OEM 2000 Toyota Solara Thermostat

2000 Toyota Solara Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service the thermostat on 2000 Toyota Solara?

  A: Engine coolant draining process must begin before the air cleaner cap assembly and its air filter removal. Disconnect the No.2 ECT switch connector and the engine wire protector from the water inlet and right cylinder head through the removal of 2 nuts. The water inlet pipe service requires removing both the bolt along with the O-ring from the inlet pipe to disconnect from the water inlet and left cylinder head. The water inlet and thermostat should be removed through 3 nut removal and gasket removal from the thermostat. Put the thermostat in water and monitor its heating process while verifying that its valve opening temperature falls within 80 - 84 degrees Celsius (176 - 183 degrees Fahrenheit) and its lift reaches 10.0 mm (0.394 inches) at 95 degrees Celsius (203 degrees Fahrenheit). The valve needs to be completely shut during temperatures under 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and you should switch the thermostat whenever specifications are not achieved. To install the thermostat place it inside the water pump with a new gasket while positioning the jiggle valve toward the upper stud bolt. Place three nuts on the water inlet using 8 Nm torque force (80 kgf-cm, 69 inch lbs.), follow by installing a new O-ring on the water inlet pipe leading to the application of soapy water before connecting the pipe to the inlet and tightening a bolt to 19.5 Nm (200 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.). The procedure involves installing the engine wire protector and connecting the No.2 ECT switch while reinstalling the air filter assembly and air cleaner cap followed by engine coolant filling then verifying for leaks followed by a final engine coolant level check.