Hey Guys,
New Year's Eve, I notice a small hairline crack on the top of my 1999 LX470's radiator. It's was very small and was only weeping about a 1/2" spot on the top of the radiator after driving all day. So, after checking prices for OEM radiators, I decided to order an OEM replacement from an out of state Lexus dealership. Price was fair at $344 and I felt safe driving with such a small leak. However, yesterday morning I found a large puddle of coolant on the garage floor. After further investigation, it appears the lower tank is now leaking. Not sure if the lower tank is cracked or the lower seal has failed, but this leak is much larger and needs to be repaired before driving. Here's my dilemma; last Thursday I ordered an OEM radiator, both hoses, thermostat and I new fan clutch. I spoke to the dealer on Saturday. They don't expect to deliver the parts to me for 7-10 days. That doesn't work for me, so my options are to purchase the radiator from a local Lexus dealer ($475 plus tax, next day delivery) or purchase an aftermarket radiator locally. I found a Denso brand locally for $320. There is also a NAPA brand available for $350, but I have to wait 3-5 days. There are some other aftermarket brands available, but I didn't recognize any of their names and they are not "in stock". I can purchase the same Denso radiator online for $168 with free shipping and no tax, which is a lower cost option...always a good thing.
So, my question is; does anyone have any experience with the Denso radiator or any other aftermarket radiator brands? If so, do they recommend them or recommend I spend the extra money on OEM?
Also, I wasn't too concerned about the thermostat when I was ordering it from the dealership. But, if I purchase an aftermarket thermostat, which temperature; 170 or 180 should I purchase and which brand? NAPA, Stant and Gates are look similar and are available in both 170 and 180 degree. Kuzeh and NTC, appear to be a totally different design...and cost a little more. That could be a good thing or bad thing???
Thanks again for all your help.
Tom
New Year's Eve, I notice a small hairline crack on the top of my 1999 LX470's radiator. It's was very small and was only weeping about a 1/2" spot on the top of the radiator after driving all day. So, after checking prices for OEM radiators, I decided to order an OEM replacement from an out of state Lexus dealership. Price was fair at $344 and I felt safe driving with such a small leak. However, yesterday morning I found a large puddle of coolant on the garage floor. After further investigation, it appears the lower tank is now leaking. Not sure if the lower tank is cracked or the lower seal has failed, but this leak is much larger and needs to be repaired before driving. Here's my dilemma; last Thursday I ordered an OEM radiator, both hoses, thermostat and I new fan clutch. I spoke to the dealer on Saturday. They don't expect to deliver the parts to me for 7-10 days. That doesn't work for me, so my options are to purchase the radiator from a local Lexus dealer ($475 plus tax, next day delivery) or purchase an aftermarket radiator locally. I found a Denso brand locally for $320. There is also a NAPA brand available for $350, but I have to wait 3-5 days. There are some other aftermarket brands available, but I didn't recognize any of their names and they are not "in stock". I can purchase the same Denso radiator online for $168 with free shipping and no tax, which is a lower cost option...always a good thing.
So, my question is; does anyone have any experience with the Denso radiator or any other aftermarket radiator brands? If so, do they recommend them or recommend I spend the extra money on OEM?
Also, I wasn't too concerned about the thermostat when I was ordering it from the dealership. But, if I purchase an aftermarket thermostat, which temperature; 170 or 180 should I purchase and which brand? NAPA, Stant and Gates are look similar and are available in both 170 and 180 degree. Kuzeh and NTC, appear to be a totally different design...and cost a little more. That could be a good thing or bad thing???
Thanks again for all your help.
Tom
