Helter

Hi all, first post after much lurking. 1994 2wd pickup. Brand new rebuilt 22re, new radiator and all hoses and thermostat (180 degree) which I replaced already thinking it wasn't closing. Gauge still runs at about a quarter from cold even when idling for long periods and stuck in traffic. Don't think it's the gauge or sensor because when I kill it the temp spikes to about half way up. Thanks for the great forum and all I've learned lurking!

peckinpah

I believe you are running the wrong thermostat for your 22re. When I go to auto parts stores they always try to sell me the 180 degree thermostat, but I believe the 190 degree on is the correct one. That's the one the dealer put in when I had my cylinder head replaced many years ago.

I used to run a 180 degree model, but my truck also ran too cool, about 1/4 of the way over on the temp gauge as yours does. My understanding is that you want to run the 22re slightly hot in order to completely burn up your fuel, and that running too cool can result in poorer fuel economy and possibly engine deposits.

So AFAIK, the 190 degree model is the one you want.

And if you start getting temperature overshoot (engine gets very hot initially then cools down after 5-10 minutes of driving) the fix for that is to drill a 1/16th's inch hole in the thermostat to allow a small amount of water to circulate before the thermostat opens.

Helter

I knew it. I asked the guy that I got the rebuild from and the factory specs 180. Same at auto parts stores. I'll try the 190 and then the "185.6" version if need be Thanks!

snobdds

Stock tempature is 88* C, which translates to around 190*F.

When I rebult my engine, I had problems with the tempature overshoot. I had to go to Toyota and get a dual stage thermostat. Fixed my problems and have not had any problems since. I don't have the part number handy, but search around and you will easly find it, plus I know it's on 4crawler's site.

Also, check your gage sender on the intake manifold. Make sure the spade clip is still on.

Edit: The dual stage thermostat is part number: 90916-03079