ls400geek

Hi, I'm new here--just bought my first Lexus vehicle last week from a private party.

I replaced the thermostat today on my 1998 LS400--the old one was stuck open.

I have the Lexus Repair Manual for this car and noticed something in the instructions on installing the replacement thermostat: the positioning of the "jiggle valve" on the thermostat.

However, the replacement thermostat I bought ($12 at Autozone) I notice did NOT have a jiggle valve. (Yet the thermostat packaging claims to be fully compliant with OEM specifications--go figure.)

I went ahead and installed it anyways and it seems to be working properly so far.

Should I take it out and replace it with one with a jiggle valve? I should of bought OEM--sigh.

Or should I just drill a 1/16th to 1/8th hole in the thermostat I bought?-- a drilled hole where the jiggle valve would be located.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Jennifer

johnnyg66

There is a massive difference between oem and non. I bought a aftermarket than ordered a oem. I think you are ok for now but they are so easy to swap out.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

I wouldn't trust it if there's no jiggle valve, they're kind of important lol.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

the jiggle valve helps allow the air that gets trapped in your heater core to escape as your cooling system cools down. (that is what I read somewhere) sounds intelligent even if it is not true....

mikes7ke

iTrader: (1)

It should be fine to drive around with. I'd order an OEM one, and drive it around as is until the OEM one arrives. And return the Autozone one since it has no jiggle valve.

ls400geek

I bought the OEM one today from Lexus of Tulsa with O-Ring for $35 or so with tax.

I'll be installing the OEM one today and returning the Autozone.

Thanks again.

ls400geek

I went to return the aftermarket thermostat and I told the clerk it did not have a jiggle valve. She pointed out it did and showed me it. Sure enough, it was on the inner disc hidden under the cross member instead of the outer disc edge.

LScowboyLS

just make sure when you reinstalled it that the "jiggle valve" or air bleeder hole was in the 12'oclock position, as in billydpowe's diagram above!

ls400geek

Yeah we got it right at 12 o'clock--went with OEM ultimately. Thanks.