Replacing radiator... (1 Viewer)

[CBdeJ]

Never done a radiator replacement on my own so I’m just touching base with the hive mind to see what else I’ll need...

As it stands I’m going to order a new OEM radiator (i figure some of the money I save in labor can go into the parts), cap, and upper and lower hoses from Camelback. Besides a couple of bottles of Toyota red coolant what else should I need/plan for?

Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[2001LC]

Thermostat, thermostat gasket and Heater tee's if not done.

 

[CBdeJ]

Thanks. Forgot to mention. T’s have been done and the thermostat was replaced when the timing belt water pump was done about 10k miles ago.

 

[hoser]

I think the OE radiator comes with a new cap.

 

[CBdeJ]

That is good to know. $12 bucks saved!

 

[BamaCruzer]

Replaced mine last year with OEM and it did indeed come with a cap.

 

[trdcorolla]

Don't forget the distilled water and don't forget to also turn on the rear heat when you burp the system.

 

[CBdeJ]

Can one burp the entire system in one go? Basically, start the truck, burp the engine circuit, let it continue to run/warm up then burp the front and rear heater circuits?

 

[Porter]

I always buy some new foam and double-sided tape. You may be able to reuse the foam which is placed around the perimeter of the radiator to keep the air flowing straight through.

 

[CBdeJ]

The FSM says I need 16.2 quarts of coolant. I'm assuming that's if I drain the system completely. What volume should I plan on having on hand for just the radiator swap?

 

[sharkCamo]

The FSM says I need 16.2 quarts of coolant. I'm assuming that's if I drain the system completely. What volume should I plan on having on hand for just the radiator swap?

Two jugs was plenty enough for me. I just used Aisin Red since I could get it quickly.

 

[cmassa]

I always buy some new foam and double-sided tape. You may be able to reuse the foam which is placed around the perimeter of the radiator to keep the air flowing straight through.

The oem radiator comes with the new foam already attached. I just did mine last month. And I'll confirm that it comes with a new cap.

 

[nissanh]

Use the oem hose clamps. I burp the system in one try. Here is how I do it. Wear goggles, when the engine is Cold, open the radiator cap and pour coolant and distilled water mixture to about 1/2 of an inch from the cap. With rear and front heaters on with low blower setting start the engine and KEEP an eye over the coolant level inside the radiator (cap off at all time). Fill the radiator as level subsides. Continue until no drop in the coolant level. Clean the reservoir bottle, its cap (make sure to clean the ports inside tha cap) and hose that connects the reservoir to radiator. Fill it to the right level.

 

[2001LC]

Since you've 2 gal of Toyota "Red" LL Coolant. I'll assume that is the 100% you purchased, and that you have a 98-02 100 series. Which Toyota recommends flushing intervals of the lessor of 30K miles or 2 years.

When replacing radiator, it's a good time do a full flush. But just draining radiator, which will drain some from top of engine. You'll need 1.5 -2 gallons.

Very important, mix the 100% Toyota Red 50/50 with distilled water or more accurately demineralized water. Do this in separated contain before pouring in radiator, is best.

To burp the system, when just draining the radiator. Often this can be done in one shot, just by squeezing the upper radiator hose with cap on after filling. Then add more 50/50 mix to radiator, and overfill the reservoir first time (a little above max line). But always re-check under cap, after a full 8 hour cool down. Keep rechecking each morning (after 8 hour cool down) until no more 50/50 mix can be added to radiator.

Tips:
Always turn both front and rear heaters to full hot. Keep that way during warm up and cool down cycles. Until sure all air bleed (burped) out.

Best to have front of vehicle higher during cool down and topping. That way air bubbles forms in top of radiator and you can really get topped off up to neck under cap easily.

Pulling battery makes R&R or radiator easier.

Best to keep coolant off drive belt and pulleys, by removing and/or covering.

Plug ends of transmission cooler hoses while swapping radiator.

Top transmission when done.

 

[CBdeJ]

I was going to buy the premix coolant so perhaps I’ll get 4 instead of two... yes it’s a 99 my.

nissanh, I read your post as if you burb with the overflow empty then add to the full line afterward, correct?

In the end it looks like burping can be done in one go as long as I cycle the system from cold to warm with both heaters on.

Thanks everyone. Ordering parts this week.

 

[terrapin]

I might add that hose clamp pliers are the greatest thing ever! I've always just used channel lock pliers, but these make the job so much easier.

Amazon product ASIN B003D3N7YW