Radiator Life Expectancy ???

[DJCloz]

As I approach 200K I am getting ready to do my timing belt service and everything associated. It crossed my mind, what is the typical life expectancy of the 100 series radiator?? Should I consider changing it? Mine looks like its in good working condition, however coming from the 3rd gen 4runner world, radiators seems to be an issue over there about the 200K mark. Just looking for some input from anyone with experience in this area.

 

[flintknapper]

I'm sure it varies.

168K on the my LX, about 150K on my 80 series.

The LX started leaking around the crimps, the 80 series split at the top (plastic).

 

[yotasavg]

Replacing mine today actually, and the one coming out is the original. Yesterday it leaked for the first time 19 years, and only because something broke a bunch of fins. Not sure what happened...

 

[DJCloz]

how many miles @yotasavg ?

 

[FxFormat]

I’m at 195k miles on the original radiator too, alternator and starter also original. Only thing that went bad so far was the abs pump. That was mucho expensive

 

[yotasavg]

how many miles @yotasavg ?

Years aren't good enough lol?! Sorry I forgot the important part: slightly < 192k right now.

 

[TheForger]

I was at 164k on my OEM radiator before it completely failed (it split at the top). Keep a lookout for the plastic parts of the radiator turning a brownish color, that's a good sign it's nearing its failure point.

Here are a couple pics I stole from other threads showing the brown radiator:

 

[jerryb]

I'd go by coolant temp and time. It's almost a no brainer how easy it is to change. It's losing efficiency just sitting there. I wouldn't let my truck run at 200 degrees because I was lazy or cheap.

 

[Mike6158]

I replaced mine around 160k

 

[vishmuzty]

These radiators are like underwear... time to replace when they turn brown.

Top tank gets hotter than bottom. When I pulled my rad hoses to change timing belt at 222k, the inlet (top) was brown and brittle; the inside of the top tank had similar texture. When the polypropylene is exposed to that many thermal cycles its properties degrade. Same thing happens to the heater T fittings. The bottom tank was still solid and normal black color.

 

[hoser]

Replaced my OE radiator at 168k miles and 19.5 years of age. Never overheated, never used stop leak, regular coolant intervals.

Bottom of radiator:

 

[hoser]

Radiator top:

Those smudges of grease were from removing the cap, not present inside core.

 

[bucfl]

200k plus. Heater T’s went and took out radiator also. This was last year. Bought a Denso from RA and no issues.

In my thread. I used Zerex Asian antifreeze. Just as good for less thank half the price.

 

[Mike6158]

Mine went around that time. The PO put mostly water in the system so the leaks was steam until I finally added enough antifreeze back to make it drip...

 

[FxFormat]

I'm coming up on the time of a rad replacement, 200K miles, 17 years old. It's amazing it has lasted this long, i have random times where i have to refill the coolant though, not sure where it went. OP (my brother in law) mixed coolants, red/green for about 5-6 years now, hasn't done any damage to the cooling system that i can see. If my rad does go, i'll do a full flush and refill with red coolant.

I have had to top off the reservoir twice now, one time about 8 months ago, the res was completely empty, i filled it up, looked for leaks and didn't find any. Yesterday, the res is now at below the "low" mark. Not sure where the coolant went, did a compression test and didn't find any leaks. ?? i'll fill it up again and keep an eye on it.

 

[Mike6158]

Mine was doing the same thing. I figured out what was going on while I was in Death Valley. Not the best place for that I made it home with no problems but it was a nerve wracking trip...

 

[bluesquirrel]

My '98 exploded last year at apx 230k.

 

[jLB]

Replaced my son's over the Christmas holidays. 18 years old, ~130,000mi, replaced due to cracks in the (browned) plastic tank.

 

[FxFormat]

Mine was doing the same thing. I figured out what was going on while I was in Death Valley. Not the best place for that I made it home with no problems but it was a nerve wracking trip...

Did you figure out where the coolant went? I don't think it could've evaporated that quick, if at all. I had it on a lift, compression test, checked every hose, nothing. It's like a trapped air pocket inside the engine got bled out and swallowed the coolant. When i did heater T's i lost a little coolant and had to refill.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I replaced mine at 255k when I did the fan clutch. The top tank was looking brown and showing stress marks in the plastic. It was perfectly fine though. For all I know it may have lasted another 100k, but it's relatively inexpensive for a good Denso one on Amazon so I thought I might as well swap it out.

http://amzn.to/2ByscRw