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3rd gen 4runner w/ 3.4

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Dcorbin92, Oct 15, 2020.

  1. Oct 15, 2020 at 1:09 PM
    #1
    Dcorbin92

    Dcorbin92 [OP] New Member

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    hey guys. My motor isnt completing the coolant cycle. im assuming its a bad thermostat. when the engine heated up the high pressure hose popped off the radiator and sprayed coolant all over my engine bay. im wondering if my assumption is correct and if there is any links yall could share with me to help me identify the issue and fix the problem. part numbers will also be greatly appreciated as well. thanks in advance. the pictures are what i took off trying to find the thermostat. i have since put everything back together.

    121577319_373995660390054_8395733325942022546_n.jpg
    121659451_682130132438110_521127465852948192_n.jpg
     
  2. Oct 15, 2020 at 1:52 PM
    #2
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Thermostat is nearer to the bottom of the engine. You have to take everything off the front of the engine to get to it. EDIT: No I am wrong on that, see below.

    When's the last time you did a Timing Belt change? Because now is the time to do it.

    How old is the Radiator?

    Water pump?

    May as well replace those too. It's a 5 minute job while doing the T-Belt. Then you should have no cooling issues.

    Advance sells a lifetime radiator. I Just take my old one in every 125k miles...since they start leaking at that time.

    Timing Belt kits can be had for a good price with a water pump. Get an AISIN water pump. Don't cheap out.

    If your valve cover gaskets are over 150k miles old. Do them too.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NAK8ZQ8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    I used that kit and added in a thermostat. Get a TOYOTA thermostat from your local dealer or online.
    part number: 90916-03075
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2020
    mousemeat likes this.
  3. Oct 15, 2020 at 1:58 PM
    #3
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Now what I'm worried about is that you actually have a different issue from a T-Stat. You should check the coolant for exhaust leaks. This may be a blown head gasket. If so, better to know what you're working towards. It would suck to pull everything apart, put it all back together, just to have to do a head gasket and pull it all apart again.
     
  4. Oct 15, 2020 at 2:06 PM
    #4
    Dcorbin92

    Dcorbin92 [OP] New Member

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    so basically what im gathering is to rebuild the front of the engine correct? cause pretty much everything is original
     
  5. Oct 15, 2020 at 5:52 PM
    #5
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Did it overheat? Looks like the upper coolant hose wasn’t tightened down?
     
  6. Oct 15, 2020 at 6:35 PM
    #6
    Clutchplate

    Clutchplate New Member

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    You don't need to take off anything to replace thermostat except lower radiator hose. Remove 3 nuts and it's done.
     
  7. Oct 15, 2020 at 8:00 PM
    #7
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Yes, I forget that. I always see it when I do a T-Belt replacement so I forget exactly how accessible it is.
     
  8. Oct 15, 2020 at 8:03 PM
    #8
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    If so...then yes. The water pump, radiator and T-Belt have limited lifetimes. Luckily on these engines, they are non interference...so if the t-belt goes, it won't hurt anything.

    The worst thing is if the transmission cooler part of the radiator goes and you get coolant dumped into the transmission. Then you will need a new transmission.
     
    SlvrSlug likes this.
  9. Oct 17, 2020 at 7:57 PM
    #9
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    never too late to start replacing /upgrading in the engine compartment...
     

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