2008-2018 Radiator Failure and Public Service Announcement

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Thought I’d share mine. 2016 178k miles. Third owner. I think this is the original radiator. No issues so far.View attachment 4075643

View attachment 4075644
Any other possible items you can identify that kept your radiator from cracking...what kind of mileage has the primary use been (Highway or Stop & Go) or has regular maintenance been done with fluid replacement? Just wondering and hoping that I can see the same outcome on my 2016 at that mileage.
 
Just came across this thread, my 2014 LX570 just hit 127K miles, this is what the radiator looks like; how f'ed am I, should I run out and replace it now, or try to patch it?

Radiator.webp
 
Just came across this thread, my 2014 LX570 just hit 127K miles, this is what the radiator looks like; how f'ed am I, should I run out and replace it now, or try to patch it?

View attachment 4083754

Just my opinion, but I believe you have plenty of time left especially if you thoroughly prepare the surface and patch it.

At least enough time to wait for the next big parts sale and order your radiator then.
 
Just my opinion, but I believe you have plenty of time left especially if you thoroughly prepare the surface and patch it.

At least enough time to wait for the next big parts sale and order your radiator then.
Cool, thank you! I just ordered some of the hi-temp JB Weld putty (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PP26RI?tag=ihco-20) that I saw linked elsewhere in this thread, I'm guessing I should reinforce all around the base of that protruding part.
 
Researching prices on items for this project and came across this at Treasure Coast Lexus in Florida. Remanufactured? Toyota dealerships that I've checked are not showing remanufactured. This seems odd. Has this always been the case?

1770737117578.webp
 
@JasonC99

Looks like Toyota is running a 15% discount and free shipping for 2026 President Day right now. Maybe worth checking Lexus does as well or get the latest model radiator from Toyota direct.
Thanks! Doing a quick search, it looks like the cheapest is actually here - https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-radiator-1640050384

How do I make sure I am getting the updated version, is it a different part number? Or do they only sell the updated design now?
 
Thanks! Doing a quick search, it looks like the cheapest is actually here - https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-radiator-1640050384

How do I make sure I am getting the updated version, is it a different part number? Or do they only sell the updated design now?
I would not buy a radiator from anybody else then direct Toyota or Lexus. Otherwise high chance you are not getting the latest updated radiator and having the cooling system work right is key for this and any vehicle with a light alloy block (which is just about every vehicle since the two thousands).

Also part number wise you need to study this thread to ensure you get the latest when you go to a Lexus or Toyota dealer.
 
Cool, thank you! I just ordered some of the hi-temp JB Weld putty (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PP26RI?tag=ihco-20) that I saw linked elsewhere in this thread, I'm guessing I should reinforce all around the base of that protruding part.

There are a few options including a radiator-specific product that I’ve seen posted here. Not sure what’s the best.. I’ve been in the “just replace it” camp for a long time. But your crack isn’t very developed so I think whatever you do will help until you can get it changed out.

I would not buy a radiator from anybody else then direct Toyota or Lexus.

Totally agree.

Any applicable part number for the radiator should supersede to the new model. The old one went out of production in late 2018 so it’s pretty safe to assume anything bought new from a dealer these days will be updated.
 
We are trying to help with a Toyota radiator purchase…
I posted in the wrong thread. So I deleted the post. And said wrong thread. Apologies for the confusion. Let the radiator sourcing continue!
 
Got all the stuff to do the radiator and other front end stuff this weekend. 2018 LC. Radiator seems easy enough but watching the waterpump videos and its higher degree of difficulty is eroding my confidence in the waterpump and other front end stuff. Im at 75k. What are people's opinions on changing all the other "while you're in there" stuff that early especially if I'm not 100% confident in my abilities. Is there risk of generating a leak by fumblefu&*ing around in there when there is no leak to speak of now?
 
Is there risk of generating a leak by fumblefu&*ing around in there when there is no leak to speak of now?

It's a risk.. But as long as you document things as they come apart and torque everything to spec when it goes back together, you should be in the clear.

Also keep in mind having the radiator out of the way makes the water pump and other accessories significantly easier.

Do you have access to the factory service manual? Following the procedures in that would be a good safety net if you lose track of what to do on the water pump job.
 
It's a risk.. But as long as you document things as they come apart and torque everything to spec when it goes back together, you should be in the clear.

Also keep in mind having the radiator out of the way makes the water pump and other accessories significantly easier.

Do you have access to the factory service manual? Following the procedures in that would be a good safety net if you lose track of what to do on the water pump job.

I do have the FSM and I have several days of uninterrupted time while the boss and kids are away for spring break which made this seem like the perfect time. The bolt on the waterpump that others have debated needing to remove compressor to access is the one that's making me nervous. Worst case is I live .7 miles from a Toyota dealer and if I cant get it back together I can have it towed there hand them the box of parts and pay the stupid tax and tell them to fix it if all else fails.
 
I do have the FSM and I have several days of uninterrupted time while the boss and kids are away for spring break which made this seem like the perfect time. The bolt on the waterpump that others have debated needing to remove compressor to access is the one that's making me nervous. Worst case is I live .7 miles from a Toyota dealer and if I cant get it back together I can have it towed there hand them the box of parts and pay the stupid tax and tell them to fix it if all else fails.

Meaning the AC compressor? It has been a long time but I thought I remembered that being for the fan support bracket, not the water pump. I could be wrong though.

Either way, even if the compressor does need to be loosened it is only 3 bolts and 1 nut pretty easily accessible through the driver's wheel well. Just remove the forward plastic panel. If the panel clips don't survive they are very cheap to replace.
 
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