A mechanical thermostat controls engine temperature in the Toyota Tacoma’s 2.7-liter engine. The thermostat opens up when the coolant temperature rises, allowing more fluid to flow past the radiator’s cooling fans. This causes the 2.7 liter engine to run cooler by lowering the temperature of the radiator fluid. The engine may overheat if the thermostat quits working. The aluminum engine heads could deform if the engine overheats, costing the truck’s engine thousands of dollars in repairs.
In This Article...
Step 2
To release pressure from the coolant system, remove the radiator cap from the top of the radiator. When the engine is hot, do not remove the cap. In order to avoid major harm from the scalding hot coolant mist, wait until the engine has cooled.
Step 4
Follow the lower radiator hose until you reach the water pump connection. By tightly pressing the pressure tangs on the radiator clamp, you can uncinch the hose. Disconnect the hose from the water supply tube.
Step 5
Using a 12 mm socket, remove the two bolts holding the inlet tube to the water pump. The inlet tube is simply dropped off the water pump after the bolts are removed. The water inlet tube contains the thermostat, the o-ring, and the gasket.
Step 7
Place the gasket around the thermostat after inserting the thermostat’s spring end into the water pump. While you adjust the water inlet tube over the two, hold them in position with your fingers.
Step 9
Slide the lower radiator hose back onto the inlet tube to reattach it. Release the pressure tangs on the clamp after sliding it outward by about 1 inch from the hose’s end.
Step 10
Coolant, commonly known as antifreeze, and distilled water should be poured into the radiator in a 50/50 mixture.
With the radiator cover off, start the Tacoma for five minutes. This moves the fluid around the engine and lets out any trapped air. Turn off the engine and fill the radiator with purified water and coolant in a 50/50 ratio. Put the Tacoma’s radiator cap back on.
- Haynes:2010 “Toyota Tacoma Repair Manual Years 2005 to 2009”
- the 12 mm socket
- Ramps
- 2 gallons distilled water
- Two gallons of antifreeze
- Draining pan
- Ratchet
- Spindle chuck
When should I change the thermostat on my Toyota?
- A thermostat will be harmed by engine overheating that results from factors other than a malfunctioning thermostat. Therefore, even if the thermostat was not the primary cause of the overheating, always replace it if the engine overheats.
- The best thermostats to use are OEMs, therefore ask your mechanic to only install OEM thermostats. OEM thermostats that are supplied by the dealer are occasionally more expensive but typically of superior quality and are designed specifically for your automobile.
- Every time you perform significant repair on the coolant system, the thermostat needs to be replaced. During such repairs and insurance against future breakdown, it is practical and reasonably priced.
Where is the thermostat for the coolant?
Most automobiles have a top-mounted thermostat on the cylinder head, close to the water pump. Coolant is fed into the engine through the thermostat by the top radiator pipe. If you are having trouble finding the thermostat, simply follow the hose to the point where it connects to the engine until you notice the housing that houses the thermostat.
Where is the housing for the thermostat?
The coolant outlet in many internal combustion engines is the thermostat housing, which is often found on the engine block or cylinder head. Engine coolant circulates continuously through ports in the block and head, through the thermostat housing, and into the radiator, where it is cooled. This engine part, as its name suggests, houses the thermostat that controls the flow of coolant.
High temperature readings
Engine overheating is one of a failed thermostat’s key symptoms. The temperature gauge in the car would likely read unusually high, making it simple to detect. The valves may be stuck closed, which would explain this. As a result, the coolant won’t be able to circulate, and the engine would become overheated and break down.
Erratic changes in temperature
Failure of the thermostat frequently results in the entire cooling system functioning irregularly and fluctuating. You can notice any spikes and declines in the temperature gauge on the dashboard by keeping an eye on it. If this occurs, the malfunctioning thermostat is probably to blame for temperature confusion.
Leaking coolant
The engine needs coolant to operate at the proper temperature, and its performance may be impacted by a lack or imbalance of the fluid. There is a good likelihood that air is entering the cooling system or that coolant is escaping if the coolant leaks out of the thermostat housing or from underneath the car.
Increased fuel consumption
Engine overheating and overcooling both significantly increase exhaust emissions and decrease fuel efficiency. Due to the vehicle’s inability to attain its operational temperature, this occurs. In this instance, the indications of a thermostat malfunction would most likely manifest as higher fuel usage and an unanticipated increase in monthly utility costs.
Unusual noises
A failed thermostat might easily produce sounds from the engine, the vibrator, or from both. Gurgling, knocking, and rumbling noises could be the result of a jammed valve or an outdated thermostat causing coolant to boil.
How can I tell if the thermostat on my truck is broken?
