This is desperation....2005 Lexus rx330. I'm putting back together after that damn thermostat replacement. I'm putting the wiring harness back on and theres two different wires with round metal ends. I think I know where one goes but not the other. Please, I've been working on this for 5 days, I need my car today. Does anyone know what I'm talking about that can help with these two wires? This has been a horrible experience since the start! I've kicked trees!!!! If you know where the back one goes please tell me. I think the front one goes on the back wiring harness screw. Oh please, I'll come and clean your house, paint it, landscape your property!! I'm really desperate. Thanks.

 

Not enough detail to have any clue what you're referring to, but this video might help:

If not, you need to take the time to upload some pictures.

 

Round metal ends almost always grounds, there are several on right (front) side of engine, look for bolt holes, posts by the right side engine mount underneath the wiring harness. On the 3.5L one is on chassis, one on engine valve cover, not sure about 3.3l.

 

I put it all back together and started pouring in the new antifreeze and it all started pouring out. Pouring out right under where the new thermostat is. Could it be that I didn't put it in far enough? The housing cover and coolant pipe are one big piece. Did I not put the thermostat back into it far enough? I'm ready to drink the antifreeze, I'm so tired and upset. Please tell me what you think. Thanks.

 

Pics really do help, it's not like we can look over your shoulder and see. lol

Like mentioned above plz check out the video at minute 9:52- sounds like ground wires if wires are White & Black and/or have eyelets but any other color plz post pic.
For water running out sounds like you will have to retrace your steps and pull the air box and use a flashlight, nice video above- step by step.

Here are some details for discussion- good shot of the pipe mounting.




Also, check the Jiggle Valve orientation- it will be hard to get the air out if it's not right since you are digging in there again anyway.
I'd go the extra step and leave an extra gallon of coolant in the car with towel and funnel just in case trapped air in there so you won't be stranded and overheated down the road. It can seem like all the air is out when it is not just in case this is your first time.

 

I placed the jiggle valve correctly.. What's weird is that the pipe to the thermostat is one long piece with the thermostat mounting cover attached, one big piece. There's no place to put an o ring. It has to be somewhere there that I've made my mistake. Everything else is fine. I'm so crazed over this. What could I have done at that juncture, you know, the thermostat and that stupid one piece pipe and cover that's wrong? Thanks, I'm truly desperate!!!!
Hey, I lost one of the original 10mm mounting bolts from around the housing and replaced it with one and a washer. could that be it???

 

The o-ring goes on the thermostat and it sits snug (not super tight) in the hole pointing out like this.
The video above at minute 17:41 shows it.

Also, the long coolant thermostat pipe in the video is the 2 piece metal design and the replacement is a one piece plastic design so not sure which one you have.

 

I have that one long piece that's housing and pipe in one. The gasket is new and already placed around the thermostat. Since it's that one long pipe there is no I ring because there's no separate pipe fitting into the housing, ya'know? I'm tearing it back for with new nuts for the housing thermostat cover. I'm hoping that's where the mistake is. Thank you for the help. My phone camera is not holding pictures right now, I think I need to free up storage or I would take pictures. I'll keep you posted and please cross your fingers that it's just the nuts.
That is what you meant, right, the gasket around the thermostat?

 

Yes the only "gasket" is the rubber ring on the t-stat and then the pipe cover mates to it and seals it and has 3 nuts as you know torqued to 71 inch lbs.

I'm not sure why yours is leaking but I've had mine out 3 times and I use a flashlight up in there to make sure the t-stat is in the hole flat & even before mating the pipe cover to it.

Wishing you success, plz let us know how it goes.

 

I WILL absolutely let you know. I'm procrastinating so badly because I'm loathe to tear it all down again but I need my car. I'm headed out to the bugger now!!! Thank you!

 

2nd+ time goes very fast.
You'll be in there in 15-20 mins.

Oh darn, just now thinking, can check the plastic pipe very well for hairline cracks and the mating surface where it covers and seals the t-stat for damage that can make it leak.

 

Okay, I did it again. I put the thermostat in, correctly. It's still messing up . I just drove it like 10 miles, the needle went all the way up to hot, then dropped back down to cold again. When I got home the car was hot though. What the hell is going on? Does anyone know please? I'm dumbfounded and so tired! I'll be 60 in another 13 days and have to do this myself, can't afford to take it anywhere so please, anyone's advice is so appreciated. Thanks.

 

Is it leaking coolant and did you get all the air out???

This repair traps air bad and can overheat engine if not careful like mentioned above.

Plz safely check coolant level.

 

It takes me 3 trips, checking level to get coolant to stabalize, even after 3 times "burbing" system per the service manual. Take coolant with you until level stablizes.

 

Where in the manual does it say about burping the system? I don't see it and the manual I bought, ya'know the ones at AutoZone doesn't say it either.