How to Change a 1995 Celica GT Thermostat

The 1995 Toyota Celica GT represents Toyota's entry into the world of performance vehicles. The use of a larger, high-performance engine placed higher demands on the mechanical thermostat used to regulate engine temperatures. If the thermostat fails, the engine could overheat, causing the aluminum engine heads to warp. This repair could cost thousands. Replacing a malfunctioning thermostat is relatively cheap compared to the potential outcome of not changing it.

Instructions

1

Drive the Celica onto a set of ramps and secure the vehicle with the parking break.

2

Place a drain pan under the petcock on the radiator. Drain the fluid from the radiator into the drain pan.

3

Place an oil drain pan under the drain lug on the oil pan. Remove the plug with a wrench and drain the oil into the pan. Replace the drain plug once finished.

4

Remove the oil filter with an oil-filter wrench so you can gain access to the water inlet and the thermostat housing.

5

Follow the lower radiator hose to the water inlet on the water pump. Loosen the radiator hose clamp with a pair of pliers and pull the hose off the water inlet. This allows you to access the upper mounting bolt on the thermostat housing.

6

Remove the two bolts that secure the thermostat housing to the engine with a socket and ratchet. Pull the cover off the thermostat housing.

7

Take note of the thermostat orientation. There is a mark on the top the thermostat that rests between the bolt holes that Toyota used to mount the cover onto the housing. The mark on the new thermostat must go in the same place.

8

Pull the old thermostat out of the housing. The gasket mounts to the thermostat and comes out when you pull the thermostat out.

9

Place the new gasket onto the bottom edge of the new thermostat. Use the old thermostat as a visual reference.

10

Place the thermostat into the housing. Make sure it orients in the same manner as the old one.

11

Place the cover over the thermostat housing and secure it with the two bolts.

12

Place the radiator hose back onto the water inlet on the water pump and secure it with the hose.

13

Remove the cap from the top of the radiator, place a funnel into the filler spout and drain the coolant back into the engine.

14

Replace the oil filter with a new one and drain 4 qts. of engine oil into the engine filler spout located on the right side of the engine in the engine bay.

15

Run the engine with the radiator cap off until the radiator fan turns on. Stop the engine and place the cap back on the radiator. This expels air from the coolant system.