Replace Radiator, which one?

[flintknapper]

97 Land Cruiser.

Thought I had a headgasket leak...as I was getting a slow loss of fluid from my overflow tank. Couldn't find any obvious leaks elsewhere (hoses, etc).

Popped the hood this afternoon to do a Co2 test and noticed a small spurt of coolant from right at the top of the radiator (plastic top), did it once more then quit.

I could see where coolant had been blowing on top of the engine. Went ahead and tested the radiator (twice) for traces of Co2 and found none.

I want to replace the radiator but do NOT want any plastic on it this time.

What is conventional wisdom on this? Replace with the old style brass unit or find an all aluminum aftermarket. Anyone have a good suggestion on aftermarket.

NOTE: I live in Texas....so it gets HOT here (like the surface of the Sun), 8 months out of the year. The radiator needs to be good one.

Thanks, Flint.

 

[flintknapper]

BTT

Come on Gents, someone give me a clue here.

All Metal Radiator for a '97

 

[BrotherRob]

I've run a brass radiator for several years. Had no issues with it. I've heard the Koyos are better but I was headed to Moab in two days and needed one now.

 

[Toyote]

I have a 97 and my original radiator just gave out. Replaced it with a metal 3-row Koyo rad (for a 94 model) purchased online and shipped free from Auto Cool. Fits perfectly and so far works exactly as expected (granted Portland is a far cry from TX temperature wise-- and prob many other ways

http://www.autocoolradiators.com/

 

[flintknapper]

After a little looking around, I settled on the CSF-2517

3 Row, All Metal. $325.00 shipped to me.

Will let you know how it pans out.

 

[landtoy80]

That is what was on my 80 when I got it and it lasted about 8 years. I replaced it with same radiator. It cools very good, hardly ever here the clutch fan kick in. Done some heavy hauling with it in the mountains and temp gauge never moves. Some say you need to get another temp gauge to get correct reading...Might get one some day.
The last one started leaking at the top tank lip.
Be sure to use Toyota Red antifreeze in it.
I should have to replace it again in 2018.

 

[IdahoDoug]

curious how the fit goes, etc.

 

[mossman40]

After a little looking around, I settled on the CSF-2517

3 Row, All Metal. $325.00 shipped to me.

Will let you know how it pans out.

Exactly what I purchased months ago. Perfect fit, quality seems good and cooling just fine. All metal just soothes my soul, especially where that top little hose comes off the radiator. Can't tell you how many times I find myself leaning on that with my elbow or large belly !

 

[davework]

Fit was perfect in my 94 for the same CSF. I had to slightly tweak the tranny inputs, but only then just barely.

 

[FloridaCruiser813]

flintknapper where did u purchase from?

 

[flintknapper]

flintknapper where did u purchase from?

From 'RWI' on Amazon.

 

[FloridaCruiser813]

any website for a all metal koyo ?

 

[mickeyt]

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=Radiator

 

[96Cruiser]

old thread I know, anyone know whats the difference of the CSF-2517 at 366$ versus the CSF-W0133-1599468 at 386$
other than 20$ haha
this is from autopartswarehouse , partsgeek is 50$ cheaper but they have very bad service looks like from a BBB search.
local dealer wants 600$ for oem, I really didn't want plastic, but hey if I can Beno or Dan to get me one ,maybe that's the way to go

thanks for the help

doug hunt

 

[inkpot]

Koyo 1918A has worked great for me @< $250 delivered. John

 

[Tools R Us]

My first choice is aluminum/plastic, Koyo is a good brand.

 

[baggar11]

Go aluminum. I had to replace my 3 year old 3 core copper Koyo because it wouldn't keep my rig cool. I picked up a Silla 2 row 2 inch from amazon for $126 shipped a couple months back. I did have to grind down one of the mounts for fitament, but it's been keeping my rig super cool. 100F degree day with the Silla and 20000CST in the fan clutch and I was only seeing 174F coolant temps. I've since put 7000CST into my fan clutch, and even on an 80F day with the AC on, I've only seen 180F coolant temps.

 

[jfz80]

If you call them they can get you one

385 +\- iirc and doing just fine here. First one made it 17 yrs so I'm good going back with the same even if plastic.

 

[Kernal]

What's the group consensus on the average lifetime of the original plastic tank radiators? Or, what percentage of original tanks have gone bad (with or without a bad headgasket at the same time)?

 

[retrofive]

What's the group consensus on the average lifetime of the original plastic tank radiators? Or, what percentage of original tanks have gone bad (with or without a bad headgasket at the same time)?

not sure, but i'm at 183k, original hg, replaced the original radiator at around 176k iirc