Radiator replacement

[chuckscap]

Took my trusty 2000 LX470 to the Toyota dealer for my regularly scheduled oil & filter change and tire rotation. They found a radiator leak, which I kind of noticed. The quote including everything was $1700. Is that in the ball park for a Toyota dealership replacement? I was going to buy some stop leak, but the truck has been very good to me so I told them to do it..

Thanks!
Chuck

 

[GTV]

I should get into the replacing radiators business.

 

[Cruiserlab]

DON'T USE STOP LEAK!

It'll clog all sorts of little places, and you'll never get it clean without taking everything apart.

 

[leveeguy]

Better idea to pay the stealership $2000 to replace it before putting any sort of stop leak in the cooling system.

 

[BullElk]

Well I would've done it for $1650. And advised to never use STOP LEAK... for free.

 

[2001LC]

If they did a proper service. You'll want to make sure, to check your coolant level:
By looking in radiator (under cap) before sun-up (coolest time of day, before OAT warming) after 8 hour cool down. Parked with front end higher than rear.

A proper Rad R&R, includes:
Draining block (2).
Heater Tees, if not done.
Upper & lower radiator hoses.
Thermostat & gasket.
4 gal coolant.

 

[97 AZ LC]

There's a time and a place for stop leak but this wasn't it. A radiator is a critical component and you needed a new one. There's several good radiators on RockAuto for about $200 and they are easy to put in. This sort of financial calamity is going to happen again if you don't get engaged in the maintenance of your vehicle.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If you told them to do it and it's done, not sure what you're asking? If what they charged you is high? Not sure if your price included your other services, but, if not, new OEM radiator top rate is maybe $5-600, so you got charged maybe $1100 in labor and materials.

 

[Super77]

for what they’re charging, I’d at least confirm that they are doing a full drain and refill of the whole cooling system (not just the rad), plus new major hoses and heater tees.

 

[chuckscap]

Thanks all. I'm glad I had it replaced.

 

[Gartenmeister]

The quote including everything was $1700.

Chuck, would you mind sharing exactly what parts and services you received? It is informative to see what items the dealership includes in a service, and how much labor is involved.

I recently did mine. Twice actually since the first one was defective. I replaced radiator itself, upper/lower hoses and clamps, thermostat/gasket and coolant.