Just curious, since I'm having to do the thermostat this weekend on my new 94 runner. I've got a VERY basic diagram from autozone.com maintenance pages (don't have maintenance manual yet, i know!), which says the thermostat is in water pump assembly? Still looks like it should be relatively simple to swap, but searching the forums I saw no reference to this procedure. Anyone done it, or have any advice so there are no surprises? I'm pretty comfortable doing a lot of things mechanically, I just don't know Toyotas (VW background).

Thanks! And BTW, this site kicks ass. You guys are defiinitely inspiring me!

 

what engine does it have?

 

Oops, forgot that, huh? 3.0 V6.

 

Not sure where it is on the 3.0, but if you have the 4cyl it's a piece of cake. IIRC it was two bolts & a hose clamp. I didn't even drain the radiator, just siphoned as much fluid off the top as I could, and then spilled a cup or so when I took the thermostat out. Twenty minutes tops, if I had to do it again it would probably take 5.

Good luck & welcome to the site!

edit: i see i'm posting too slow, sorry I don't know about the 3.0

 

The thermostat on the 3.0 is found where the bottom rad hose connects to the engine. Replacement is very simple, but you will have to drain the rad. There are 3 bolts holding on the thermostat housing, just undo them and pull it off the engine. Be careful when bolting it back up, the gasket sits vertically and can slip out of place, and give you a leak.

 

yeah its super simple. i did mine over the summer and i have very very little experience on working with engines. when i bought the new thermostat at the local dealer, the guy at the parts counter even gave me a diagram and told me a little hint for refilling the fluid, it helps to pour the antifreeze into the the tube that goes from the top of the radiator to the engine. just disconnect it from the radiator and pour it in. it helps create less air pockets in the system.

also if you search, there is a service manual that somebody scanned and put up on the web, if you search around here you'll find a link.