle valve at 6 instead of 12 o'clock.

Denso radiator seems to be the most reliable way to go if you don't want OEM from Toyota - Denso IS OEM in many respects - part number: 221-0508. I put one in 100k miles / 10 years ago, no problems and about to pre-emptively replace it again, this time doing it myself, thanks to OP for writeup and buddy for the help. Ultraguage shows slight temp increase from 190 degrees to 196 average, so am getting this done.

Amazon, TractorSupply, Summit Racing, PartsGeek, and others all have it for about $140-150.
Denso Products 221-0508 Denso Radiators | Summit Racing