I have a 84 toy supercab and it has been heating up. I am trying to remove the thermostat but it is under the airfilter housing. I found one bolt to remove the housing on the right side but the left side is still holding and I cant see another bolt. Can anyone help? Any other suggestions on how to cool it down without going to a mechanic.. Honest mechanics are impossible to find here. I just got stuck with a 500 dollar repair bill and cant afford to do it again especially when your not getting the work you pay for.
Thank you for any help.

 

Have you flushed your radiator? That's fairly easy and can be done by yourself.

When you say heating up, is it gradually heating up? Or is it actually overheating?

 

Yes I have already flushed it. I drove maybe 4 miles, parked and in about 10 minutes drove another 3 miles and the temp guage was close to the red. I parked and when I drove it again in about 10 mins it was at half. Then I drove it maybe 3 miles to home and it remained at half for that 3 miles. I have not drove it very far since I bought it as it seems that it runs hot for a toyota. I try not to drive it more then 5-7 miles to one point. I have had 4 toyotas and this is the second one that had heating problems. I live in az so its important to have a cool running car. I have put antifreeze in it and when the thermostat is open it seems to be circulating. I am sure it could use a newer radiator as this one looks original but cannot afford it right now. The mechanic told me that they dont rod them out anymore they just replace them.

 

Have the radiator tested and the cap also...them make sure you do not have a bad head gasket or crack and the thermostat is not shut...also, a damaged hose can restrict the flow. Sometimes a hose is bad inside and you cannot see it from the outside.

 

That engine is carbed, correct?

IIRC, there are three bolts - one at the front on the right, one on the left side, and one at the rear. The rear is kind of a pain to get too.

 

Yes it is carbed. The bolt in the back is gone, fortunately but I still cant find the one on the left. Is it visible? or is it under the housing? I didnt know about the hoses. I will check. It really seems to me that the thermostat isnt always opening. Thats why I wanted to start there. I thought that was the easiest fix, NOT.
Thank you for the suggestions

 

IIRC, it's under the lower filter housing. I'd have to look at pcis of my '83

 

Still no luck finding the last bolt to the housing but I did get a new radiator cap