OEM Radiator Disassembly

[scuzza]

Thought folks may like to see a teardown of the OEM radiator. This is a 13 year old, 250k mile original unit that was close to borrowed time.

I would say the replacement could probably determined by checking the upper fitting to see if it turned brown yet.

No leaks anywhere, even the o-rings on the AT heat exchanger were still sealing. Very nice quality. If it wasn't for the brittle upper hose fitting they would likely last even longer.
Nice, thick core too.

The replacement OEM 16400-38290 radiator also says Toyota Made in Japan but the fin design is slightly different. Comes with all foam bits installed.
Radiator and both hoses can be bought for $300 from Bell Lexus if you wait for one of their sales. Excellent shipping and had it in 3 days.

 

[scuzza]

A few more photos:

 

[WTITW]

The aluminum trans cooler looks almost new. I wonder if the older TOY models that have had some SMOD reports used steel. Thanks for the breakdown. Mine was replaced at around 100K, and I was thinking about doing it again now that I'm at 185K, but after seeing this, I'm not in a rush.

 

[jeremy j]

The aluminum trans cooler looks almost new. I wonder if the older TOY models that have had some SMOD reports used steel. Thanks for the breakdown. Mine was replaced at around 100K, and I was thinking about doing it again now that I'm at 185K, but after seeing this, I'm not in a rush.

Very interesting. My original failed at 90K.

I don't know what exactly I expected from the AT portion but I did think it had some way to flow the fluid through some fins. I didn't think it was just sitting in the end tank.

 

[scuzza]

Very interesting. My original failed at 90K.

I don't know what exactly I expected from the AT portion but I did think it had some way to flow the fluid through some fins. I didn't think it was just sitting in the end tank.

That's what I wondered about as well and wanted to see. I wonder if the purpose is more about heating or cooling the AT fluid...

 

[LXJake93]

A few more photos:

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