2008-2018 Radiator Failure and Public Service Announcement (4 Viewers)

[jbyrd78]

Alright, alright, alright!
I just want to give a special shout to the FedEx driver that delivered my package early. My RockAuto order wasn't supposed to be delivered until this coming Tuesday. Well it showed up about 45 mins agoSo I guess I will get wrenching on this project today.

I included a few detailed pictures of the updated radiator so everyone can see that the upgraded radiator comes with the foam strip, the radiator cap, and the side brackets already installed when you open the box . And even though it's already on this post, I included the part number for the radiator. I was also able to score 4 gallons of Toyota pink from the dealership for $17.50 a bottle. So I went that route in buying the Prestone pink.

Project wise, this looks straightforward, just like my LX470. With the exception of the lower radiator bolt on the PS. Anyone have a simple trick to get it out? There is a plastic triangular guard on the bottom of the trans cooler blocking that hole w/ the 12mm bolt inside there. Would it just be easier to undo the radiator from old bracket, remove, and reinstall the new radiator to the old bracket?

 

[04UZJ100]

Alright, alright, alright!
I just want to give a special shout to the FedEx driver that delivered my package early. My RockAuto order wasn't supposed to be delivered until this coming Tuesday. Well it showed up about 45 mins agoSo I guess I will get wrenching on this project today.

I included a few detailed pictures of the updated radiator so everyone can see that the upgraded radiator comes with the foam strip, the radiator cap, and the side brackets already installed when you open the box . And even though it's already on this post, I included the part number for the radiator. I was also able to score 4 gallons of Toyota pink from the dealership for $17.50 a bottle. So I went that route in buying the Prestone pink.

Project wise, this looks straightforward, just like my LX470. With the exception of the lower radiator bolt on the PS. Anyone have a simple trick to get it out? There is a plastic triangular guard on the bottom of the trans cooler blocking that hole w/ the 12mm bolt inside there. Would it just be easier to undo the radiator from old bracket, remove, and reinstall the new radiator to the old bracket?

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RockAutk shipped an OEM radiator? That’s kewl.

 

[jbyrd78]

RockAutk shipped an OEM radiator? That’s kewl.

Haha I wish...they shipped the fan clutch, and water pump. The pump has the classic "Toyota" grinded off of it lol. The radiator, coolant, thermo, and hoses I got from the dealership. $299.00 for the radiator, $19.00 for hose #1, $25.00 for hose #2, and $37.00 for the thermo.

 

[TXMeatball]

Alright, alright, alright!
I just want to give a special shout to the FedEx driver that delivered my package early. My RockAuto order wasn't supposed to be delivered until this coming Tuesday. Well it showed up about 45 mins agoSo I guess I will get wrenching on this project today.

I included a few detailed pictures of the updated radiator so everyone can see that the upgraded radiator comes with the foam strip, the radiator cap, and the side brackets already installed when you open the box . And even though it's already on this post, I included the part number for the radiator. I was also able to score 4 gallons of Toyota pink from the dealership for $17.50 a bottle. So I went that route in buying the Prestone pink.

Project wise, this looks straightforward, just like my LX470. With the exception of the lower radiator bolt on the PS. Anyone have a simple trick to get it out? There is a plastic triangular guard on the bottom of the trans cooler blocking that hole w/ the 12mm bolt inside there. Would it just be easier to undo the radiator from old bracket, remove, and reinstall the new radiator to the old bracket?

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I got to my lower bolts through the bottom grill with lots of extensions. Not sure how much radically different a LX is compared to the LCs but I had easy access to both.

 

[BigMF]

Alright, alright, alright!
I just want to give a special shout to the FedEx driver that delivered my package early. My RockAuto order wasn't supposed to be delivered until this coming Tuesday. Well it showed up about 45 mins agoSo I guess I will get wrenching on this project today.

I included a few detailed pictures of the updated radiator so everyone can see that the upgraded radiator comes with the foam strip, the radiator cap, and the side brackets already installed when you open the box . And even though it's already on this post, I included the part number for the radiator. I was also able to score 4 gallons of Toyota pink from the dealership for $17.50 a bottle. So I went that route in buying the Prestone pink.

Project wise, this looks straightforward, just like my LX470. With the exception of the lower radiator bolt on the PS. Anyone have a simple trick to get it out? There is a plastic triangular guard on the bottom of the trans cooler blocking that hole w/ the 12mm bolt inside there. Would it just be easier to undo the radiator from old bracket, remove, and reinstall the new radiator to the old bracket?

Hey @jbyrd78 , would love a rough "diary" of the project as you go. I've got all the parts sitting in my garage for when I get a free weekend to work on it and would love some pointers on the order in which everything needs to come off and go back on. I have the service manual but, as you already probably know, each task assumes you are only doing THAT task and not multiple at the same time.

PS. Love the Davide Wooderson (Mathew McConaughey) reference.....Alright, alright, alright.

 

[jbyrd78]

Hey @jbyrd78 , would love a rough "diary" of the project as you go. I've got all the parts sitting in my garage for when I get a free weekend to work on it and would love some pointers on the order in which everything needs to come off and go back on. I have the service manual but, as you already probably know, each task assumes you are only doing THAT task and not multiple at the same time.

