Lx470 Radiator Replacement

[beachbumin]

Had a steady leak from my radiator at 153k for the past week or so. Ordered a denso radiator from rockauto and followed the wrote at here
2001 LX470 Radiator Replacement - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Pretty basic install and great instructions although I did go ahead and take out the battery to have more room. I took my time and chatted with neighbors during install and took about 4 hours start to finish. I did not replace the thermostat but am having it done when my mechanic does the timing belt and water pump. If you are tackling this one I would suggest a 12mm wobble socket. Came in handy a few times. All in all a fairly simple job that makes me love my lx even more.

 

[ncavi10]

My new radiator is currently sitting in my living room as decoration (ill tell ya it looks pretty sweet). Got a good 18 years and 205K out of mine It was up to 111 today here in AZ so decided to wait until it cools off to 104 for the install..

 

[beachbumin]

I hear ya! Was 107 heat index here and humid as it gets. Pulled it into garage and let it sit until 8pm to cool down before I started working.

 

[2001LC]

FWIW: It's easy and important to purge the air (burp) from coolant system. Just top radiator and add to reservoir. Do this each morning after 8 hour cool down, after engine taken to full operating temp with front & rear cabin heat on full hot. This may take a few cycles to completely burp.

 

[beachbumin]

Thank you! I have been monitoring and running heat. Did a great burp last night and expecting another today.

 

[ItGoesTo11]

Is there a DIY walkthrough on IH8Mud? I looked but didn't see one...any tips to point me to the right direction?

 

[beachbumin]

The link I posted above was the best I found. HTH

 

[ItGoesTo11]

The link I posted above was the best I found. HTH

Thanks, it seems straightforward but always looking for "mudder" DIYs to be sure. I'll use that link and report back after the job is complete.

 

[kdtwilliams]

I used the above mentioned guide and it was very helpful. Nothing out of the ordinary to get this done. Easy to swap out the therm too.

 

[ItGoesTo11]

Thanks, it seems straightforward but always looking for "mudder" DIYs to be sure. I'll use that link and report back after the job is complete.

I just realized I never replied back about the radiator replacement process. It was as easy and straightforward as the DIY link shows. Nothing complicated and just took a few hours from start to finish!

 

[OwnerCS]

Thanks for the posts. I will be replacing mine this weekend.

 

[kdtwilliams]

Thanks for the posts. I will be replacing mine this weekend.

Good luck, CS. Should go smooth.

Plyers are helpful. I used robo grips on the upper and lower hoses and those worked like a charm.

I didn’t take the air box out but did remove the battery.

 

[OwnerCS]

The Spectra arrived from Rock without damage. I'm off to a good start.

 

[kdtwilliams]

The Spectra arrived from Rock without damage. I'm off to a good start.

Well... what are you waiting for? Get it in!

 

[kdtwilliams]

Well... what are you waiting for? Get it in!

 

[OwnerCS]

View attachment 2371044

That one looks a lot like mine. The old radiator, broken shroud and fan clutch are out. Yesterday, I decided to poke around the pulleys with a mechanics stethoscope and found the small center idler pulley to be making a grinding noise. I have a new one on order.

 

[kdtwilliams]

That one looks a lot like mine. The old radiator, broken shroud and fan clutch are out. Yesterday, I decided to poke around the pulleys with a mechanics stethoscope and found the small center idler pulley to be making a grinding noise. I have a new one on order.

Fun times. What did the Idler pully run you?

No leaks now that I've got the new rad in. New CVs this weekend. Well... new CV on the left side. I thought I ordered two but turns out I need to get one more.

 

[OwnerCS]

Fun times. What did the Idler pully run you?

No leaks now that I've got the new rad in. New CVs this weekend. Well... new CV on the left side. I thought I ordered two but turns out I need to get one more.

$48.33 shipped.

 

[AlkalineOm3n]

The Spectra arrived from Rock without damage. I'm off to a good start.

FWIW, I've ordered two Denso's from RockAuto over the last 2 years, and the most recent one I got was packaged significantly better than the first. Maybe they're changing their ways?