When you initially start your automobile, the temperature gauge should read cold, and as the engine warms up, it should gradually increase to normal. It’s possible that there is a thermostat issue if the temperature gauge reads lower or higher than usual. If the engine in your automobile is constantly overheating, it’s possible that the thermostat is not flowing coolant into the engine to lower engine temperature.
Can I change my thermostat on my own?
You can install or replace your thermostat yourself and save some money, but you’ll need: basic understanding of electricity. an understanding of the equipment being used in general.
Can I change the thermostat on my car by myself?
Thermostat Replacement for a Car: Step-by-Step Instructions. The thermostat (also known as the T-stat) can be replaced at a low cost. Most of the time, it will fix an overheating or no-heat issue, saving the time and money required for professional diagnostics.
Is it possible to replace a thermostat without removing the coolant?
You need a 180 degree thermostat. If you’re careful, you can change it without losing a lot of coolant. If you’re careful, you can change it without losing a lot of coolant.
What is the turnaround time for a thermostat replacement?
The good news for individuals who have a broken thermostat is that replacing it won’t set you back a lot of money. Naturally, the precise price will vary depending on the type and model of your car. However, the typical auto owner can anticipate paying a professional mechanic between $140 and $300 to repair the thermostat on their vehicle.
The thermostat unit itself typically costs $20 to $80, though it may cost more for premium or performance vehicles. The labor fee will range from $120 to $220. (possibly more if going to a dealership).
Keep in mind that most mechanics bill between $80 and $110 per hour for their work. A mechanic should need between one and two hours to replace the thermostat. As a result, the work costs you more money than the thermostat component itself.
Many car owners attempt to cut costs by replacing the thermostat on their own. You should hire a pro to replace the thermostat in your automobile unless you have a lot of experience working on cars, the thermostat is easy to access, and you have a solid repair manual to follow.
After all, your car could also have a different issue. You should hire a specialist so they can identify the issue before changing the thermostat.
What distinguishes a thermostat from a thermostat housing?
Hello, and thanks for writing. The thermostat housing and the thermostat itself are two separate parts, therefore they don’t always need to be changed at the same time or in the same manner. The housing is merely a cover for the thermostat that includes a radiator hose opening, which is where water enters and leaves the motor. The housing may occasionally need to be replaced if it is significantly damaged or leaks, however they are in fact two separate and distinct elements.
How much does a new thermostat housing cost?
How Much Does a Replacement Thermostat Housing Cost? You should expect to pay between $50 and $250 just for the parts for a replacement thermostat housing. Costs for labor might vary from $130 to $170.
What equipment is required to replace a thermostat?
You’ll require:
- a tidy rag.
- modern thermostat
- gasket and sealant for gaskets.
- or pliers or a screwdriver.
- a little socket wrench
- a little movable wrench
- a wire brush or a little scraper.
- a drip pan or a 9 L bucket.
Overheating
One of the main faulty auto thermostat symptoms that can have severe repercussions is overheating the vehicle. The thermostat enables the engine to manage the heat once it has reached its typical working temperature.
What occurs if a thermostat heats up too much? When a car thermostat is malfunctioning, coolant cannot flow into the engine, which leads to overheating. Therefore, a malfunctioning thermostat is one of the potential explanations when this occurs.
Can a car be driven with a broken thermostat? The likelihood of the engine being permanently damaged rises if you keep driving the car in this state. For this reason, it’s critical to be aware of warning signals that the car’s thermostat is malfunctioning in order to be safe while driving.
Heater Malfunction
One of the causes of a broken car heater is locking the thermostat in the open position. Whether or not the engine is hot enough to require it, coolant will always run through it. The HVAC will continuously blow cool air if the thermostat is open and the car’s heater is turned on, even if the heater temperature is increased. In other words, the engine has an issue with being too cold rather than always going too hot.
Temperature Fluctuations
Strange temperature variations during engine operation are a sign of a broken thermostat. The thermostat won’t become stuck in this situation, but there will still be incorrect readings that affect control. The radiator coolant won’t flow normally, and the engine temperature will fluctuate erratically.
Poor Engine Performance
The performance of your car’s engine will be impacted by a malfunctioning thermostat because the engine operates best at a particular temperature? 90 to 104 degrees Celsius. Low engine temperature can also hurt the performance of your car’s engine, just as thermostat overheating might.
Rumbling Noises
You may start to hear rumbling sounds coming from your car, which is one of the obvious signs of a stuck open thermostat. The radiator, engine, or both may be making the noises. The sound can be described as a bubbling, boiling, or knocking sound. As a result, if you start to hear these noises or experience the aforementioned symptoms of a malfunctioning auto thermostat, your engine most likely has a bad thermostat.