Best replacement radiator for the money today... (3 Viewers)

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Soooo, while we're on radiators, the toyota records on my truck indicate the PO had the radiator repaired (which seems odd for $200 part). Am I right to think I should just replace it preventatively? (140k on the truck)
 
Denso all the way even if it’s not the OEM part I always replace my parts if I can with Denso. Make sure that it is not a made in China radiator have read that the ones made in China leak. The made in Taiwan Denso radiators are the good ones.
 
Soooo, while we're on radiators, the toyota records on my truck indicate the PO had the radiator repaired (which seems odd for $200 part). Am I right to think I should just replace it preventatively? (140k on the truck)
Years ago, the OE radiator was much more expensive... and there weren't many aftermarket options. The OE radiator company (T.Rad) was busted for price fixing.....

 
I installed the Spectra Premium CU2755 radiator and Gates 22491 lower hose on my 2003 last night and while the install was relatively painless, I had a hell of a time with the lower hose to radiator connection leaking. The factory squeeze-clamp was tight, and I used the Gates hose which fit snug without the clamp. I ended up using a screw down clamp which was able to stop the leak, but it was still concerning. I didn't measure the diameter vs the old radiator, but I've never had this much of an issue with a hose clamp lol..

I thought the Gates hose was supposed to fix that problem?!?!?!

I ended rinsing everything down with the hose once I was done, so once that finishes drying out, I'll drive it a little and check for any leaks before putting the skid plate back on. Fingers crossed
 
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So, I just received a Denso radiator from RockAuto and of course it is one made in China. Should I worry about it or return it? The packaging was OK and there is no apparent damage.

Is there any way to ensure that I can get one that was made in Taiwan? My leak is very small so I am not in a super hurry.
 
So, I just received a Denso radiator from RockAuto and of course it is one made in China. Should I worry about it or return it? The packaging was OK and there is no apparent damage.

Is there any way to ensure that I can get one that was made in Taiwan? My leak is very small so I am not in a super hurry.
Curious to find out as well, since I just replace my OEM with a Chinese Denso.
 
I have had great success with Radiator Barn radiators... been running one in my 40 for ten years and it’s been 100%
 
I installed the Spectra Premium CU2755 radiator and Gates 22491 lower hose on my 2003 last night and while the install was relatively painless, I had a hell of a time with the lower hose to radiator connection leaking. The factory squeeze-clamp was tight, and I used the Gates hose which fit snug without the clamp. I ended up using a screw down clamp which was able to stop the leak, but it was still concerning. I didn't measure the diameter vs the old radiator, but I've never had this much of an issue with a hose clamp lol..

I thought the Gates hose was supposed to fix that problem?!?!?!

I ended rinsing everything down with the hose once I was done, so once that finishes drying out, I'll drive it a little and check for any leaks before putting the skid plate back on. Fingers crossed

The Spectra lower outlet is slightly smaller diameter(-1.5mm). The Continental Elite #62745 hose is thicker and helps make up the difference. But- the coolant seep is also propagated by the small casting seam on the outlet- it runs horizontal and allows coolant to travel past since even a new spring clamp wont stop it. You have to sand it down smooth on both sides- (pita). This is discussed earlier in the thread. post #178

@MongooseGA
Your operating temps are fine for ATL. I have what Id deem to be a well maintained cooling system and get similar temps. This stretch of heat we’ve had in high 90’s low 100s, city driving, a/c blowing I mostly hover around 190, and it sometimes creeps up to 193~195 idling at a stop light but comes back down quickly as I get underway. Trans temps in mid 130s to low 140s under same conditions.
 
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I currently run the CSF rad and have no complaints so far. Fit and finish is top notch for the price
Same here after being told that is what my local Toyota dealership shop uses the most of for customer cars.

I move over all foam and replace lower and upper hose, thermostat, rad cap all OEM

I flush system before hand the add Toyota coolant with when done.

Done 5 or 6 like this in last 2 years and not one issue.
 
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The Spectra lower outlet is slightly smaller diameter(-1.5mm). The Continental Elite #62745 hose is thicker and helps make up the difference. But- the coolant seep is also propagated by the small casting seam on the outlet- it runs horizontal and allows coolant to travel past since even a new spring clamp wont stop it. You have to sand it down smooth on both sides- (pita). This is discussed earlier in the thread. post #178

Glad I found this topic. Truck I just got had radiator replaced 8k miles ago. All clamps were replaced with non-originals which I hate. Now I see why it was done. I was going to order OE hoses and clamps but will go with Continental hoses as most likely this is what I'm dealing with. Look at how OE hose swelled and it does look like it will be loose.

Since Continental hose thicker - I can use proper OE clamps, right?

IMG_0798.jpg
 
Same here after being told that is what my local Toyota dealership shop uses the most of customer cars.

I move over all foam and replace lower and upper hose, thermostat, rad cap all OEM

I flush system before hand the add Toyota coolant with when done.

Done 5 or 6 like this in last 2 years and not one issue.
Same. My local land cruiser specialist, uses only CSF rads unless customer specifies OEM. But from what I can tell, build wise they both use plastic endtanks and one is cheaper. CSF is also a oem supplier for some automobile companies and is ISO certified.
 
Glad I found this topic. Truck I just got had radiator replaced 8k miles ago. All clamps were replaced with non-originals which I hate. Now I see why it was done. I was going to order OE hoses and clamps but will go with Continental hoses as most likely this is what I'm dealing with. Look at how OE hose swelled and it does look like it will be loose.

Since Continental hose thicker - I can use proper OE clamps, right?

View attachment 2090991
Top inlet seems to fit ok with oem hose- I have oem on top- Continental lower. Factory clamps will work fine. B
 
I need to replace my radiator shortly.
Looking in rockauto, they have CSF 3006. Is that the one? it says it uses Mini 16 psi Cap.

BTW, it's $122 in Rockauto.
 
Replaced my radiator with Denso 221-3152 in july... less than 3000 miles ago and it is already leaking. Enough to be concerning. I'm pissed. Going to replace it with the spectra radiator i think.

Can you tell where it's leaking from?

FWIW I think the recent consensus is CSF is the go-to option.
 
Can you tell where it's leaking from?

FWIW I think the recent consensus is CSF is the go-to option.
All i can tell is that coolant is dripping off the bottom of the radiator. The hoses are on tight and the leaks aren't coming from there. Any ideas where else it could be from? A shop pressure tested it yesterday and they said it looked fine which is weird... but then saw it leaking from the bottom and thought for sure that it was the radiator leaking.
 
So i am in need of a new radiator. Is the consensus CSF or Spectra? Which one? The CSF says "Use Mini 16 psi Cap" What exactly does that mean? Thanks!
 
I use CSF and pick up locally. I flush system first with distilled water. I use OEM coolant, thermostat, cap, and hoses, reuse OEM clamps and transfer all foam (top I re-glue on new, side I bolt on). I've done about halve a dozen without issue.
 
I use CSF and pick up locally. I flush system first with distilled water. I use OEM coolant, thermostat, cap, and hoses, reuse OEM clamps and transfer all foam (top I re-glue on new, side I bolt on). I've done about halve a dozen without issue.

So the Denso replacements don't come with the "foam"? What about the OEM ordered via Toyota dealers?
 

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