Should I replace my radiator? (14 Viewers)

[simpsoap]

Recently my temps have been a bit higher than normal. I also noticed that if I have the a/c on the oil pressure gauge will go all the way to high and temps climb even higher, but once the a/c is off things settle back down. I snapped some pics of the radiator and from doing searches looks like it could be leaking around the area where the plastic meets the metal of the radiator. I'm not getting any drips and the expansion tank also seems fine. I'm curious to know if it was your truck, would you replace with an OE radiator? The truck drives great, has no issues, is rust free so I would like to keep her running as long as possible.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[BTLSHP]

I would start looking for a new radiator....look into the placement of foam around it to determine whether you want OE (best) or other.

 

[simpsoap]

I would start looking for a new radiator....look into the placement of foam around it to determine whether you want OE (best) or other.

I'll definitely go with OE, I'm at 332k miles and it's lasted this long.

-Andy

 

[ppc]

Time to replace the fan clutch as well.

 

[Kernal]

"if I have the a/c on the oil pressure gauge will go all the way to high"

Does the oil pressure needle go full up (4th line) when you increase the engine rpms to say 2000 or higher??

IME one cause of the oil pressure going too high is an oil filter that is bypassing (and not filtering). Which oil filter
are you running and how old is it?

Have you noticed the radiator overflow tank becoming over-filled even after the engine has cooled down?

Definitely replace the Thermostat (OEM only) along with the fan clutch while you're in there and the water pump if it's the original just because
you're right there. If you buy an OEM radiator it will come with a new cap. Consider replacing the radiator rubber cushions/isolators ( 2 top, 2 bottom) as they get hard as a rock with age.

 

[simpsoap]

"if I have the a/c on the oil pressure gauge will go all the way to high"

Does the oil pressure needle go full up (4th line) when you increase the engine rpms to say 2000 or higher??

IME one cause of the oil pressure going too high is an oil filter that is bypassing (and not filtering). Which oil filter
are you running and how old is it?

Have you noticed the radiator overflow tank becoming over-filled even after the engine has cooled down?

Definitely replace the Thermostat (OEM only) along with the fan clutch while you're in there and the water pump if it's the original just because
you're right there. If you buy an OEM radiator it will come with a new cap. Consider replacing the radiator rubber cushions/isolators ( 2 top, 2 bottom) as they get hard as a rock with age.

I use only OE Toyota oil filters on the truck, usually buy them 12 at a time. I haven't used the a/c recently, but just did an oil change in May 2025, i've put about 1200 miles on the currently filter and oil.

Oil pressure needle goes up the fourth line when the engine is initially started, but once it is warmed up, it usually sits between the first line and the middle. I have always thought the guage seems a little slow, which is why I'm thinking about replacing the oil pressure switch.

The overlow tank is usually right at the line on the tank, i have only ever really noticed it about 1" above that line, never more.

-Andy

 

[JoeCova]

You’ll know if you have a radiator leak. That said, it’s just a matter of time before it goes. Might as well replace it now with a good coolant flush.

 

[simpsoap]

You’ll know if you have a radiator leak. That said, it’s just a matter of time before it goes. Might as well replace it now with a good coolant flush.

But based on the pics above, you would assume it is leaking right? I don't believe that red crusted stuff should be around the top of the radiator.

 

[80serie]

IMO if you don’t want to keep it running… don’t change it!

 

[JoeCova]

But based on the pics above, you would assume it is leaking right? I don't believe that red crusted stuff should be around the top of the radiator.

Can’t tell from your pics. If it’s leaking then things will be wet, drips on frame, drips on the ground etc. Coolant doesn’t evaporate quickly.

 

[simpsoap]

Can’t tell from your pics. If it’s leaking then things will be wet, drips on frame, drips on the ground etc. Coolant doesn’t evaporate quickly.

I've never seen it crusty like that before on the radiator. Nothing seems like it is wet or seeping. I don't see any drips on the frame and there is nothing on the ground.

 

[JoeCova]

I've never seen it crusty like that before on the radiator. Nothing seems like it is wet or seeping. I don't see any drips on the frame and there is nothing on the ground.

Spray it off and clean around it, once clean youll know if any holes opened up.

 

[thedoughboy]

^ x2

 

[alia176]

there may not be an actual hole but the top plastic cover rubber seal could be the culprit. I know radiator shops at one time used to replace this gasket on both plastic tanks, and they have the tool to bend all those fingers!!

On second thought, is your upper radiator hose dripping?

 

[simpsoap]

there may not be an actual hole but the top plastic cover rubber seal could be the culprit. I know radiator shops at one time used to replace this gasket on both plastic tanks, and they have the tool to bend all those fingers!!

On second thought, is your upper radiator hose dripping?

View attachment 3931339

Is there a part number for this plastic cover rubber seal you are talking about?

also, I have not noticed a leak on any hose, but will check again once I get home and park it.

 

[alia176]

Is there a part number for this plastic cover rubber seal you are talking about?

also, I have not noticed a leak on any hose, but will check again once I get home and park it.

i don't think the radiators from toyota are refurishable so i bet they don't have the gaskets for them. I bet you can get them from somewhere once you have the dimensions on hand. Back in the "old days" dudes use to cut them out of rubber or some such material by using the old gaskets as templates.

 

[simpsoap]

i don't think the radiators from toyota are refurishable so i bet they don't have the gaskets for them. I bet you can get them from somewhere once you have the dimensions on hand. Back in the "old days" dudes use to cut them out of rubber or some such material by using the old gaskets as templates.

but what exactly is this rubber doing?

I suppose at this point, I am going to clean the radiator up tonight and get all the crusty antifreeze off of it and see if it comes back. If it returns, might be time for a new radiator.

 

[SpenserAK]

Can you post a couple pictures of other parts of the cooling system? Heater control valve, hoses, etc... and have you taken a peek at the PHH or other less-visible hoses? Curious about condition of these other items

 

[simpsoap]

Can you post a couple pictures of other parts of the cooling system? Heater control valve, hoses, etc... and have you taken a peek at the PHH? Curious about condition of these other items

I'll snap some additional pics tonight.

-Andy

 

[alia176]

this will help you visualize