96-97 Radiator suggestions? (1 Viewer)

[spartan]

I've read through many threads. I have an OEM unit in my 97 that is weeping at the tank crimp and it's time to replace it and the hoses.

Options so far are:

1. Replace top radiator tank and have it " recrimped " . I haven't even looked for a shop that does this, but there are folks here who have had it done.

2. OEM replacement.

3. Rig up one of the Shepard aluminum units to fit - I really don't want to do this.

4. Buy some no name replacement and OEM hoses.

Thoughts, suggestions, links welcome please? TIA

 

[94SRUNNER]

Personally I would go with an OEM unit. In my experience, it served me well for 15 years and the OEM replacement should likely last just as long.

If OEM is not your cup of tea, then look at the Koyo unit, seems like lots of guys here have had good luck with them.

While the rad. is out, I would say it will be a good time to do a complete coolant system overhaul. In addition to the hoses you mentioned, make sure to pay some attention to the fan clutch and the heater valve.

Good luck.

 

[spartan]

Thanks for the input.

One year old Toyota red coolant that I hate to lose, new thermostat, already running a blue fan clutch, heater valve checked.

This is original OEM and ran 15 years also so I'm leaning hard that way, but the Koyo price is right.

 

[wspastorbryan]

Koyo is allegedly a rebadged OEM radiator.

 

[l1coeea9]

I had the same problem at 175K+ miles. As "Jonheld" might say, I went OEM and moved on. (1991 vehicle)

 

[baggar11]

Replaced mine with a KOYO here. No issues. Same OEM fitament. Half the price of Toyota.

 

[doc W]

X3 on the Koyo replacement. Got one with copper core (not sure if this is a good thing) replaced original last Fall. As above, if one lasted 15 years, hopefully the next will go for the remainder of the vehicle's life.

 

[Tools R Us]

X4 on the Koyo replacement. Mine is alloy/plastic.

 

[OGBeno]

Koyo is allegedly a rebadged OEM radiator.

That is incorrect. Koyo has never made factory installed LC radiators.

Toyota Radiator (or TRad) has always been the exclusive factory radiator.

 

[Stevesnj]

I used a Koyo 1918 2 core aluminum. I couldn't find a 3core aluminum and its been working great. I also did an OEM thermostat and ble hub fan clutch mod with 15k oil

 

[nodaksn3]

Aluminum Koyo has worked fine for me. Replaced the thermostat and hoses at the same time, and just did the waterpump as a precautionary move prior to driving from Phoenix to Massachusetts via North Dakota. No issues.
Ned

 

[maasai4x4]

Aluminum Koyo has worked fine for me. Replaced the thermostat and hoses at the same time, and just did the waterpump as a precautionary move prior to driving from Phoenix to Massachusetts via North Dakota. No issues.
Ned

- Same here on LX450. Worked out well.

 

[cartercd]

If you go with Koyo I would recommend contacting the North America office and getting a list of authorized distributors in your area to ensure you are getting the real thing. The Koyo 1917 aluminum/plastic unit will cost around $360 with tax. These do not come with the foam/rubber "gaskets" that seal them against the radiator supports, but a trip to Home Depot will solve that.

There are some good posts on radiator removal that will save you time and frustration.

 

[Paul_L]

My Koyo has been fine. It appears to be very high quality & fits perfect.

 

[NorCalDoug]

if it were mine, I'd get OEM from Toyota...I've replaced 2 so far (1 in each of the 80s in our herd) and have been extremely satisfied with them.

I ordered mine from CDan.

 

[HGiles]

I suppose I'd be more inclined to go with the Shepherd and modify it to work.

 

[GBinAZ]

I just did a major cooling system overhaul.

After over thinking the whole OEM vs. Koyo issue, I went OEM. I have no doubt that the Koyo is a good unit, but after reading that a good percentage of people here were getting inferior units and having to return them for the right one, I decided to spend the money and avoid the aggravation. Also, like Carter said the OEM unit has all the foam and seals up tight.

I replaced the radiator, thermostat, all hoses and clamps with OEM from Mr. T. Fan clutch was replaced with a blue hub two years ago and was refilled with 12k CST by Tools r Us.

Other than a possible upgrade to 20k CST in the fan clutch, I shouldn't have to touch this part of the cooling system for another 17 years !

Good luck,

Greg

 

[geologic]

I found this cheap one that duplicates stock locally. Turns out its the same one I've had in it since 90k got 210k now. $130

 

[spartan]

Thanks for all the input. Still thinking this one over but the Shepard and tank recrimp are out.

Now if I ever get the truck back from painting I can get on with it. Koyo or OEM????

 

[TEXASYETI]

I was just dealing with this recently myself. Geeking out trying to do the best thing for the least amount of hard-earned cash. Ultimately, I went with factory toyota three row brass radiator from my local dealer. I have bought so much crap from them they gave it to me at employee cost - about $440 bucks - that was with 32 bucks in tax too.

I figure the thing lasted 15 years. I expect a new Toyota to last that long. That whatever the cost difference is between a toyota and Koyo and divide it out over the 15 year expected lifespan. Made it an even easier decision.