• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer

1996 4Runner SR5

Ebony Express

  • Upgrades
    • Audio
    • Brakes
    • Comfort
    • Exterior
    • Lighting
    • Power
  • Repairs
  • Maintenance
  • More
    • Tools
    • Notes

Jiggle Valve Experiment

Performed: May 8, 2021

According to most of the world, and physics, the jiggle valve of a thermostat should be in the 12 O’clock position.

According to T4R.org, placing it at the 6 O’clock position will allow for cooler operation.

The factory service manual says 6 O’clock.

The mechanics at Maita Toyota say it’s a typo. They say 12 O’clock.

I’ve heard that running cooler may affect SMOG so I’ll have to keep that in mind next year. (update: passed without trouble in Feb. 2022) But I sure feel better knowing it’s at 194 instead of 210+.

  • 210 degrees seemed a bit too hot. I’d seen it as high as 212.
  • Draining coolant so I can rotate the thermostat.
  • 3rd nut came off but the stud came with it. Looks like the “mechanic” put it back without Loctite, too.
  • Maita Toyota didn’t have it but Elk Grove did.
  • OEM my ass. Another $30.
  • Refill and burp.
  • 16 degrees cooler and the a/c was on, too.
Category: Maintenance
Previous Post:New Radiator
Next Post:Lower Ball Joints

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2025 · 1996 4Runner SR5 · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme