Radiator Crack in Unusual Spot

[parkitparker]

I was working on my 99 lx470 and noticed a crack (more like a break) in my radiator, looking from the engine towards the radiator. I’ve noticed some coolant loss, but not an abundant amount. I’m admittedly a newby that has been learning as I’ve been going.

I imagine I need to get the radiator replaced asap? Or any chance to just patch this up? And how have I not experienced a significant loss of coolant in this area? Most of the radiator threads I’ve seen have been cracks at the top/brown discoloration etc. my radiator looks great outside of this.

The radiator was replaced by the PO around 190k and now has 250k.

Many thanks!

 

[FamilyCamper]

Definitely weird spot. Clean it up and monitor closely. Have you seen coolant loss from that area? Maybe it was just damaged upon install? Drive around with some distilled water in case you need to add some in a pinch although it wouldnt help if it fully let go. Check and see if radiator is OEM or not. Radiator replacement is straightforward and you can do yourself if you are willing. Only weird tool is a ratcheting 12mm wrench to make the fan clutch removal much easier.

 

[parkitparker]

Definitely weird spot. Clean it up and monitor closely. Have you seen coolant loss from that area? Maybe it was just damaged upon install? Drive around with some distilled water in case you need to add some in a pinch although it wouldnt help if it fully let go. Check and see if radiator is OEM or not. Radiator replacement is straightforward and you can do yourself if you are willing. Only weird tool is a ratcheting 12mm wrench to make the fan clutch removal much easier.

I drove all the way from Southern California to Denver a month or so ago and believe the crack was there at the time. No coolant loss from that area that I’ve seen. It was OEM part and done by Lexus at 190k, car now at 250k.

 

[FamilyCamper]

I drove all the way from Southern California to Denver a month or so ago and believe the crack was there at the time. No coolant loss from that area that I’ve seen. It was OEM part and done by Lexus at 190k, car now at 250k.

interesting! May be able to glue some plastic back there to protect it and just leave it if its not holding coolant in. I dont know too much though so im interested to see what others have to say

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I believe what you're pointing to is the plastic fan shroud, not the radiator. One of the good things about the Toyota pink coolant is it leaves behind pink residue/crusties where it dries, and I'm not seeing any in your pic.

 

[Rhetoric]

Is it uncommon if it happened to me as well? My Koyo radiator failed at the seam of the plastic and metal at that spot-ish after about a year of use.

What brand is your rad? Is it stamped "T.Rad" on the pass side flat spot on the top? If not, then it's some aftermarket that I wouldn't waste time repairing.

 

[parkitparker]

I believe what you're pointing to is the plastic fan shroud, not the radiator. One of the good things about the Toyota pink coolant is it leaves behind pink residue/crusties where it dries, and I'm not seeing any in your pic.

You’re spot on here. Considering it’s the fan shroud, I would think less of a concern. Probably not even worth fixing? Just leave it? I could glue some plastic but not even sure if it’s worth it

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I'd leave it. But, if you are losing coolant, I'd be chasing that down for sure.

 

[Patron100LC]

It does look like the fan shroud not the radiator. If it is, no worries, unless you're picky and it bothers you. Not sure you'll find a fan shroud in a pick a part in good condition, but a new one isn't too bad, they go for $130 or so. Part# 1671150090. Double check on the part number before ordering..

Regardless, checking the cooling system for levels and leaks is something we should be doing every day/week or so, on any car. It's one of the very few UZ killers.