Do I need a new radiator?

[virafp]

Hi All

Dealer is recommending preventative maintenance - replace the radiator due to cracking? Can someone tell me if this looks like its in bad shape?

CA car, 187000 miles, orig radiator.

Thanks

 

[Travis351]

I replaced mine at 280k when the cracks were actually leaking.

 

[TXLX100]

If it were mine, I'd change out the thermostat and pop the hood every time I fueled up and inspect it the radiator. But if you don't mind spending the money and you are worried about it... It will need replacing eventually. For what it's worth, all of the major radiator failures I've seen are when the thermostat locks up causing high pressure on a worn radiator. (That and people banging tools into them)

 

[super90]

I think that is about when the radiator failed on my 80-series. No problems with the thermostat or anyone banging tools into it. It just cracked at one of the fittings. Got a new one from CDan and back in action.

If your not DIY, that's a different story. But when it goes, the truck will overheat in a hurry. Especially in the Summer.

Age is probably an issue as much if not more than miles. What year is it?

 

[FlammableFishie]

But when it goes, the truck will overheat in a hurry. Especially in the Summer.

Ask me how I know

I recommend checking your thermostat to make sure it's in working order, that's what caused my problems. Best of luck!

 

[virafp]

Year of truck

I think that is about when the radiator failed on my 80-series. No problems with the thermostat or anyone banging tools into it. It just cracked at one of the fittings. Got a new one from CDan and back in action.

If your not DIY, that's a different story. But when it goes, the truck will overheat in a hurry. Especially in the Summer.

Age is probably an issue as much if not more than miles. What year is it?

It's a 2001.

How do I contact CDan?

Thanks

 

[hoser]

You can actually buy that upper plastic part of the radiator separately. But at 187k miles...

 

[super90]

There are a few good parts guys out there.

Cruiser Dan is the cruiser parts guru at American Toyota in Albuquerque. Very knowledgeable. 800-432-6668

I also use Jacque at Toyota of Dallas, and pick up locally. 972 852 0105 http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/openExtra.asp?extra=2

Also, if it were me, I would replace the plastic T's in the heater hoses, the hoses, maybe t-stat and the fan clutch too. At that mileage all those things start to go. But, you should have just done a Timing Belt and had lots of that apart. Or are you due for one? If so, get it all done together.

 

[virafp]

Heater hoses etc

There are a few good parts guys out there.

Cruiser Dan is the cruiser parts guru at American Toyota in Albuquerque. Very knowledgeable. 800-432-6668

I also use Jacque at Toyota of Dallas, and pick up locally. 972 852 0105 http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/openExtra.asp?extra=2

Also, if it were me, I would replace the plastic T's in the heater hoses, the hoses, maybe t-stat and the fan clutch too. At that mileage all those things start to go. But, you should have just done a Timing Belt and had lots of that apart. Or are you due for one? If so, get it all done together.

Plastic T's were leaking, so that has been done about 4 months ago. Timing belt was just done, and all main parts and seals were replaced incl the water pump. I do think I need a new fan clutch, have this strange whirring sound, that has yet to be diagnosed. Thanks

 

[mobi-arc]

Good preventive move at 187,000 miles. The plsatic fittings get brittle with the heat and when they go, you're stuck.

 

[APKhaos]

Mine died gracefully with a leak between the plastic upper tank and the Al core. Around 190k miles, which is not definitive but may be useful for your decision. Having a rad blow out on the road will ruin your whole day.

 

[Nottajeep]

Mine sprung a leak at 150k and year 14. Always had toyota red and good parts.

I wonder if the -5F starts this winter helped speed up the start of the leak or it was just time to go