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Toyota Skid Steer 4SDK3 4SDK4 4SDK5 4SDK6 4SDK8 4SDK10 factory workshop and repair manual

Short overview (what a thermostat does)
- The thermostat is a temperature-controlled valve in the engine coolant circuit. Its wax-element opens at a specified temperature to let full coolant flow through the radiator; below that temperature it stays closed and forces coolant to bypass the radiator so the engine reaches operating temperature quickly. Proper thermostat action stabilizes engine temperature, prevents overheating and reduces wear from running too cold.

Main symptoms of thermostat faults
- Stuck closed: rapid overheating, little or no coolant flow through radiator, upper radiator hose cold while engine overheats.
- Stuck open: slow warm-up, engine runs too cool, poor heater performance and increased fuel/wear.
- Partial / intermittent: erratic temperature, bubble/airlock symptoms.

Diagnostics (theory + ordered steps to confirm before replacing)
1. Visual and gauge check: note temperature rise behavior, heater output, and visible leaks. Theory: identifies whether problem is cooling flow vs other failure.
2. Feel hoses with a gloved hand while warm (careful): when thermostat opens the upper radiator hose will suddenly get hot. Theory: verifies whether radiator is being used.
3. Radiator cap test (cold engine): open cap only when cold; unplugging and pressurizing can reveal flow. Theory: pressure affects boiling but the thermostat is the flow control.
4. Bypass check: if engine steadily overheats but radiator is cool, likely thermostat stuck closed. If engine never reaches operating temperature, likely stuck open.
5. Bench test (optional): remove and put thermostat in hot water with thermometer — it should begin to open near stamped temperature and be fully open above that. Theory: direct test of wax element.

Preparation and safety (do before work)
1. Work only on a cold engine. Relieve pressure, wear gloves/eye protection. Use proper coolant disposal. Theory: hot coolant = burns; draining prevents spills and allows access.

Replacement procedure — in order, with why each step matters
1. Gather parts and tools: correct OEM thermostat(s), new gasket(s)/O-ring(s), coolant, basic hand tools, torque wrench, drain pan, cleaning rags. Theory: correct part opens at correct temp and seals; improper gasket or torque causes leaks/air ingress.
2. Drain coolant to below thermostat housing level: open drain valve or remove lower hose as needed. Theory: prevents coolant flooding the work area and allows safe removal of the housing.
3. Remove components blocking access (air cleaner, hoses, clamps, brackets) in order needed to reach thermostat housing. Theory: safe access avoids damage.
4. Loosen and remove thermostat housing bolts and separate housing. Collect any gasket pieces. Theory: exposes thermostat and mating surfaces.
5. Remove old thermostat(s) and gasket(s). Note orientation: spring/bulb (closed end) faces the engine/block; open side faces the radiator. Theory: spring direction matters — the sensing element must see engine coolant to open at correct temp and allow flow into radiator.
6. Inspect housing, mating surfaces, and condition of thermostat bore, O-ring grooves, and passage. Clean surfaces thoroughly (no old gasket or debris). Theory: proper sealing and unobstructed flow are essential; debris causes leaks or partial blockage causing wrong temperature behavior.
7. Install new thermostat(s) in the correct orientation (spring toward engine). Install new gasket or O-ring; lightly coat gasket seats if specified. Torque bolts finger-tight then to spec. Theory: a new thermostat accurately opens at rated temp and correct sealing prevents air entry and coolant leakage which can cause overheating or airlocks.
8. Reinstall housing, hoses and any removed parts. Replace any perished hose clamps. Theory: restores system integrity and correct flow paths.
9. Refill coolant to correct level with recommended type and mix. Leave radiator or overflow reservoir cap off for bleeding. Theory: fresh coolant restores heat transfer and corrosion protection; removing air is critical because air pockets block passages and reduce flow, simulating a stuck thermostat.
10. Bleed the cooling system: run engine to operating temp with heater on high, squeeze hoses to move trapped air, top off coolant as level drops, and observe for steady flow in radiator (if accessible) and stable temp. Replace cap when bleeding is complete. Theory: air pockets cause overheating or false diagnostics; proper bleeding ensures thermostat and pump see liquid coolant and system pressure is correct.
11. Road/loader test under load: monitor temperature for stable operation and check for leaks. Re-torque bolts after a short run if manufacturer requires. Theory: confirms thermostat opens at correct temperature under real load and fixes the original symptom.

How this repair fixes the fault (clear cause → effect)
- If thermostat was stuck closed: replacing it removes the blocked valve so coolant can circulate through the radiator. That restores heat rejection, stops overheating, and equalizes hose temperatures (upper hose becomes hot when open). Cleaning sealing surfaces and proper bleeding removes airlocks that otherwise mimic a stuck thermostat.
- If thermostat was stuck open: new thermostat restores the closed-bypass state at cold temps so the engine reaches and holds operating temperature. This improves heater output, reduces wear and fuel consumption.
- If thermostat was sticking intermittently or had a bad seal: replacement restores consistent opening/closing at the designed setpoint and proper sealing prevents bypass leaks and air ingestion, yielding stable coolant flow and temperature control.

Quick troubleshooting notes (concise)
- After replacement if overheating continues: check radiator flow, water pump, blocked radiator, collapsed hoses, external fan, or head gasket failure. Thermostat replacement only fixes thermostat-related flow/control faults.
- Always use the OEM-specified thermostat temperature rating and torque values; incorrect parts or uneven torque can cause recirculation or leaks.

Done.
rteeqp73

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