Radiator Replacement Question

[ANJ2A]

Hi , first post to the forum and would like your opinion. Had the head gasket replaced at the dealer for $3300 with the head being rebuilt. Check engine light came on after service and while mechanic was checking EGR he broke the nipple on the radiator. They sent it out for repair. My concern is the fix will fail if it is exposed to heat and extreme cold.

Should the deale replace the radiator?

Thanks
Anj2a

lx 450

 

[cc93cruiser]

Without a doubt... That is their problem, they broke it.. Don't settle for them rigging up the radiator, they have to replace it...Refuse the cruiser the way it is if they insist on the radiator repair... My 0.02$....

 

[KCCruiser]

Yep,
I believe they owe you a new radiator. Especially after you spent $3300 at their dealership. I don't know that I would accept a repaired radiator.

Just my opinion

 

[IdahoDoug]

While I agree you should have a new radiator, I think you now have to accept their fix because you have already given your agreement this is adequate. They already removed the radiator and sent it out for repair with your knowledge. Changing your mind now adds to their cost and time and would be unfair unless you chipped in.

DougM

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I would either ask for a short (year or so) warranty on the radiator repair or strike a deal with them that you purchase a new radiator and they install it with no labor cost. If your HG failed you need to ensure that your cooling system is top notch going forward.

 

[robmir]

If it is a serious radiator shop they will remove both tanks, clean the rows, clean the transmission core, replace the lower rubber gasket, REPLACE the whole top tank (there is a kit to repair the nipple and I would not acept that) and it´s upper rubber gasket, then they should pressure test it before delivering so I don´t think you should have any reason to be concerned if they check that the core is in very good condition.

AFIK a good service shop should allways send the radiator to be checked when a HG works is done, as a additional insurance that it will not overheat again.

 

[ANJ2A]

Thanks for your opinions

I am going to ask for a replacement for the following reasons after reading the posts,

1) If I had broken the same nipple I am certain that I would have replaced the radiator.

2) The service person stated that "the nipple was welded aluminum and stronger then orginal" and if it was plastic they would have replaced it.

3) I will be going to Canada and in the past have been in truck thru some nasty blizzards and in the truck for greater then 12 hours.

4) I will be travelling with a four year old.

5) I feel that a fix on the plastic is prone to failure with exposure to extreme cold and heat. One year warranty is not sufficient if the radiator without the repair would last another 165,000 miles. I get it flushed yearly.

6) Regardless of their descion I am fine with the vehicle as is at home but not while travelling.

Arun James

 

[robmir]

I am going to ask for a replacement for the following reasons after reading the posts,


2) The service person stated that "the nipple was welded aluminum and stronger then orginal" and if it was plastic they would have replaced it.

BOTH UPPER AND LOWER TANKS ARE PLASTIC AS IS THE NIPPLE. IF THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE RADIATOR THEN AT LEAST ASK FOR A NEW UPPER TANK. AS I STATED BEFORE, THERE IS A KIT TO REPAIR THE NIPPLE WHICH IS PROBABLY WHAT THEY WANT TO DO AND HERE IS THE LINK IN CASE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT BEFORE:

Radiator Express

3) I will be going to Canada and in the past have been in truck thru some nasty blizzards and in the truck for greater then 12 hours.

4) I will be travelling with a four year old.

5) I feel that a fix on the plastic is prone to failure with exposure to extreme cold and heat. One year warranty is not sufficient if the radiator without the repair would last another 165,000 miles. I get it flushed yearly.

6) Regardless of their descion I am fine with the vehicle as is at home but not while travelling.

Arun James

I hope they replace the radiator !!!!!

 

[Tackelbarry]

The Toyota dealer I went to did the same while they were fixing an oil leak. They tried to fix the radiator nipple by using JB weld and did not tell me they had ever broken it. I got home, started to inspect their work and found a leak at the nipple. Needless to say, the service manager and I had a talk and they agreed to install a new radiator. I am glad that they took responsibility for their mistake , but due to the fact that they did not tell me before I found it, I will never go back to them. Make them replace the radiator with a new one or you will likely be disappointed/stranded down the road.

 

[IdahoDoug]

I'll be interested to hear the end of this story, but I think you should have insisted on a new radiator in the first place rather than agree to their repair and change your mind. Don't be surprised if they tell you to go pound sand - you're getting a repaired nipple.

DougM

 

[bthelton]

A little late but i believe in the saying "You break it You buy it"

 

[cmadness]

I had a pinhole leak and could not repair it. I can't think how they would fix yours. Make them replace it.

 

[ANJ2A]

Update on radiator replacement

Good news today when the dealer called and they have ordered a new radiator. I had stated that I did not care about a one year warranty if I was in Canada in the snow.....

Thanks for the imput

Arun James
LX 450

 

[rtarh2o]

My 94 radiator had a brass (steel?) upper and lower tank so couldn't that be repaired as good as new? It seems like the nipple and hose attachments are brazed on anyway. I am glad they are replacing it, and I probably would have wanted the same thing but is seems like a brass tank could have a nipple brazed on that would be as good as new? Now if it is a 95 or newer (whenever they went plastic) I would say it is not going to hold.
Rusty

 

[robmir]

My 94 radiator had a brass (steel?) upper and lower tank so couldn't that be repaired as good as new? It seems like the nipple and hose attachments are brazed on anyway. I am glad they are replacing it, and I probably would have wanted the same thing but is seems like a brass tank could have a nipple brazed on that would be as good as new? Now if it is a 95 or newer (whenever they went plastic) I would say it is not going to hold.
Rusty

AFIK on all 80 Toyota OEM radiators both tanks are plastic.

I bet yours were replaced. In your case with brass tanks a nipple can be safely brazed.

I don´t know how a brass radiator will behave in colder zones but we did some tests here and nothings bets the heat like a 100% Toyota OEM radiator but unfortunately they cost a lot more.