PS. Love the Davide Wooderson (Mathew McConaughey) reference.....Alright, alright, alright.

You must have read my mind earlier lol. I need to contribute a "how to" thread. I'm was thinking of doing one on the radiator, and the OEM front spacers along with torque specs, since bloc, and foolforthecity helped me thru conversations on that one...only thing is, I need to remove a stripped 14mm nut to finish up that project lol.

I didn't get a chance to start on the radiator earlier today. Daughter wanted to go to the mall, and Dad told her we were going to the guitar store afterwards haha. I'm going to for sure start working on it this Thursday, b/c I'm off Thurs, thru that following Monday. I'll snapsome pics, post what I use, part numbers, the order I did everything and I'll include a few pics of me swapping out the fan clutch. I'll post a few things in regards to the water pump, but there are decent threads on that topic already.

 

[jbyrd78]

Doing the radiator and water pump job right now. Does anyone have the torque specs for the thermostat into the thermostat housing?

 

[BigMF]

Doing the radiator and water pump job right now. Does anyone have the torque specs for the thermostat into the thermostat housing?

This might be too late for you to use but.....is this what you were looking for?

 

[UCrazyKid]

I too will be starting this job this weekend. What is the torque for the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley? How about the water pump? Fan bearing bracket?

 

[BigMF]

I too will be starting this job this weekend. What is the torque for the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley? How about the water pump? Fan bearing bracket?

This is all I could find. Nothing for the pullies that you're asking about (unless one of them is the "water pump pulley) or fan bracket.

 

[jbyrd78]

I too will be starting this job this weekend. What is the torque for the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley? How about the water pump? Fan bearing bracket?

-Idler pulley: 32ft lbs
-Tensioner pulley(14mm bolt & 5mm hex bolt): 17ft lbs

As far as the water pump torque specs. Here is my layout on the box. The numbers by the bolts are the torque specs in ft lbs. The 3 bolts that are unmarked, are 15ft lbs as well. I left those blank to remind myself that the bolts go on after the water/thermostat housing is put on.

 

[jbyrd78]

This might be too late for you to use but.....is this what you were looking for?

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Thank you, I actually just saw this. I didn't realize I cleared my history on Google. When I do that, it logs me out of all my accounts and I don't get the notifications to let me know someone replied.

I ended up just snugging the bolts on the thermo. With it being plastic, I didn't want to take the chance of cracking the housing.

 

[UCrazyKid]

-Idler pulley: 32ft lbs
-Tensioner pulley(14mm bolt & 5mm hex bolt): 17ft lbs

As far as the water pump torque specs. Here is my layout on the box. The numbers by the bolts are the torque specs in ft lbs. The 3 bolts that are unmarked, are 15ft lbs as well. I left those blank to remind myself that the bolts go on after the water/thermostat housing is put on.

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This is awesome, thanks!

 

[jdo748]

I read 55 pages of this thread while on vacation in FL. I went out and checked my new-to-me 2014 LX with 120k miles and saw the dreaded crack and coolant sprayed on the front of the engine. I purchased the LX and it was delivered from FL on Th 9/9 and we drove it the 850mi down to FL on 9/10 with no issues. Yesterday we drove home and I anxiously watched the temp gauge the whole trip and checked the coolant with each gas stop. The new car performed like a champ and we made it back to Indy with no issues. I’m still debating whether to change it myself or find a local shop. Does anyone have any good suggestions in the North Indianapolis/Carmel area? Any experiences with the Toyota or Lexus dealers on 96th street or any good independent shops to recommend?

 

[jbyrd78]

I read 55 pages of this thread while on vacation in FL. I went out and checked my new-to-me 2014 LX with 120k miles and saw the dreaded crack and coolant sprayed on the front of the engine. I purchased the LX and it was delivered from FL on Th 9/9 and we drove it the 850mi down to FL on 9/10 with no issues. Yesterday we drove home and I anxiously watched the temp gauge the whole trip and checked the coolant with each gas stop. The new car performed like a champ and we made it back to Indy with no issues. I’m still debating whether to change it myself or find a local shop. Does anyone have any good suggestions in the North Indianapolis/Carmel area? Any experiences with the Toyota or Lexus dealers on 96th street or any good independent shops to recommend?

I gotcha brother! I live right by you in Boone County. I finished the radiator, fan clutch, and water pump job this past Thursday evening. If you have all the tools, the time and are not afraid to hop in there, then do it yourself. I'm familiar with all three Toyota dealerships in the Indy area. I buy all my parts from Tom Wood Toyota right of exit 131 in Whitestown. Ed, Bo, and Mitch who run the parts counter are really good guys, and they price match Toyotapartsdeal.com as best they can, sometimes better. PM me and I'll give you all the info you need and part numbers you need..

