Radiator Options?

[Slabsides45]

I was the king of the world today.

I finished up on changing out the front main seal and the oil pump seal. Wife's been outta town for 3 days, so after I put the 6 year old to bed every night I spent a little time working on it. Stripped 3 of the screws, but drilled 'em out and drove on. Read up on all the threads, followed all the tips, and was really feeling smug about how well things had turned out. All that was left was reassembly and installation of the new belts.

So, I was putting things back together today over my lunch hour, and decided to put the final torque pull on the crankshaft bolt. That's when it happened. The 14mm long socket that I'd placed over the bolt in the transmission peekaboo window slipped off the bolt, and my socket handle found that stupid plastic nipple on the radiator top.

If I were to have to come up with a title for the day, it'd be 'Paradise Lost.' I go from making an $1,100 job into a $109 job, then in one swift move I screw up a perfectly good radiator.

So, now that I've whined sufficiently, I gotta have a new radiator. Anyone got a good el cheepo option that's worked for them? Anyone got a nice heartwarming story of how they did this and found a nice cheap fix for the nipple issue?

 

[fjfar80]

I am not aware of any cheap fixes. The best bet will be to purchase a new radiator. Bomar knows of a place in Memphis that can do a custom aluminum radiator. Also, you can do the one from ManAFre.

 

[Bomar]

I would get a all metal radiator from Radiators, automotive radiators, condenser, oem radiators, truck radiators

Your Vehicle
1997 LEXUS LX 450
Submodel: ALL MODELS
Engine Size: 4.5L
A/C: FOR BOTH A/C AND NON A/C VEHICLES

The following radiator(s) were found for your vehicle:
(scroll down for additional options)

OPTION 1:

Specifications
Core Size: 16-3/4 X 28-1/4 X 2-1/16
Inlet Header: 29-1/8 X 2-1/4
Outlet Header: 29-1/8 X 2-1/4
Inlet Connection: TOP 1-1/2 DRIVERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: BOTTOM 1-5/8 PASSENGERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: YES
Engine Oil Cooler: NONE
Mounting:
Notes: THREE ROW, ALL METAL
$310.83 1997 LEXUS LX 450 radiator
$0.00 FREE Shipping in the Continental United States
$0.00 FREE Lifetime Warranty
-$5.00 Online Discount
$305.83 IS YOUR FINAL COST
Please note that sales tax will be added if you live in FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, TX or NV.


or just get a new tank put on it.

four seasons off elmore can make you anything you want... Four Season Racing Products Internet Home

 

[Jordan7118]

If stock is good enough for you, then maybe try this guy - bmw benz land cruiser altimasparts parts parts

 

[Slabsides45]

Thanks guys, still can't believe I did that. And I was 3 belts away from finally getting the grease out from under the nails for a while....

Called the craigslist guy, no radiator. Looks like I'm stuck with buying a new one. After reading, I'm thinking of going with the Koyo option, appears they are made by the same peeps that make the OEM stuff, and are around 200-240.

 

[MEMCruiser]

Look at it as preventive maint.

 

[stonemountain]

Steve,
I too have busted the small plastic pipe on the top of the radiator. Currently I am using a plastic specific bonding agent from Auto Zone that has worked to keep it together. Right now I am waiting for a Koyo A1918 radiator to come in the mail.

Glad to hear you were mostly successful with the main seal and oil pump seal install. I have to do the exact same thing this weekend!

 

[Slabsides45]

Oh, it was a whole new level of suckage when I realized I wasn't gonna get them all out without stripping a few screws. One easy out purchase later, I ended up just grinding off the heads and got the cover off.

Other than that pesky tensioner bolt (what is it, 3 feet long?) things weren't too bad. I kinda staged it over several nights, though. First night was removing the belts, fan, shroud, and driveshaft pulley. That way I was able to attack the dreaded phillips head screws with reckless abandon on the second night... and third night. Oy.

BTW, found a '94 radiator that I picked up for $90 delivered, hard to beat. Let's hope I don't break more stuff replacing this item.