How To Locate Thermostat

[andrewtch]

I need to change the thermostat of a toyota rav 4 1998 5 door auto 2wd. Can some one tell me how to loace the thermostat and how the thermostat looks like?

[lordflazmatron]

The thermostat is located just to the left of your oil filter on the front of the engine block, beneath a plastic tube that is bolted to the engine. I found it was easiest to drain the oil and remove the oil filter prior to changing the thermostat, as there isn't much room to get at the nuts that secure the plastic tube to the block.

[brett gazdzinski]

I dont think you have to do anything with the oil filter???
Follow the upper radiator hose to the motor, it bolts on the thermostat housing I think.

Brett

[2001SL2]

Originally Posted by brett gazdzinski

I dont think you have to do anything with the oil filter???
Follow the upper radiator hose to the motor, it bolts on the thermostat housing I think.

Brett

That's not where the thermostat is. Its where lordflazsomething... said it is. Its right on the casing of the water pump, to the left of the oil filter where the bottom hose off the radiator connects to the plastic tube to the block

[andrewtch]

what is the temperature rating for my rav's 4 thermostat? its was corroded, i couldnt read the rating on it >.<

[tinmanchris217]

2nd to 2001's explanation. The thermostat is to the left of the header, and next to the oil filter.

To Lord's credit, many many import cars have the thermostat on the head, running on the upper radiator hose. The RAV does not though.

Depending on age, the opening temperature should be between 176-183 F... and it becomes fully open at 200-205 F. In other words, get the 180 degree one.

Chris

[mensajero]

Originally Posted by andrewtch

I need to change the thermostat of a toyota rav 4 1998 5 door auto 2wd. Can some one tell me how to loace the thermostat and how the thermostat looks like?

here:


At the time of this picture. My RAV4 was bone stock. I was changing to a TRD Thermostat. It didn't even have a header. Also you can see the Alternator just to the left.

[2001SL2]

who takes AND KEEPS a picture of that??

Very handy though

[mensajero]

Originally Posted by 2001SL2

who takes AND KEEPS a picture of that??

Very handy though

Me

[Bob86ZZ4]

I'm trying to get to that bottom nut on the water inlet housing. The darn AC does a good job of blocking access. I think I might be able to get to it with the oil filter removed. Using a stubby 10mm open end wrench. It looks like some of you have been able to get that bottom nut off the stud without doing the oil filter removal? Remember what wrench you used? Sockets are too deep and I can't get one on due to AC housing blocking. A flex head gear drive box wrench seems to be the answer but the wall of the box end is too thick and hits the plastic housing so I can't get it over the nut. I took a crows foot socket and ground down the ends to try to fit it on but still can't quite get it. I'd like to get this nut off without taking the oil filter off since I don't need to change the oil for a bit and it's getting cold in MN. This is on a '97 Rav4. I did some searching and found some other threads that make it look like the 4.1 might be different than newer versions. So please help if you know for sure on a 4.1 vintage for my question. Thanks a ton.