Jason

 

[bloc]

I gotcha brother! I live right by you in Boone County. I finished the radiator, fan clutch, and water pump job this past Thursday evening. If you have all the tools, the time and are not afraid to hop in there, then do it yourself. I'm familiar with all three Toyota dealerships in the Indy area. I buy all my parts from Tom Wood Toyota right of exit 131 in Whitestown. Ed, Bo, and Mitch who run the parts counter are really good guys, and they price match Toyotapartsdeal.com as best they can, sometimes better. PM me and I'll give you all the info you need and part numbers you need..

Jason

Props for the offer to help. I wish I had more free time to assist others hands-on.. but this stuff is part of what makes this forum worth spending time on.

 

[jbyrd78]

It's no big deal. I'm just trying to pay it forward, since I'm always asking for help on here. I also know how the dealerships are in the area he is asking about. The Lexus dealership in Carmel, IN is hit or miss when it comes to pricing, and warranties on items. They tried to charge me $3k to replace the timing belt & water pump, and another $3k to install my OEM suspension kit on my LX470 after my AHC went out. On the flip side of that. I installed the OEM kit myself, and took it to them for the alignment. The service manager was so impressed that I successfully pulled it off, he hooked me up on the alignment, and adjust the front suspension height and unplugged the AHC ECU free of charge.

On a lighter note bloc...you were not kidding about not being able to torque the LCA's to spec while lying on the ground. I barely got the lower strut bolts/nut to spec lol.

Props for the offer to help. I wish I had more free time to assist others hands-on.. but this stuff is part of what makes this forum worth spending time on.

W

 

[jdo748]

I gotcha brother! I live right by you in Boone County. I finished the radiator, fan clutch, and water pump job this past Thursday evening. If you have all the tools, the time and are not afraid to hop in there, then do it yourself. I'm familiar with all three Toyota dealerships in the Indy area. I buy all my parts from Tom Wood Toyota right of exit 131 in Whitestown. Ed, Bo, and Mitch who run the parts counter are really good guys, and they price match Toyotapartsdeal.com as best they can, sometimes better. PM me and I'll give you all the info you need and part numbers you need..

Jason

Thank you for the response! I just called all the local dealers and some indy shops and I think based on the estimates (all in the $1.1k-$1.2k range for just the radiator), I will be tackling this job myself, that way I can replace the radiator hoses and check everything else out. I don't think my water pump is seeping out coolant at this point, and I don't see a replacement in the service records, do you think I should replace the water pump now while I'm in there or ride it out? I will PM you for info and to verify parts I need. Thanks again!

 

[04UZJ100]

Thank you for the response! I just called all the local dealers and some indy shops and I think based on the estimates (all in the $1.1k-$1.2k range for just the radiator), I will be tackling this job myself, that way I can replace the radiator hoses and check everything else out. I don't think my water pump is seeping out coolant at this point, and I don't see a replacement in the service records, do you think I should replace the water pump now while I'm in there or ride it out? I will PM you for info and to verify parts I need. Thanks again!

I suggest doing it while on there….will be easier with fan/shroud/radiator etc removed.

 

[blatant]

Mine just stared to seep but enough to make splatter, not explode. Figured I'd add to this mega thread. I'm 4 hrs from home. Either get it home or use a dealer 45 miles from here, nothing is close, already missing monday work etc. Thinking epoxy? Still not sure as 4 hrs thru no mans land and large hills with wife is a tough call. To keep this mega thread / resource moving forward, my addition below

Thread i posted in is:

Is this the radiator beginning-of-the-end crack?

2013 w 64k mi If so, is this urgent? I usually check every few weeks and this is the first I’ve seen of it.

forum.ih8mud.com

What I initially stated was:
So the dreaded, early year 200 series radiator issue, reared it's head. 2011 88k. Popped the hood to check the oil and coolant, in Bullhead City AZ [ away Phx/ home of course ] I noticed splatter that isn't normal, it wasn't bad, but it was definitely there. There was no immediate sign of why, but when looking under, a small puddle was noticeable and my first thought was the known split by the part number rectangle, on the radiator top. The reservoir was still 80% full. So cleaning it up and turning it on, letting it idle and, there it was, the seeping at the rectangle. Thankfully not on the road like some I've seen that are a catastrophic radiator pop.

So, good news, not stuck on side of az93 in middle of remoteness, not stuck in hotel with mutts, stuck at a relatives. Bad news, no more Toyota in Bullhead City it seems. Looks like Havasu is closest, 45 minutes away. Closed Sunday. Will call them tomorrow and fingers crossed they have one in stock for a 2011. If not, 2nd hope, one in LA that can arrive that night for a Tuesday install and not overseas. I can't do this myself.

My questions are [ along with any unsolicited advice ] 1. Anyone have any experience with Havasu Toyota service? 2. Ballpark spend, since i'm not at home where CSC is strong. The CSC hook up, or the other locals like @Cruiserhiggs for me is the peace of mind, that the price is fair and it'll be done right the first time. It's only seeping and figured I'd flat bed it to Havasu [ 45miles ], as it's the closest, but given it's a seep, can it be limped or not worth the gamble?

Thanks for the insights folks. I cross posted in the local AZ csc forum as well.
pic for reference of where leaking, borrowed from mud but the pics in the beginning of this thread show it pretty well.