2013 GX460 Radiator leak (1 Viewer)

[Tripledave]

Has anyone replaced their radiator or had it replaced due to a leak? Wife's 2013 with about 112k has developed a leak on the drivers side near the lower portion of the tank which drips through the skid plate near the KDSS arm. It hasn't left more than a few drops on the garage floor so I'm not really stressed yet. I've seen some posts on club Lexus forums about this but figure I'd check with the collective here on 'MUD.

Looks like a real a$$whip to change the radiator fwiw. Not really looking forward to either doing it or paying for it.

 

[GXO]

It isn't hard. Just a lot of plastics. Get some gear oil bottle tops and pull the trans lines and cap them with the tops. Drain coolant and pop hoses. It comes out pretty easily with hand tools. Burping and making sure the coolant and trans fluids are topped up is the hardest part. Turn on the heater and let it idle, ideally with the front up on ramps. Get a burping funnel. Let it ride and top off as it heats up. Done!

 

[DrRock426]

Agreed. This was much simpler than expected to replace when I did mine. Make sure you have hose clamp pliers in order to save time.

 

[CoastCruiser]

Any possibility of upgrading to an all aluminum one to prevent this from happening again?

 

[r2m]

For a radiator to leak in a Toyota is very odd. Per your last post, just doing an OEM should be fine and never have to think about it again.
I'm assuming you're not towing massive toy hauler's or cabin cruiser boats?
Also, instead of an all aluminum radiator, if you're concerned about cooling, stay with the stock one and add an oil cooler. Easier and better for the engine.

 

[Tripledave]

Just to update.... This swap was done today. Not really hard to do but tedious. Hands look like I got in a fight with a cat. The lower radiator bolts are really the hardest part.

 

[r2m]

Did you go stock, OEM?

 

[drnls]

Interesting, my wifes '13 with 112k miles started leaking at the upper neck. Did the swap last week. Used Denso radiator. Also replaced water pump, t-stat, upper and lower radiator hoses. Hardest part is "ripping" the lower bumper cover on the sides. I spent less on parts compared to what the shop wanted for the radiator alone.

 

[alefer5]

I’m in the process of replacing my radiator in my ‘13 460 and have an OEM to drop back in. I’m looking for information on what I need to do for the trans cooler. Presumably I lost some trans fluid when I removed the old radiator, so should I just follow procedures to top off the trans fluid? Would it be better to drain and fill again? Any insight here is appreciated!

 

[MrTorgue]

@alefer5 Has the trans fluid been replaced yet? If not replace it would be my recommendation. It was pretty dark in my 2010.

 

[alefer5]

@alefer5 Has the trans fluid been replaced yet? If not replace it would be my recommendation. It was pretty dark in my 2010.

Looking through the Lexus Dealer service records, there is no record of transmission fluid replacement. Car is at 123k. Given that my cooling system is still apart, I'm thinking that I first get the cooling buttoned back up before I deal with the transmission fluid. Since the trans cooler lines are still off of the radiator, I think I'll install the lower one, and then fill the trans cooler from the top fitting with new fluid. With everything buttoned up, I can then embark on the trans replacement. Thoughts or recommendations?

 

[MrTorgue]

Thoughts or recommendations?

Had the dealer do mine so I’m not 100% sure. Someone else here will chime in I’m sure.

 

[alefer5]

It isn't hard. Just a lot of plastics. Get some gear oil bottle tops and pull the trans lines and cap them with the tops. Drain coolant and pop hoses. It comes out pretty easily with hand tools. Burping and making sure the coolant and trans fluids are topped up is the hardest part. Turn on the heater and let it idle, ideally with the front up on ramps. Get a burping funnel. Let it ride and top off as it heats up. Done!

