Definitive new Radiator thread (Aug 2018)

[DocuDude]

170k miles and my OEM radiator on my 95 has sprung a leak in the seam.
So......
TYC?
Koyo?
CSF?

Tell me about your experiences:
Easy install.
Longevity.

Best places to buy with the best deals?

 

[jeeprjames]

I went with a new Toyota radiator about two months ago. It came with a new shroud and mounting brackets. I bought it from my local dealer who gives me a pretty good discount. My LX was right at 200K with the original radiator. I did a complete coolant flush, installed all new coolant hoses, constant torque clamps from Wits End, heater valve and a new OEM thermostat while I had all apart. I used Toyota red coolant once I put it all back together. Not really a hard job at all. I did it all on a Saturday. Also did the pesky heater hose and a new fan clutch. Drove it from Charleston, SC to Dayton, OH with no issues at all.

 

[DocuDude]

Thanks. @jeeprjames
What did you pay for OEM radiator?

 

[jeeprjames]

Thanks. @jeeprjames
What did you pay for OEM radiator?

It was right at $350.00. The parts guy I deal with will usually try and match internet pricing which is nice. I just bought a reman alternator from him last week, didn't even charge me for the core.

 

[projectcruiser]

Curious what people are doing for 3FE/1HDT/1HZ radiators since they're out of production.

 

[rolliges]

Just installed a Koyo copper radiator in my 97. Needed it quick and bought it for a song off Amazon. Had stockpiled other rad hoses and parts from cdan or beno long ago and just reused the toyota clamps. Cleaned up pipe nipples and used Sil-Glyde (cdan trick) to easily install hoses. Pretty easy job.

 

[jatree]

Watching this - I haven't seen the level drop but I may also have a very slow leak so interested in best replacement options. $350 seems decent for OEM..

 

[richardlillard1]

I put a TYC in back in April of 16; it has a couple quirks, but it’s been a solid rad for about 60,000 miles now.

 

[Kaninja]

I installed a Koyo A1918 aluminum rad from Autoplicity. It was around $174 shipped. It arrived in 2 days undamaged. Installation was a breeze and was a perfect fit. It has been 14 months, it has seen -5°F to +105°F and typically runs 183°F in the winter and 185°F in the Summer. Crawling with the A/C on in 98° it hit a max of 196°.

Pleased and would purchase again.

Running 60/40 distilled water and green pre stone.

 

[Rifleman]

Cleaned up pipe nipples and used Sil-Glyde (cdan trick) to easily install hoses.

Sil Glyde is great stuff, I've found if you use it on all your cooling system hoses before you install them. It makes removal later on alot easier, It seems to prevent those hoses from welding themselves to to the radiator or hose barbs.

 

[slow95z]

A1917 from Amazon about 8 months back and it works great.

 

[jeeprjames]

Just installed a Koyo copper radiator in my 97. Needed it quick and bought it for a song off Amazon. Had stockpiled other rad hoses and parts from cdan or beno long ago and just reused the toyota clamps. Cleaned up pipe nipples and used Sil-Glyde (cdan trick) to easily install hoses. Pretty easy job.

Good idea on the SilGlide. Wish I had used it when installing my new power steering lines!

I initially re-used the OEM hose clamps, but ended up changing them out due to a small amount of coolant leaking around both the upper and lower hoses.

Almost forgot, water pump was replaced also when I had the cooling system all apart. I added an electric fan from LandCruiserProducts.com to help keep it cool in the South Carolina heat as well.

Money, money, money!

 

[Mandrake]

A rash of CSF radiators as well as my own turned out to be garbage. Some have had luck, while others succumbed to what was probably a bad batch. As something that critical, I wouldn't take my chances with it.

 

[inkpot]

I traded my good Koyo 1918A for a TYC 1918, which is less expensive and performs better for me.

 

[DocuDude]

Geez, how can Boch sell new OEM radiator for $350 and I cant find a dealer in LA willing to go under $500?

Radiator Assembly - Toyota (16400-66081) | Boch Toyota South

 

[COYS]

Geez, how can Boch sell new OEM radiator for $350 and I cant find a dealer in LA willing to go under $500?

Radiator Assembly - Toyota (16400-66081) | Boch Toyota South

Buy it from Norwalk online dude.

 

[VuickB6]

Bought an aluminum Koyo from Amazon just over 3 years ago. After about 75k miles so far so good. Paid $307 after tax/shipping for it back then.

https://www.amazon.com/Koyo-Cooling-Systems-W0133-1749096-KCS-Radiator/dp/B00HLADFAE?tag=ihco-20

 

[CJF]

Curious what people are doing for 3FE/1HDT/1HZ radiators since they're out of production.

Nothing. We're f*cked.

(No; not kidding.)

 

[will b]

CSF cause it’s all metal and repairable. Broke plastic T off flush with the plastic top tank in the one that was in it. Purchased off of eBay. Wait for one of their coupons

Keeps my supercharged 80 cool even going up the mountain passes with the AC on.

 

[Will Van]

I’m installing a Ron Davis. Pricey, but the build quality is superb. I’ll report back once I get it all put back together. Shroud required minor trimming.