What is the correct coolant temperature?

I have always observed a coolant temp of 185 + or - a couple degrees. I just replaced the thermostat along with the radiator cap and hoses. I opted for the OEM temp t-stat of 180 degrees. The other option was 170 degrees.
I now am seeing 195 + or - a few degrees. Everything looks tight and leak free on my 4.0
I'm looking for other's coolant temp reading so I can determine if I need a different t-stat. The one I bought was a Gates made by Motorad.
Thanks...

 

My 2.7L runs 195.8 at 70 mph according to my Ultragauge. Sometimes it will go up to 197 on an incline. Sounds normal to me.

 

My 2015 - 4.0L - runs at 185 +/- a couple of degrees, depending on outside temp and terrain, after warm up. Factory thermostat.

 

get toyota oem

~184 most times on my 4.0

 

Right around 183 when warmed up. 4.0 with a scan guage II

 

185-195 would be considered in the normal range.

 

Sorry, This is a little off topic, but is there any rule for when to replace a thermostat, age or miles? I just changed my coolant with 38,000 miles / 10 years old and just reinstalled the old thermostat. I was thinking when I replace my long life pink antifreeze in 5 year, I would replace the hoses and thermostat.

 

No need to replace as some last the life of the truck. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Just keep and eye on your coolant temp. This is especially helpful when you have a scan gauge or Bluedriver. You are able to monitor this numerically and not just with the needle.

 

OK, thanks

 

185-187 normally

 

190 ish with scangauge I I

 

183-190 typically for me. 195 sometimes. 4.0 v6

 

+1 to this.

 

I've also been told by several experienced mechanics that you shouldn't replace factory hoses unless they are visibly damaged. I had trouble comprehending this but they both said that factory hoses are far superior than aftermarket. They had no explanation as to why but that's what they said. That being said I was having some random hesitation issues and got to looking and found a dry rotted pcv/exhaust (not sure what you call it) hose. Replaced it and haven't had the issue again going on 5 months.

 

rule to replace thermostat is

-when you can't get enough heat

-or it overheats

 

Barring a tstat failure......

I always change mine at the time of a water pump replacement. For me thats either when the water pump starts weeping, or its time for a new timing belt on belted motors.

I also do all the hoses, gaskets, orings etc at the same time, all with OE bits

 

When the engine is cold, pull the radiator cap. See if any more fluid can be added.

Always run the heater on high, to circulate coolant through the heater core as well, and remove air pockets.

 

No. Mine has the factory Tow Package and, as reported above, runs at ~185'.

Cooler (170') thermostats are used in high performance (i.e., forced induction) applications to mitigate heat issues. (I run one on my 2013 Shelby GT500.)

 

I just replaced the original T-stat with the AISIN THT-003 (made by Tama).

If anyone is interested this thermostat is the exact duplicate of the original.

Sorry I'm not paying dealer prices for a Toyota (rebranded Tama?) thermostat. Was about $25 at Rock Auto.

I wish I had known this before I bought the wimpy Gates (rebranded Motorad).

 

Toyota Thermostat at Toyota of Dallas is $30