Digging into this thread a bit more, as it seems like folks have had a lot of success on this. I just replaced my radiator with an OEM. The "built-in" trans cooler on the radiator and lines are now empty. What is the procedure that you used to fill? Was it the standard "transmission check mode' that @Acrad and company have discussed on Club Lexus? Did you do a drain and fill or simply a "top-off." Is there a concern with mixing old vs. new ATF WS? Appreciate any insight - trying to thread the needle between what other have done. Thanks!

 

[Acrad]

(Wrong thread) -moved post

 

[lipdogg]

My radiator is also leaking (cracked) and I need a replacement. I found an aluminum radiator for similar cost to OEM replacement from "Winner Racing". They seem to have good reviews. Should I, or has anyone else taken the leap to try this radiator? I'm wondering if this would make sense to use in place of an OEM part to extend life and prevent future radiator failure.

"40mm Alloy Radiator fit Lexus GX460 4.6L 1UR-FE URJ150 ATM 2010-2021 Fit as OEM. The core of the radiator is welded in vacuum brazing furnace, no epoxy. The tanks are 100% welded by TIG. Core Size 40mm - 1 row. Inlet/Outlet 1 1/2". Has transmission oil cooler."

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[alefer5]

My radiator is also leaking (cracked) and I need a replacement. I found an aluminum radiator for similar cost to OEM replacement from "Winner Racing". They seem to have good reviews. Should I, or has anyone else taken the leap to try this radiator? I'm wondering if this would make sense to use in place of an OEM part to extend life and prevent future radiator failure.

"40mm Alloy Radiator fit Lexus GX460 4.6L 1UR-FE URJ150 ATM 2010-2021 Fit as OEM. The core of the radiator is welded in vacuum brazing furnace, no epoxy. The tanks are 100% welded by TIG. Core Size 40mm - 1 row. Inlet/Outlet 1 1/2". Has transmission oil cooler."

Pardon Our Interruption...

I also came across this option on eBay. I read a few reviews of people needing to modify the mount locations, so I stayed clear. I ended up purchasing an OEM from a local dealer which turned out to be much better than those that I had shipped - it only took me 6 tries If you’re local to SoCal, I also happen to have a new in box Denso kicking around. N

 

[Acrad]

This appears to be their website

Winner Motorsport Spares_ELECTRIC COOLING FANS_RADIATORS

Winner Motorsport Spares_specializes in research, development and manufacturing of cooling system parts of automotives, motorcycles, ATV, dune buggies, etc.

www.winnerracing.com

Company Profile_LINYI WINNER MOTORSPORT SPARES CO.,LTD

Company Profile-LINYI WINNER MOTORSPORT SPARES CO.,LTD

www.winnerracing.com

 

[MrTorgue]

I also came across this option on eBay. I read a few reviews of people needing to modify the mount locations, so I stayed clear. I ended up purchasing an OEM from a local dealer which turned out to be much better than those that I had shipped

100% my thoughts and experience

 

[re_guderian]

Has anyone replaced their radiator or had it replaced due to a leak? Wife's 2013 with about 112k has developed a leak on the drivers side near the lower portion of the tank which drips through the skid plate near the KDSS arm. It hasn't left more than a few drops on the garage floor so I'm not really stressed yet. I've seen some posts on club Lexus forums about this but figure I'd check with the collective here on 'MUD.

Looks like a real a$$whip to change the radiator fwiw. Not really looking forward to either doing it or paying for it.

Looks like I've got a slow leak in the same area. Gonna go OEM for replacement.

For a radiator to leak in a Toyota is very odd. Per your last post, just doing an OEM should be fine and never have to think about it again.
I'm assuming you're not towing massive toy hauler's or cabin cruiser boats?
Also, instead of an all aluminum radiator, if you're concerned about cooling, stay with the stock one and add an oil cooler. Easier and better for the engine.

I had to replace the radiator in both my 100 series at about ~250k. With plastic tanks, I don't envision a life span more than that.

 

[MrTorgue]

I had to replace the radiator in both my 100 series at about ~250k. With plastic tanks, I don't envision a life span more than that.

Yup at most.