Over the weekend, I flipped the thermostat in my 2002 3.4L 4runner so the "jiggle valve" was at 6 o-clock instead of 12 o-clock as it had been. The FSM for the 4runner states it should be at 6 o-clock, so maybe it's different from the Tundras?
My temps went from 202-206 (jiggle valve at 12) down to 190-193 (jiggle valve at 6). This is a 180 degree thermostat. I'm happy now I guess.
checked my jiggler, it was at the 12 position. Turned it to 6 position. It's now running mostly at 190...and only jumping to 193. Ran it for 120 miles in 105 degree heat. It was the jiggler. Thanks everybody.
8 minutes.
So, get after it!
If your t-stat is not too old I'd bet money that this is it with yours as well. I've never seen this mentioned as the potential culprit on any forum before this one. As mentioned before, even the service manager at the local dealer did not point this out as a potential cause (he knows I am a customer for parts only, so I don't think he was baiting me to bring the truck in for work)...