OEM 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Thermostat

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the thermostat on 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder?

  A: The engine coolant should be drained before starting thermostat service or repair operations. You should start by removing the drive belt and generator then proceed with taking off the front engine under cover. Remove the cylinder block inlet water connection through two nuts until you can pull out the thermostat with its gasket. Check the valve opening temperature of the thermostat by heating it through water immersion before observing between 80 - 84 degrees Celsius (176 - 183.2 degrees Fahrenheit); if the reading fails this test then switch out the thermostat. The valve lift should reach 10 mm or more when measuring at 90 degrees Celsius, otherwise replace the thermostat. The thermostat requires replacement if its valve remains open when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). During installation position the thermostat within the cylinder block using a new gasket while keeping the jiggle valve facing upward but within a 10° range from both sides of the marked position. Use 2 nuts to install the water inlet before torquing them to 9 Nm (92 kgf-cm, 80 inch lbs.). Start by reinstalling the front engine under cover and proceed with generator mounting before attaching the drive belt. Engine coolant should be added then the system needs checking for leaks before verifying the engine coolant's level.