Best replacement radiator for the money today...

[jbyrd78]

just to update....going to have to recommend AVOIDING the KOYORAD.
I had to finally replace alternator yesterday after months of intermittent battery lamp illumination and low output. I chose the route of removing fan and shroud to remove through top incase there were issues with connector. I purchased a used alternator from bone yard and rebuilt with new bearings, regulator and brushes.
I noticed red crusty along the seam of the top tank and core. Purchased 03/16/21, installed within the month of receiving I beleive at same time I replaced bearing in ac comp pulley. 15-20K mi on it. 9 mo out of warranty.
If I expect to make it to 500k thats another 13 KOYOs or $2600 not including time and coolant.

Bumping this thread to reply to this post. I had the exact same issue with my KOYO radiator on my 04 LX470. Purchase was made from "PartsGeek" in March 2021, and was installed in March of 2021. I developed a crack in the upper part of my radiator on the header, right by the fins, under wear the intake hose connects. I only got around 17,000 miles out of my KOYO rad, and I was 10 months out of warranty. I am really disappointed with this radiator b/c it came highly recommend over the OEM replacement and was also a direct fit. I called KOYO last week b/c I noticed on there website they have a warranty for their failed radiators as long as you can validate proof of purchase, and are also willing to provide pictures. I however, got a different story from the KOYO rep that I talked to on the phone. The individual that I spoke with told me that KOYO goes by the warranty that their sellers provide to the customers at the time of purchase. So pretty much since I am 10 months out of warranty, I'm SOL...smh

 

[Rhetoric]

Bumping this thread to reply to this post. I had the exact same issue with my KOYO radiator on my 04 LX470. Purchase was made from "PartsGeek" in March 2021, and was installed in March of 2021. I developed a crack in the upper part of my radiator on the header, right by the fins, under wear the intake hose connects. I only got around 17,000 miles out of my KOYO rad, and I was 10 months out of warranty. I am really disappointed with this radiator b/c it came highly recommend over the OEM replacement and was also a direct fit. I called KOYO last week b/c I noticed on there website they have a warranty for their failed radiators as long as you can validate proof of purchase, and are also willing to provide pictures. I however, got a different story from the KOYO rep that I talked to on the phone. The individual that I spoke with told me that KOYO goes by the warranty that their sellers provide to the customers at the time of purchase. So pretty much since I am 10 months out of warranty, I'm SOL...smh

Thanks for the pic! That's the precise spot of my leak. Can't wait to take mine to the scrapper.

 

[jbyrd78]

Thanks for the pic! That's the precise spot of my leak. Can't wait to take mine to the scrapper.

Kinda makes me wonder if we should make a thread on the KOYO radiator, and it's failure issues and see how many people come forward with the same issues. Then send the link to KOYO to make them aware of this. 15,000 miles on a 2-1/2 year old radiator is not alot of mileage.
I know issues were happening with the OEM radiator in the 200 series L.C's/LX's and Toyota for awhile was taking care of people, due to alot of the radiator's failing before 150,000 miles.

 

[OwnerCS]

Kinda makes me wonder if we should make a thread on the KOYO radiator, and it's failure issues and see how many people come forward with the same issues. Then send the link to KOYO to make them aware of this. 15,000 miles on a 2-1/2 year old radiator is not alot of mileage.
I know issues were happening with the OEM radiator in the 200 series L.C's/LX's and Toyota for awhile was taking care of people, due to alot of the radiator's failing before 150,000 miles.

I think it is a good idea. It will draw attention to a possible defect and raise awareness with potential purchasers.

 

[Coin]

I recomended a Koyo to a freind after putting one in my own truck. He has it replaced last week. Sucks

 

[Andrewzlc100]

OEM rad, original lasted 20+ years- 'nuff said

 

[Jack90210]

OEM rad, original lasted 20+ years- 'nuff said

Agree, just keep the fins clean and replace coolant every 2-3 years and it'll last a very long time.

 

[Wilsil]

I am shocked!!!

I received a quote for a radiator for my LX470 from the local Toyota dealer.
$650.19 AUD..........
That's is a great price for OEM.

 

[jbyrd78]

I ordered a OEM radiator from local dealer and it arrived this past Saturday They ended up matching the price on Toyotapartsdeal.com which was $488.00. However, I ended it up having to send it back and order another one. When the parts guy and I opened the box to inspect the radiator, 3 of the 4 corners on one side of the fins that had been resting on the cardboard shipping strips, were bent.

 

[Wilsil]

I am even more shocked.
Lexus dealer came back with a qoute OEM radiator: $618 AUD.

 

[Patassa]

After 24 years in Louisiana and 394,000 miles, my original OEM radiator finally started leaking. I'm due for timing belt replacement anyways, was planning to do it at 400k miles so might have to tackle it all a couple of months earlier than planned now but no big deal. That OEM radiator is a legend for lasting this long.

Have people been able to drive with these leaking for awhile or do they fail catastrophically at some point? Mine appears to be hair line cracks right now.

Edit: Leaking like a sieve this morning.

