Does this sound like a thermostat jammed open?

[snwtoy]

During the cold snap about 4 weeks ago, when driving on the motorway for about 20minutes, the intake temp was reading 1-2 degrees. The car temp guage didn't even get to 1/4 (usually sits bang on half).

Driving around in milder temps, 10 degrees plus it does get to normal operating temp, but seems to take longer than our corolla. I've never really taken note of how long it takes to get to temp before I noticed the above anecdote.

Is it difficult / time consuming to change the thermostat on an ST215?

[Mr Revhead]

sounds like it could be
how long to warm in normal conditions?

[snwtoy]

sounds like it could be
how long to warm in normal conditions?

Well in current conditions at 7am in auckland, outside temp around the 10 degree mark it's taking about 15 minutes on my commute, which includes speeds up to 70km/h, but more often 30-50km/h

[Mr Revhead]

yeah I'd be betting on stuck open stat.
Usually very easy to do on toyotas, but never done a 215 one.
when you get a new one, make sure you get a new oring/gasket!
good time to do coolant tooo

[blitza]

this is in the caldina? the rubber seal falls off the thermostat valve face and gets stuck either in the valve sealing area preventing the thermostat from closing, or just floats around inside your block. either way, temp is slow to build, much more of a problem in an auto, but still easy to fix.

[sergei]

this is in the caldina? the rubber seal falls off the thermostat valve face and gets stuck either in the valve sealing area preventing the thermostat from closing, or just floats around inside your block. either way, temp is slow to build, much more of a problem in an auto, but still easy to fix.

I have exactly same thing (piece of rubber off thermostat stuck in it), anyway if assuming ST215 is similar to ST205 in water department, then it is about 20-30min job in not so favourable conditions (ie in the drive way).

[snwtoy]

Sorry to bump a thread from 2009, but I think I'll actually fix this tomorrow, weather permitting

Can anyone tell me where the thermostat is housed - ie what needs to come off to get to it?

If it's the problem that blitz refers to, do I need a new thermostat? Or just remove a rubber bit jamming it?

Cheers

Oh, and yes ST215 Caldina GT-T

[sergei]

Sorry to bump a thread from 2009, but I think I'll actually fix this tomorrow, weather permitting

Can anyone tell me where the thermostat is housed - ie what needs to come off to get to it?

If it's the problem that blitz refers to, do I need a new thermostat? Or just remove a rubber bit jamming it?

Cheers

Oh, and yes ST215 Caldina GT-T

new thermostat if you are going to open the housing is a must (since it only cost $30-40).
The thermostat is under the alternator.
Might need to remove alternator for better access.
Definitely air duct for the alternator will have to come out, and coolant drained.
The thermostat housing is only held by 2 10mm nuts.
It is possible not to disconnect the radiator hose (as those clamps are real pain in the ass), and leave the housing attached to it.

When buying new thermostat (preferably Toyota) also get the O-ring for it.

[snwtoy]

Thanks heaps sergei, exactly the info I needed

I'll probably get the thermostat from repco/supercheap (if only toyota was open on the weekends). I want to get the coolant flushed asap as I didn't realise how crappy it had gone, and don't think I'll have another chance before my roadtrip next weekend.

[Bling]

Take note of which way around the thermostat fits too

[Adamal]

Take note of which way around the thermostat fits too

It'll go either way as long as you have a good hammer

[snwtoy]

Thanks for all the help.

Thermostat was jammed open with rubber internals as described above. I assume this is a common issue for 3S egines?

Got a thermostat from Repco which has no rubber internals so in theory won't jam again.

It only fits one way too, so that was easy to work out.

Alternator definitely has to come off unless you're rubberman. Which means the waterbottle has to come off too, as it blocks the top alternator bolt.

Filling the radiator is about the only time I wish I had a heat shield for the turbo - pretty nervous when you slosh a heap of water onto a hot turbo

[Lloyd]

Repco ones are crap. Genuine ones aren't overly expensive.

And for future reference to test if your thermostat is stuck open, easisy way is to find a long-ish downhill road where you can just go down the hill in gear and stay off throttle. Temp gauge will drop if thermostat is stuck open. Hot day or otherwise