Whether it be for a 18r, 20r, or 22r.....do you guys and/or gals, prefer going to the dealer for this or do you go to a third party source? I'm looking to replace mine on my 18r and bought one from Napa Auto, but it doesn't quite fit as "perfect" as say the one from the salvage yard I pulled apart from another 18r. So, I'm wondering if others have had issues with fitting third party thermostats.
no, well i never notice and probably wouldnt unless it was a big difference, but i think the one you buy from a third party would be the same as going to the dealer, for parts like, its just another company that make it(for the dealer), i think, im not 100% sure.
Ive never had a problem with third party thermostats, just remember according Toyota recommendations, Install a 180 degree thermostat for all these engines, a 195 ( which usually comes from parts store ) is NOT recommended in any of these engines - So much for a " replacement part eh' " . . .
This right here was all the difference in the world. After changing out my hoses, thermostat, and even the old housing because it developed an old rust hole at the neck, and started to let coolant weep through, I noticed my temp gauge rising another 10 to 15 degrees more than usual. I knew something wasn't right. After going back to this thread I decided to double-check. 195 stamped right on the bottom of the thermostat. When I called Napa Auto Parts and told them the usual, year, make, and model, I ASSUMED I was being given the proper one. Nope. Their system says OEM is 190-195. But if they know it's an "older" motor they'll give the option of a 180 if you so choose. The guy over the phone didn't give me that option, and being my first time changing a thermostat out on an 18R, I just didn't know any better. Now I do. Thanks, Lownloud! Ironically, the 180 (Napa Auto brand) fit PERFECT! Whereas the 190 fit, but didn't quite settle in as flush as I would have liked. Hence my starting this thread to begin with. You would not think there would be a difference, but THERE WAS. Though ever so slight, the 195 (Napa Auto brand) just didn't sit snugly all the way around.
Straight from Chilton 8578 . . . Straight from Chilton # 8578 ( Toyota Trucks 1970 - 1988 repair manual ) section 3 ( Engine and Engine overhaul ) page # 3-44 under ( thermostat ) . . . 4. When installing a new thermostat always use a new gasket. Be sure that the thermostat is positioned with the spring down. The factory recommended thermostat temperature is 180' for all engines. My guess is keeping the engine warmer is something the emmision control nazi's have something to do with Anyhow! there ya go p.s. Your very welcome man, glad I could help and put the info out there for everyone to see, great, great thread man
Use the 190/195 thermostat in the winter time and the 170/180 in the summer... Anti-freeze/Coolant recipes differ aswell... More anti-freeze agent for the winter and more coolant agent for the summer... Also to help with cooling and better lubrication. You'd want to run a lighter weight oil (5w-30) in the winter and heavier (10/20w-30/40) in the summer. Just thought I'd throw that outthere...
Well up here in Canada we need to run 195's in winter. These motors just don't hold the heat in winter, especially on the highway, and it's hard to keep the cab at a comfortable temperature. So yes, you can run a 195 but you can also swap it out come summer like someone else mentioned. I personally have run 195's in a few of my Toys all year and never had a problem. But then again we don't usually get the heat like you guys do further down south.
