bloc
SILVER Star
In case you guys didn’t see the other posts, be sure you weigh the idea of a patch that may not help at all against losing your ability to monitor further progress of the crack.
2008-2018 Radiator Failure and Public Service Announcement (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jclarke450
- Start date
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FinallyGotOne!
SILVER Star
I applied JB Weld Radiator Repair with fiberglass reinforcement back in mid 2018 when I first noticed the small crack. Truck had about 60K miles then. I'm now approaching 80K with no change in appearance. It's an ugly patch, but no one sees it unless I point it out.
I've been keeping an eye on this thread and I think we have yet to have anyone post that they've experienced a failure after they've applied a quality patch but before the radiator actually leaked.
I've been keeping an eye on this thread and I think we have yet to have anyone post that they've experienced a failure after they've applied a quality patch but before the radiator actually leaked.
If I don't try something, I will get the pink mist surprise. 
If I miss the crack with the stop drill hole and it keeps going out from under the patch then I still get the pink mist surprise.
I now have a contact with the 3M aerospace adhesive division and are narrowing down an an adhesive.
If I miss the crack with the stop drill hole and it keeps going out from under the patch then I still get the pink mist surprise.
I now have a contact with the 3M aerospace adhesive division and are narrowing down an an adhesive.
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Try a Tundra video. It's probably really really similar.
For radiator install:
Open petcock on radiator
Remove the plastic decorative piece on the front engine bay
Remove 2 bolts that attach the transmission fluid lines from the shroud
Unclamp the transmission fluid lines
Remove the overflow reservoir hose from the radiator
Remove the two shroud bolts
Remove the 4 nuts from the fan clutch/fan pulley
Remove the fan/shroud out together
Unbolt the radiator from the support bracket on the passenger side (1 on top, 2 on bottom)
Unbolt the radiator with support bracket attached from drivers side. One is behind the plastic cover (need to remove 3 plastic clips), one is through the grill.
Remove radiator
Install new radiator in reverse, minus the passenger side bracket as you'll use the one in the vehicle.
Open petcock on radiator
Remove the plastic decorative piece on the front engine bay
Remove 2 bolts that attach the transmission fluid lines from the shroud
Unclamp the transmission fluid lines
Remove the overflow reservoir hose from the radiator
Remove the two shroud bolts
Remove the 4 nuts from the fan clutch/fan pulley
Remove the fan/shroud out together
Unbolt the radiator from the support bracket on the passenger side (1 on top, 2 on bottom)
Unbolt the radiator with support bracket attached from drivers side. One is behind the plastic cover (need to remove 3 plastic clips), one is through the grill.
Remove radiator
Install new radiator in reverse, minus the passenger side bracket as you'll use the one in the vehicle.
What do these numbers mean? Can anyone tell if this is oem or the Manufacture date or anything ?
This is from my LX 2014 129k miles.
Ok thanks.
ATwoZ
SILVER Star
I'm 18 pages in so far, my 10 LX has about 115k miles on it, I think the radiator looks good, but would appreciate other eyes
... Should it be replaced, even if no signs?
That looks great for 115K! You are coming up on 120K, I'd probably add it to the list anyway if you plan on being in there for other items like belts pulleys and water pump. Are you the original owner?
ATwoZ
SILVER Star
Gotcha- I'm owner 3 I believe, mechanically it's been good, but some cosmetic issues for sure. Since it's getting used off-road I want too concerned. I did the 120k service early and flushed all fluids and replaced front and rear shocks.
The starter just went out last week, so that's on order.
I don't know that the water pump has been replaced, but sounds like may need to look at that....
For the radiator, I've seen talk about oem and 3rd party options, is there any consensus?
ATwoZ
SILVER Star
Double post.
If I had to guess, it's been replaced already. As much as I want to believe it's original, statistically it's not likely to look that good after 115K. In terms of OEM or aftermarket. I believe the consensus is OEM only. It's the only one with the updated design.
If the water pump isn't showing any signs of leaking or weeping, just keep an eye on it. They don't fail catastrophically.
I think I may have an issue..... Is this what we are talking about?
bloc
SILVER Star
Yep, you’ve got problems. Crack has been there a while and started to weep.. a giant pink mess under your hood is imminent.
Avoid driving that until you get a new radiator in it.
Anyone have any luck getting Lexus / Toyota to cover this out of Warranty?
ATwoZ
SILVER Star
Thanks, I went back through the service history I got (was services at local dealers) and didn't see any mention of the radiator being replaced. I'll give them a call though to check again.
You mentioned an updated design, do you think the issue is resolved, or just plan to replace again in another 100k? Is 16400-50384 the right part number? Anything else to get/replace with it?
New design addresses this problem so it should last much longer than 100k miles
If it hasn't already been replaced you should consider:
Water pump
Thermostat
Serpentine Belt Tensioner
Serpentine Belt
PCV Valve
Complete coolant replacement
Spark plugs
Other Items if you're OCD:
Fan bracket
Fan clutch
Transmission psuedo flush
Idler pulley
Upper/lower radiator hoses
bloc
SILVER Star
It's worth calling toyota corporate, as a few members here reported toyota compensating them partially or in-whole. A long history of toyota ownership seems to help. I don't know their circumstances with regard to year/mileage of 200.. Or if there is a difference between lexus and toyota, either way I doubt they will be giving money to anyone with 150k on the clock.. but they should. Almost every one of these approaching 120k needs a radiator, if the original design is still in place.
