Ilovemountains

I just stopped at the dealership and picked up a new thermostat for my 88 3.0, its OEM PN 90916-03079 but Im reading that the better thermostat is actually the 90916-03070 but I can’t tell if that is for the 4 cyl engine or the 6.... I just want to make sure they sold me the correct part, they ripped me off so bad on the head gasket job that I swore Id never go back but my temp seems low and I know the thermostat that is in there now is a Mexican POS from Auto Zone. Any thoughts??? What is the best temp rating for the 3.0 before I drain mine and swap this thing in? Thanks!

92 TOY

yes. 03079 is correct

go to www.toyotapartszone.com and type in that part # to prove it to yourself

Ilovemountains

Sweet, thanks!

92 TOY

I actually have a shopping list of for my son's 1988 4runner 3vze rebuild we are doing. That is why I so confidently can say it is correct. I have referenced and cross-referenced those parts multiple times in looking for the best overall price delivered.

the dual stage thermostat you mentioned, I actually bought for my 22re build but the part # is not listed in my note although I did get the part # from 4crawlers site.

MudHippy

I'd stick with the standard 180°F(82°C) OEM thermostat made by Kuzeh, which should be part # 90916-03079(it is still made by Kuzeh right?...used to be anyway). IMO Kuzeh makes the best thermostats on the planet.

This the Kuzeh thermostat I'm talking about right here.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...e&apwidYqXE7Zz

And yes, 90916-03070 is a 190°F(88°C) 2-stage thermostat made specifically for the 22RE.

Ilovemountains

Thats the one, I did just look at the box, it was shipped to the dealer on 3/13/2006, do you think its still OK since it has a rubber seal built in or should I return it and request a new, not new old stock part??? It was $26.60 and the gasket was $2.57

sb5walker

One made in 2006 is totally fine. Will last for a good long time. I have a spare that dates to 1994 that is probably still good, lol. And x3 on the 90916‑03079 being the right thermostat - 180 degrees. Very important not to use a hotter one than that on the 3vze. Make sure to position the jiggle valve at the top (12 o'clock position).

Coolant FAQ with some tips that may be helpful: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...nt-faq-192781/

Ilovemountains

That’s a good read, I was wondering about what type of coolant to use, when I had the head gaskets done by the Toyota dealer, they used green not red... I have 2 gallons of 50/50 Prestone in the garage that I was going to use after I flush it tomorrow when I install the new thermostat, it says its safe for all vehicles so hopefully I won’t have any issues!

MudHippy

Yep, if it's an OEM part they last forever. AFAIK my 88 still has the factory original Kuzeh thermostat, and it hasn't failed yet. I tested it out of the vehicle a couple years ago and it passed with flying colors. IDK for sure it's the original, but it looks pretty darn old anyway and it is the OEM brand. It's also made out of brass and stainless. I wonder how long ago the stopped using brass to make them? That might give me some idea how old it really is. I dunno, but if it ever does let go I'm definitely gonna replace it with another OEM/Kuzeh.

Mine looks like this one made by Kuzeh(except with a jiggle valve of course), part # 90916-03101.


I'd always used the green in my truck(who cares which brand? Not me!). Untill about a year and a half ago when I switched to PEAK GLOBAL® LIFETIME®, which happens to be amber in color. According to them it never needs replaced during the life of the vehicle(or as long as you own it anyways). And it wasn't but a few dollars more per jug than the green(and about $15 less per jug than the Toyota long life red), so I said "why not?". I personally don't think it matters that much which color/brand/type you use. I do still use the DEX-COOL®(orange) in the Chevy, because it says I have to(whatever...man that crap's expensive too, good for 150,000 miles though). Just try and avoid mixing colors/brands/types. Then you don't end up with something that's no longer been formulated for the proper amount of rust/corrosion protection.

http://www.peakantifreeze.com/antifr...lifetime.shtml

xxxtreme22r

Peak makes some good coolant, it's what I use in both the yota and the bmw.

Which ever one you use, just don't use a regular green coolant. Make sure it's a universal coolant.

Haven't seen that global lifetime one though.

I just use this one:

http://www.peakantifreeze.com/antifreeze-peak.shtml

Wrenchinjoe

I've read good things about Zerex Asian Vehicle made by Valvoline. It is silicate free and costs $11- $12 per gallon from Napa, same as the regular stuff. I am (slowly) re-assembling my 3vze and plan to use it.