i'm replacing my tb and other parts, but I couldn't find the exact thermostat. I have a 2002 ls 430. I tried to find it through rockauto, but couldn't.

 

If you don't go factory here is Stant's Parts #s.

Thermostat 14128
Gasket 25286

 

It's worth paying extra to go OEM in this case, you're talking about something like $7 more, and the above referenced Stant Thermostat is 180 degrees, the factory one is 190 degrees AFAIK.

On modern cars, the old trick of putting in a lower temp thermostat for it to run a bit cooler is usually a bad idea, the ECM thinks the car is still cold and remains in a closed loop operation, running richer.

I'm not someone that thinks you need to run to the dealer for every part, but I think it's a small premium and not worth getting an aftermarket with the wrong specs.

Also, a thermostat made in Japan versus say Mexico or China? I know where I'd bet my money.

 

According to the parts counter at the local Lexus dealer, the replacement thermostat they sell is 180°.

 

That may be right and I might be wrong, I just know most OEM Thermostats these days are "hotter" than 180 from the factory for emissions, including many Toyotas I've seen.

Even still, I personally would rather take my chances with a factory one. I had a non-OEM thermostat fail on me. It's worth the small premium not to have that headache.

 

Part number 9091603100 pulls up a stat with an opening temp of 180 and fully open temp of 203

Also price is like $17 for the stat from Sewell Lexus. Dont tell me you drive a LS430 but are pinching pennies where you need to find an aftermarket part thats cheaper then OEM when its a $17 part.

 

thanks for the responses, but rockauto and sewell are oem parts. I wasn't being cheap; I simply kept seeing both 180 and 190 thermos, and couldn't find info explaining which is needed. so, is the 180 the correct one?

 

AFAIK the 180* stat is the correct one. Its listed as such on the Sewell site.

 

Try looking online at parts(dot)com. They have the part and all their stuff is OEM - at least all the stuff I've ordered. Their price and service is top notch. It takes a while to dig through the menus but they have everything (really).

 

In most cases, a Lexus part number is the same as a Toyota part number. Whereas, the Toyota part will be far cheaper than a Lexus part, even tho, they are exactly the same. Trust me.