My 91 has 168,000 on the clock. Seems like from all I read the radiator is nearing the end of it's life? Should I wait for a blow out/ leak or replace it now? I'm keeping the LC long term. Thanks
Replace radiator as PM? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Bendcruiser
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A lot of it just depends on how it's been treated over the years, if it's overheated, how much sludge is possibly built up on the inside, if you've ever overheated and how often, and if anyone has ever sat/stepped on it while working on the engine. If its not leaking, look at other maintenance items that need to be taken care of such as fluids, seals, gaskets, exhaust leaks, sensors, axle/driveshaft/ujoints, etc...
LINUS
Waiting for the Great Pumpkin
I agree on the history dictating what you do, but that's a good radiator compared to the later alum 2 row jobs - those early 80's got the brass 3 row & is a common swap for newer 80's when they pop the cheaper late radiators.
If this is just a simple PM issue, no - I would keep what you have, it's the better radiator than the later dual cam motor 80's got - the build quality of whatever you buy could very well be less than the one you are running - so if you are bent on getting a new one, make sure it's the identical part number so you don't get a cheaper later one that's a Toyota part, or even worse a cheapo no-namer from Pep Boys, etc.
:::Edit - I do agree with Michael, if you are rich enough to just buy & warehouse a extra radiator, make sure it's a brass 3-row & just run what you have until it leaks on you & gives a good reason to switch. ::::
If this is just a simple PM issue, no - I would keep what you have, it's the better radiator than the later dual cam motor 80's got - the build quality of whatever you buy could very well be less than the one you are running - so if you are bent on getting a new one, make sure it's the identical part number so you don't get a cheaper later one that's a Toyota part, or even worse a cheapo no-namer from Pep Boys, etc.
:::Edit - I do agree with Michael, if you are rich enough to just buy & warehouse a extra radiator, make sure it's a brass 3-row & just run what you have until it leaks on you & gives a good reason to switch. ::::
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Leave it in and have a new one in the garage. 2 cents Mike
brian
SILVER Star
going with the buy now build later.
when i bought the beige 80...four years ago the rad was weeping in a few places. bought an oem brass rad shortly after. four years and 40k miles later..I.E early this summer i finally had to do the job. the 80 has over 200k on it, came with full service history...this was the original rad from 93.
when i bought the beige 80...four years ago the rad was weeping in a few places. bought an oem brass rad shortly after. four years and 40k miles later..I.E early this summer i finally had to do the job. the 80 has over 200k on it, came with full service history...this was the original rad from 93.
My 1997 started a slow fizz/leak at 150K and I replaced it pronto. If it hadn't done that and I had zero cooling symptoms I would not have replaced it, cheers.
Mtbcoach
Moderator
Mine went south yesterday, '97 with 160k on it. Popped at the crimp seal, lots of little rust pieces from inside, clearly deteriorating from the inside out...
Replace radiator as pm, you krazy. My 92 is original, it has 345,000 miles on it, and I plan on doing several 3000 mile trips this winter, towing a trailer. The day it goes is the day I'll worry about it. You can throw out all the comments from the newer LC owners, they really don't apply to you. I would stick with what you got, unless you enjoy throwing junk radiators in your truck every few years.
oh yeah, my rad has only seen green.
oh yeah, my rad has only seen green.
