Did your coolant started to leak? Wish I had the time and patience to wrench everything else myself.
From what I hear, the starter is a pain. Something about needing to remove the exhaust manifold, etc.
2008-2018 Radiator Failure and Public Service Announcement (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter jclarke450
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Did your coolant started to leak? Wish I had the time and patience to wrench everything else myself.
From what I hear, the starter is a pain. Something about needing to remove the exhaust manifold, etc.
bloc
SILVER Star
It can be done without manifold removal but a couple of the starter heat shield bolts are damn near impossible to get to with it in the way. Or, like me, you break off the downpipe studs getting that out of the way and need to remove the manifold anyway. Oh, and mine is a relatively rust free truck. Fwiw
I’m on mobile or I’d link some recent posts on it.. check a few pages back in the “what did you do to your 200” thread or find Teckis’ thread on “starter failure mode”
Thanks for the suggestion. I called a local Toyota dealership; oddly enough the costs are even more than Lexus dealership #2 I called: $1275+tax, and this is with aftermarket parts. Per tech, OEM would cost more. I also inquired about starter replacement: $1660+tax.
No leak yet. Watched a couple videos on the starter replacement. Doesn't look like you really gain much in terms of reduced complexity doing it with the radiator vs as a stand alone project. Can anyone comment on the validity of this? If that's the case I'll probably just wait on the starter. Water pump on the other other, looks like the extra room from removing the radiator would make that job a fair bit easier so I'll probably knock that out.
bloc
SILVER Star
Radiator in/out has almost no impact on starter R&R. The closest you’ll get to it is removing the upper bolt on the dipstick tube to remove it.
Thanks for the confirmation!
Wow! That’s a bummer.
Yes, completely unexpected. Perhaps my local Toyota dealership equates Lexus with ability to up charge.
I'm going to try get a few more quotes. Main problem I have is time (and need for a loaner).
Update: Got another quote from a nearby Indy that is highly rated. Got a good vibe from this one fwiw. Service gal I spoke to actually did not recommend I replace the radiator and starter pre-empatively. She recommended I get a inspection ($30) to test for starter voltage/excess draw, and to also inspect the radiator for hairline cracks.
Such a massive difference in price compared to the Lexus and Toyota dealerships. So question: are Denso radiators OEM quality?
- Replace with new Denso radiator, $950 total. Takes about 1 day due to need to burp the coolant. This shop has local shuttle service, so I could drop it off in the morning and pick up by end of day.
- Also asked about replacing starter, ~$800, takes 1/2-1 day.
Such a massive difference in price compared to the Lexus and Toyota dealerships. So question: are Denso radiators OEM quality?
bloc
SILVER Star
If you go OEM there is a chance you get the improved upper tank. But only a chance. Not sure what the densos look like in that area.
Also their starter test shows ignorance to how our starters fail. It is usually not a starter motor issue, but the solenoid aka contactor. This wouldn’t be evident with an amperage test.. they just stop working sometimes with no warning.
32cls6speedmt
SILVER Star
In the earlier pages some members have replaced radiator model with Denso. The comments were it was a perfect fit. Denso is good manufacturer.
Have you taught about renting a car? Enterprise's moto is that they will pick you up.
When I had my radiator replaced on 2013 lexus lx 570 with hairline crack, I took lyft home. I had radiator, termostat,upper/lower hoses, idler pulley, tensioner, and water pump replaced. I called several (4) lexus dealerships. I called highly rated independent lexus/toyota mechanics from yelp. I asked how much for labor for all those items. Some stated each item would be a separate fix. But based on this thread, I knew before hand that all those items would be easy accessible. It is about 4 hour labor hours billable. I called the mechanics listed on this forum for my region. He agreed it is only a 4 hour project. Charge was less than $400 for labor. I scheduled an appointment. I purchased parts from one of the discounted dealerships.
I dropped it off in the morning. I took Lyft and he called by 2 pm that it was ready. I took lyft back to pick up the lexus. He provided old parts and stated everything still looked in great shape.
I have called Lexus dealerships for starter replacement. I have been quoted between $1200 to $1,400 which includes part and labor. It is 3.5 billable hours. I know i can purchase the starter for about $350 from one of the many discounted toyota dealerships who sell parts discounted. I will schedule with the same mechanic.
32cls6speedmt
SILVER Star
Oem radiators are actually toyorad. I am guessing. Denso is the oem starter. I don't think there is even a after market starter. There is remanufactured/refurbished ones.
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I was wrong about Denso, but I'm not seeing Koyorad...unless TRAD and Koyorad are the same company.
Nevertheless. I would trust a Denso. After all the original TRAD part is what has been failing.
32cls6speedmt
SILVER Star
you are correct. Sorry it is t.rad.
Has anyone tried any all aluminum aftermarket radiators? A quick search on google brings up this one: 2 core aluminum radiator for Land Cruiser 5.7 L8 2008-2011 & Lexus LX570 07-16 | eBay
Docboy, your price is probably just about right. Two weeks ago I backed my 4runner over a fiberglass snowplow stake in a driveway. The stake found it’s way thru the suspension and punched a hole in the radiator.
The bill for an OEM radiator, thermostat and coolant was $731.
Cracked plastic top radiators are not exclusive to 200’s or any vehicle. My Nissan had the same hairline cracks that you guys describe. Like an idiot I postponed the repair. The engine overheated for about 30 seconds and when I got to the top of the hill cooled right back down. I replaced the radiator myself. Six months later the knock sensor and a head gasket failed, the engine overheated and my Xterra was toast.
That Xterra had 253K, and an engine rebuilder told me that it’s only a 300K mile engine so I did not lose a whole lot when I scrapped the truck.
The bill for an OEM radiator, thermostat and coolant was $731.
Cracked plastic top radiators are not exclusive to 200’s or any vehicle. My Nissan had the same hairline cracks that you guys describe. Like an idiot I postponed the repair. The engine overheated for about 30 seconds and when I got to the top of the hill cooled right back down. I replaced the radiator myself. Six months later the knock sensor and a head gasket failed, the engine overheated and my Xterra was toast.
That Xterra had 253K, and an engine rebuilder told me that it’s only a 300K mile engine so I did not lose a whole lot when I scrapped the truck.
How many gallons of coolant are needed if the water pump is also replaced? Is it still two?
What is the part number for the clamps on the upper and lower hoses? I can't find it anywhere on the parts diagram.
My recently purchased 2008 LX570 has 132k on the clock. The water pumper was replaced around 60k by the dealer. Think it's worth it to replace it again once I have the radiator off?
Are most people doing the thermostat at the same time?
What is the part number for the clamps on the upper and lower hoses? I can't find it anywhere on the parts diagram.
My recently purchased 2008 LX570 has 132k on the clock. The water pumper was replaced around 60k by the dealer. Think it's worth it to replace it again once I have the radiator off?
Are most people doing the thermostat at the same time?
Two gallons approx. Water pump and radiator are two different animals, and separate jobs. Do replace the thermostat though. Good insurance.
My Turn! 09 with 132k. I bought this truck last summer in TX. I didn't notice (or know about) radiator problems before shipping it to USVI. We have a Toyota dealer here but I'd only take it there as a last resort. So, I ordered everything from RockAuto. All parts fit fine and it took me a day to do all the work. (Radiator is a TOYORAD) Looks like the same exact design with built in Failure point. But, it's back on the road w/o any leaks. Thanks to all that post incredibly helpful information on this forum. Cheers! 
