Hi great site have just discovered it and will contribute what i can, own a 1990 masterace surf cr-30 and enjoyed 2 trouble free years. Recently however the temp gauge stays in the cold and the heater is not as hot, having read through the site would i be right in assuming the thermostat the most likley to be at fault
if so does anyone have the relevant part number and in the short term is it safe to drive untill i can get one fitted after the easter break
any help gratefully recieved
mark - (#2587) Mark, 30 Mar 02

Sounds like the most likely cause. Thermostat stuck in open position. Should be ok to run but engine will not be running efficiently so expect a drop in mpg. Part number is 90916-03046 but would suggest you take it out and get your local factor to match it. Temp range to look for is 82 - 95 degrees.
HTH
Ian - (#2589) Ian Dunse, 30 Mar 02

ian thanks for speedy reply townie in and out of local garage, thermostat in stock and collected from very helpful toyota garage, fitted and all working as normal.
The garage noticed two other problems, the power steering belt is slipping when stationary, can it be adjusted without removing the seats floor pan etc? also more urgently i have sprung a oil leak which they suspect is either from the camshaft seal or the head but hard to tell until sripped down . Ive noticed reference to oil stop leak products and wondered if these are worth trying in the first place, and if so which is the best to use? Hope you or anyone else can help
regards mark - (#2634) Ian, 3 Apr 02

Sorry but you need to remove the floorpan to get to the power steering belt. I changed all my belts last weekend. It takes about an hour to strip down. A word of advice, don't be tempted to tighten belts too tight. I made that mistake and had to strip it all down again as one of the pulley bearings didn't take too kindly to it. Tighten to the spec stipulated in the manual.
As for the oil - additives to stop leaks are only putting off the inevitable in my opinion. Get to the root of the problem and fix it if it's bad. Could save greater expense later.
HTH
Ian - (#2637) Ian Dunse, 4 Apr 02