My 93 4Runner has been overheating, I have been reading most threads in this forum related to overheating with their recommendations, I want to start off by changing the thermostat, but I do not know how, can anyone tell me how or point me to an online link with instructions on how to change the thermostat. The overheating is coupled with no heat coming out of the vent holes. No water+fluid is being mixed in either the engine to the radiator and there is no white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

It's an easy job. The thermostat is located where the lower radiator hose meets the engine. Start by draining the rad, then undo 3 bolts holding the thermostat cover on. Replace the thermostat and gasket, and put the cover back. On some engines the cover is plastic so don't over tighten it.

If you're coolant is more then a year old there's no point is putting the old stuff back, get a couple of jugs of new antifreeze. The system holds 10L.

 

Got the Radiator drained out but got stuck with not having the right tools, managed to remove 2 bolts out of the three, the third one (inner most) NOT FUN, heading out to get the right tool. Thanks for the info, will post any progress.

 

ahhhh by "the right tool" you mean a plain ol 14mm deap well socket?

there are people in the world with socket sets that DONT include deepwells?!?!

(were's the sally stutters and "For just 50 cent a day" program)

 

Not only do I not own one, but I did not know (til today) they are called deepwells. You can tell I never looked under the hood, but I am taking this as a challenge to do, I figured I might get lucky and I would not have to drive my wife's Sienna (which I hate) past this coming weekend. If not then off to the repair shop with a big expensive bill.

 

Problem solved. Needed new water pump, fan clutch was bad too and was replaced.

 

Did you o it, or have a shop do it? Just curious.

 

My cousin knows a guy who works on cars, very knowledgeable fellow, he did all the work for a very very reasonable cost. But after watching him do it, I can probably do it myself now, fooling around with the timing belt is risky though..

 

I should have mentioned that he changed the timing belt while he was at it too.