thermostat replacement

[bankrobber]

Not sure where it is. Experience tells me where top radiator hose goes.
I am at 104,000 miles and since no temp guage wont have any warning.
I am looking at a Duralast Fail safe thermostat to replace OEM part.
Any tips on changing it?

[Klink10]

Follow bottom radiator hose to block. It attaches to a plastic fixture behind which is the thermostat. You don't have to remove any hoses, just unbolt the fixture with hose attached and pull off, thermostat rests in the opening. Carefully remove to save the o-ring. I went with OEM replacement. You will have to drain radiator. Make sure you put the new one in the same way as the jiggle valve has to be in the 12 o-clock position.

[auxmike]

New O ring comes in the box if you go OEM.
I did this job, it was easy. Just don't tighten too much or you can crack the plastic cover. Use a torque wrench...

[bankrobber]

Follow bottom radiator hose to block. It attaches to a plastic fixture behind which is the thermostat. You don't have to remove any hoses, just unbolt the fixture with hose attached and pull off, thermostat rests in the opening. Carefully remove to save the o-ring. I went with OEM replacement. You will have to drain radiator. Make sure you put the new one in the same way as the jiggle valve has to be in the 12 o-clock position.

Thanks, I was thinking it was there. I got a good look today as I was putting in new spark plugs.

How often should it be replaced. I am thinking with a fail safe thermostat it can go much longer as no danger of becoming stuck closed.

When I refill radiator can I just use Prestone or Peak brand Anti freeze?

[Klink10]

I can offer no opinion on how long the thermostat should last. I will offer an opinion (strong) and say I would not put anything other than Toyota Long Last antifreeze (Pink) from the dealer in my car. It contains a certain chemical additive package with ingredients other antifreezes do not have.....this is what I did and the way I'm going. There will be other opinions on this subject. I did some homework checking this out and all things pointed in that direction.