Radiator Leak? Swollen Hose/Leak

[RCmud]

*2001 LX470 with 170xxx miles.

Noticed a sweet smell coming from the engine and found my upper radiator hose was swollen and coolant leaks at various areas like the lower rad hose and at the bottom the of the radiator itself and also saw that the overflow tank was empty. I don't have the a pressure tester on hand unfortunately. Car does not over heat but stopped operating the car once I found these problems.

What's causing the upper hose to swell like this? Radiator is toasted?

Will be ordering new upper and lower rad hoses and clamps for the obvious and radiator cap as well. Thermostat was replaced about a year ago during a coolant flush job. Radiator too? I'm assuming yeah..

 

[hoser]

Replace hoses, radiator cap and clean off all that mess. Then drive again and monitor. A better temp gauge would help... like a scangauge. Radiator leak could be caused by bad radiator cap (over pressure) and the radiator might be damaged already.

If you are looking for an excuse to buy more tools, I'd suggest a radiator cap and system tester.

Amazon.com

 

[baltistyle]

Also, pro tip* use the proper Toyota tension clamps vs screw clamps*

 

[Jack90210]

Was thermostat replaced with OEM? If not I would do so, they are inexpensive.

Also, replace those hoses stat. If that is the original radiator, then replace that as well. It's quite likely that the fins of the radiator (between the radiator and the AC condenser coil, visible from the bottom of the car) are substantially clogged, as most seem to be when they are replaced. And how are the heater tees?

These trucks are at the age where every coolant hose and clamp should be replaced IMO (again, I prefer OEM).

If all of this sounds alarmist, consider that the cooling system is the Achilles' heel of these vehicles, and if you have a failure at speed you likely won't know it until it's too late.

 

[RCmud]

Replace hoses, radiator cap and clean off all that mess. Then drive again and monitor. A better temp gauge would help... like a scangauge. Radiator leak could be caused by bad radiator cap (over pressure) and the radiator might be damaged already.

If you are looking for an excuse to buy more tools, I'd suggest a radiator cap and system tester.

Amazon.com

Rad cap will def be replaced. Saw some of the seal damaged when I unscrewed it.

Also, pro tip* use the proper Toyota tension clamps vs screw clamps*

OEM clamps will be replaced forsure. Not a fan of the screw clamps. Was done under the PO.

Was thermostat replaced with OEM? If not I would do so, they are inexpensive.

Also, replace those hoses stat. If that is the original radiator, then replace that as well. It's quite likely that the fins of the radiator (between the radiator and the AC condenser coil, visible from the bottom of the car) are substantially clogged, as most seem to be when they are replaced. And how are the heater tees?

These trucks are at the age where every coolant hose and clamp should be replaced IMO (again, I prefer OEM).

If all of this sounds alarmist, consider that the cooling system is the Achilles' heel of these vehicles, and if you have a failure at speed you likely won't know it until it's too late.

Thermostat was OEM when replaced. Based off records from PO, radiator was replaced in 2018 @16x,xxx miles. But sat for quite awhile when I acquired it.

Heater T's doesn't look to be replaced. So will probably do that as well.

On second thought, looks like a timing belt job may need to be completed. Might just have all this sorted at the same time =\

Anyone have experience with CSF radiator or should just stick with OE.

 

[TLCPNW]

OEM on everything for sure, no question. I put in a CSF radiator and it started leaking almost instantly. Just do it right the first time.

 

[RCmud]

Received parts. Is this radiator acceptable?

 

[Jack90210]

Received parts. Is this radiator acceptable?

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Yes, I've seen them arrive much worse than that. Take a few minutes with a tiny screwdriver or an awl and straighten them out (that's what I would do) ... or just send it, it's really not bad.

Edited to add: Since most of the system will be drained, it's a great time to replace hoses, clamps, t-stat, even overflow tank if it's gunky. These trucks are at the age where they should all be replaced (can also be done at timing belt replacement). I highly recommend OEM.

Would you mind sharing where you bought it, and what you paid? Nice to have another data point. Thanks.

 

[RCmud]

Yeah I was able to straighten a few fins with my nails. Everything thing else looks good.

Bought OEM pieces from Marietta Toyota online. Radiator (16400-50360) was $393.86.

I got all new OEM hoses, clamps, T-STAT and also heater T's and hoses for those as well. Also will be doing the timing belt.