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I'm about to do the timing belt on my Lexus and had a Gates thermostat that I picked up last year for this job. I decided to install a Toyota thermostat instead, as I didn't want to have to open all this stuff up again for a good long while. The Toyota thermostat is quite a bit beefier than the Gates. Everything about it is thicker. It weighs in at 4.8 ounces vs 2.9 for the Gates. I'm sure the Gates would be good for years, but it's pretty clear that the Toyota product is better built and will probably last longer.
When I was doing the 90k service on my wife's 2000 I did the same thing and compared. IIRC, the OEM t-stat was only a few more dollars when purchased Sewell with the discount. The original T-stat was working fine but I thought after 13 years and 211k miles, it was worth replacing. 15 years later and 228k miles and she's still on original alternator and PS pump.
I've used Gates on other cars satisfactorily, they do seem built with cost cutting measures compared to the red box Toyota parts. I replace the thermostat every 30K so any longevity is lost for me.
3 years ago, I had compared two genuine thermostats, the factory original one used for 14 years nearly 150,000km and a brand new one. I haven't noticed any problem before but I dare replaced it as a preventive measure. As you see the photo, the old one's opening (left side) is a bit less than the new (right).
Although the opening was different, the indication of the gauge was just the same as long as I ran within the legal limit.
I'd say the factory original one 14 years old was still mostly OK to continue to use.
06-04-15, 04:56 PM
OEM vs aftermarket thermostat