 

[jwood1284]

I just replaced my factory radiator at 302k on my new to me ‘98. No leaks, minimal discoloration/stress cracks, but I’m doing a full baseline and had it apart for timing belt/WP/VC gaskets anyway. Replaced a busted shroud and the hoses as well. The best deal I found on OEM was at Olathe Toyota Parts. $359! Shipping was $88, but I also got the shroud which required two shipments. It arrived safe and sound, and installation was a breeze.

Buy OEM while you still can. Seems like the rad prices have come down in the last few years. Here’s to another 300k! (Hopefully one of my daughters will claim it in the future, but that just means I’ll have to find another one…)

 

[AFei]

In case your radiator foam is missing or comes apart when you attempt to transfer it, I've used the weather stripping by Frost King found at Lowes, HD or Amazon- It works well on the radiator surrounds and 2yrs in is unaffected by the heat or moisture.

Rubber Foam Weatherseal | Frost King® Weatherization Products

Frost King® Rubber Foam Weatherseal is a weatherstrip, or as a gasket or to cushion and stabilize major appliances. Plus, on cars, trucks and boats...

www.frostking.com

Which thickness should we use for the foam?

 

[AFei]

OEM comes with top and side foam, a fit without any modification.

I always thought the foam strips are on the engine side of the radiator, until seeing this picture where the foam is on the front side. I was convinced that the purpose of the foam is to seal around the shroud to make sure the air pulled by the fan should pass through the fins for maximum cooling. Am I wrong?

How could the foam on the front help to improve the cooling capacity of the radiator?
or maybe it's not to improve the cooling for the radiator, but the other cooler like PSF/AC/etc. which is in front of the radiator?

 

[bucfl]

I replaced the Denso unit i installed six years ago. Went with a NAPA brand with cap. Also replaced the upper hose as it felt too soft. Left me stranded not far from house.

 

[2001LC]

I always thought the foam strips are on the engine side of the radiator, until seeing this picture where the foam is on the front side. I was convinced that the purpose of the foam is to seal around the shroud to make sure the air pulled by the fan should pass through the fins for maximum cooling. Am I wrong?

How could the foam on the front help to improve the cooling capacity of the radiator?
or maybe it's not to improve the cooling for the radiator, but the other cooler like PSF/AC/etc. which is in front of the radiator?

Foam goes in front of engine radiator, as seen on any 100 series and or new Toyota radiator. Presumable to help direct air flow/pressure from front of vehicle through radiator fins. It is the air passing through fins, which draws heat from coolant passing through small tubes wrap by fins.

 

[OwnerCS]

I just replaced my factory radiator at 302k on my new to me ‘98. No leaks, minimal discoloration/stress cracks, but I’m doing a full baseline and had it apart for timing belt/WP/VC gaskets anyway. Replaced a busted shroud and the hoses as well. The best deal I found on OEM was at Olathe Toyota Parts. $359! Shipping was $88, but I also got the shroud which required two shipments. It arrived safe and sound, and installation was a breeze.

Buy OEM while you still can. Seems like the rad prices have come down in the last few years. Here’s to another 300k! (Hopefully one of my daughters will claim it in the future, but that just means I’ll have to find another one…)

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I just sourced a new OEM from Olathe Toyota for $359. While the OEM radiator looks ok and cools fine 184f to 186f normally, I figured it was time to replace it before I make a trip to SLC and Colorado on the 20th of this month. There is a 20% off on shipping coupon that arrived via email if you add to your cart and wait a few minutes.

Since the first radiator lasted 22 years, I'll go with another OEM. I've been down the road with aftermarkets that last from 3 to 5 years.

Total cost shipped was $446.11. I'll stop by Lowes after work to source some foam weather strip.

 

[OrionZodiac]

I just sourced a new OEM from Olathe Toyota for $359. While the OEM radiator looks ok and cools fine 184f to 186f normally, I figured it was time to replace it before I make a trip to SLC and Colorado on the 20th of this month. There is a 20% off on shipping coupon that arrived via email if you add to your cart and wait a few minutes.

Since the first radiator lasted 22 years, I'll go with another OEM. I've been down the road with aftermarkets that last from 3 to 5 years.

Total cost shipped was $446.11. I'll stop by Lowes after work to source some foam weather strip.

OEM radiator comes with the foam already attached

 

[Zuberg]

Grabbed mine from Decatur Toyota online - 20% off sale underway plus free shipping. The items from Decatur are always double boxed and extremely well packaged.

$302 shipped.

Genuine Toyota Parts and Accessories: Official Online Store Serra Toyota of Decatur

Find genuine Toyota parts and accessories that fit your Toyota. Your source for everything from batteries and floor mats to body panels and engine gaskets.

autoparts.toyotaofdecatur.com

 

[OwnerCS]

Grabbed mine from Decatur Toyota online - 20% off sale underway plus free shipping. The items from Decatur are always double boxed and extremely well packaged.

$302 shipped.

Genuine Toyota Parts and Accessories: Official Online Store Serra Toyota of Decatur

Find genuine Toyota parts and accessories that fit your Toyota. Your source for everything from batteries and floor mats to body panels and engine gaskets.

autoparts.toyotaofdecatur.com

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That's a great deal!