My '91 22re starts and runs great, but it won't come up to operating temp. The heater blows warm air- maybe not warm enough, and it is getting snowy here in Spokane. But even after 45 mins of driving stop and go, it's still running the cold high idle at stop lights and the temp guage is only slightly above 'C'. Is there anything simple to check before I rip into the cooling system to change the thermostat? Also, if I do need to check the t-stat, is it possible to do it without draining all of the coolant. I'm not at my home garage so I have a very limited shop/workspace/tools. Thanks.

 

I have the same problem with a 77 corolla, Im going to put a new t-stat in. It will never get above the first mark on the gauge. T-stats are cheap.

 

I have the same problem too after putting in a new radiator and clutch fan...I got a new thermostat from Toyota and it ran too hot?? went back to the old.

 

Go to the dealer and get an OEM one. The dual valve is best. Just search temp gage overshoot and you will get the part number.

The stock temp is 88*C which is about 193* F for a 22RE
The 22R is set to open at a lower tempature, (can't remember off hand but it's like 180*) and many parts houses don't know the difference between the two motors and hand them out in mistake. This causes a lot of 22RE's that run too cold.

 

mine is blowing hot air within about 5 miles driving and at that time the temp needle is just moving above the white line above cold on the gauge but it may take longer if I have the recirculation at 1/2 open and even longer if it's at full open.

but if the thermostat is stuck open for whatever reason, most of the coolant will go through the radiator and just a little will go through the heater so you won't get any real hot air.

 

I haven't even tried running the recirculator. That's exactly the type of simple thing I need to try before I start swapping out good parts.

 

My 86 22re has new Tstat and temp sensor and only runs a quarter inch above cold line, only time she heats up more than that is when heaters on, it will come up to a little under half then

 

same issue just started with mine. putting a new tstat in tomorrow, ill let you know how it goes!

 

My 86 22 RE takes a few miles of town driving to reach halfway,then drops and stays between 1/8th-1/4 when the t-stat opens.Up a long steep grade it'll go to half and drop back again on the flats.

 

It was the thermostat. A rubber seal around the mechanism broke down, exposing several small holes letting coolant flow all the time. It was a really easy job to swap out. I drained about 1/2 gallon of coolant from the bottom of the radiator. The t-stat housing bolts weren't jammed, and the hoses were all good. Started up and ran great.