COOLING SYSTEM (April, 2003): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Corolla. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

THERMOSTAT
HINT:

The thermostat is numbered with the valve opening temperature.

Fig 1: Identifying Thermostat Is Numbered With Valve Opening Temperature
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
1. Immerse the thermostat in water and gradually heat the water.
2. Check the valve opening temperature.
  Valve opening temperature: 80 to 84°C (176 to 183°F)
  
  HINT:
  
  If the valve opening temperature is not as specified, replace the thermostat.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Immerse Thermostat In Water And Gradually Heat Water
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Check the valve lift.
  Valve lift: 10 mm (0.39 in.) or more at 95°C (203°F)
  
  HINT:
  
  If the valve lift is not as specified, replace the thermostat.
4. Check that the valve is fully closed when the thermostat is at low temperatures (below 77°C (171 °F)).
  HINT:
  
  If not closed, replace the thermostat.
Fig 3: Checking Valve Lift
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
RADIATOR CAP SUB-ASSY
NOTE:
- If the radiator cap has contaminations, always rinse it with water.
- Before using a radiator cap tester, wet the relief valve and pressure valve with engine coolant or water.
- When performing step (a) and (b) below, keep the tester at an angle of over 30° above the horizontal.
1. Using a radiator cap tester, slowly pump the tester and check that air is coming from the vacuum valve.
  Pump speed: 1 push / 3 seconds or more
  
  NOTE: Push the pump at a constant speed.
  
  If air is not coming from the vacuum valve, replace the radiator cap.
2. Pump the tester and measure the relief valve opening pressure.
  Pump speed: 1 push within 1 second
  
  Fig 4: Using A Radiator Cap Tester
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: The above pump speed is for the first pump only (in order to close the vacuum valve). After the first pump, the pump speed can be reduced.
  
  Standard opening pressure:
  
  74 to 103 kPa (0.75 to 1.05 kgf/cm ² ,10.7 to 14.9 psi)
  
  Minimum opening pressure:
  
  59 kPa (0.6 kgf/cm ² , 8.5 psi)
HINT:

Use the tester's maximum reading as the opening pressure. If the opening pressure is less than minimum, replace the radiator cap.