I searched and found some posts that indicated people were having similar problems locating the engine block coolant drain bolts on the 3.0. Nobody had an answer that specifically helped me locate them.

What are they next to? Is the one on the driver's side directly under the lower radiator hose/thermostat housing??

I have a haynes manual and the owner's manual but the diagrams are too generic. I need specific directions being the moron I am. What other parts are near these plugs?

Also, when I replace the thermostat do I need to add some RTV silicone to the gasket, or is the gasket alone sufficient??

That being said my timing belt and water pump were replaced 3 years and 15000 miles ago. Would Toyota have replaced the thermostat then? Its not listed on the receipt but didn't know if maybe they would have done it anyways. I don't want to replace things just for the sake of replacing them.

Thanks for you help.

 

Try a "Search" for "FSM" and see if it can give you more specific details as to the plugs' locations..., sorry, I've never done as extensive a flush as that.

The gasket alone is sufficient, although a little clear silicone lubricant to improve the gaskets' durability and/or life probally would'nt hurt..., be careful tightening down the bolts so as not to strip them ( a very easy thing to do) and do so evenly in sequence.

Normally, yes they would, but you trully never can tell and it's always better safe than sorry.

 

Thanks for the help

looked at a 1993 fsm online but it shows only one plug in the block, I know in '88 there were two.

Anyone else have any tips for me on finding these? Or how to do a complete coolant flush w/out opening them?

 

My FSM shows one on each side of the block. The illustration sucks, but it looks like they aren't too far above the oil pan, about mid-block from front to back. I've never seen mine, so I can't offer any firsthand help. As for the thermostat gasket - no sealant should be needed. Toyota 'should' have replaced the t-stat when doing the water pump & timing belt, but it's extremely rare for anything to be done without showing up on the bill. Replacing it is pretty cheap, though, so if you're going to be in the area, just do it.