The Installation of an Auto Thermostat in the Toyota Camry

The thermostat in the Toyota Camry regulates coolant temperatures as the fluid flows from the radiator into the water pump. This method produces consistent engine temperatures because it measures the temperature of coolant in the radiator as opposed to the temperature of the coolant as it leaves the engine. However, this makes the installation of an auto thermostat in a Toyota Camry slightly more difficult because you must drain the coolant before removing the thermostat.

• 1

  Locate the petcock on the bottom of the radiator, place a drain pan under it and use the pliers to open the valve on the petcock. Drain the coolant into the drain pan and then close the petcock valve with the pliers.

• 2

  Follow the lower radiator hose of the Camry to the water pump. The hose connects to the water inlet housing, which secures to two studs protruding from the water pump.

• 3

  Remove the two nuts from the water pump studs and pull the water inlet housing off the water pump.

• 4

  Take note of the arrow on the thermostat, which is located inside the water pump. The arrow is between the two studs on the water pump. The arrow on the replacement thermostat must go in the same location.

• 5

  Pull the thermostat out of the housing.

• 6

  Place the O-ring gasket onto the round thermostat housing of the new thermostat. Use the old thermostat as a visual aid.

• 7

  Push the thermostat into the water pump with the arrow facing the right direction. Place the water inlet housing onto the studs of the water pump and secure it using the nuts, socket and ratchet.

• 8

  Open the radiator cap and place a funnel into the filler spout. Drain the coolant back into the radiator.