I didn't think you could get the Japanese Denso's anymore. I haven't had any troubles with my Chinese Denso radiator. Since they're so cheap I plan on changing the radiator out again when the timing belt is due at 100k along with LBJ's/bolts. I could run it until failure since I'm fully bypassing the internal cooler but I might as well replace it when the cooling system is drained.
'99 with original radiator, want to avoid the dreaded Strawberry Milkshake
- Thread starter RobS10
- Start date
muellernautique
New member
I did the same 3 years ago. Spent about $500 at Toyota for all oem radiator tstat timing belt wp pulleys tensioner etc and I don’t even remember my radiator being over $100. I didn’t know my radiator was Chinese but it’s been great for the last 60k. Maybe that situation has changed since I got a new rad in 2018. I also intend to replace it again with another new one from the dealer when I’m due for a new timing belt at 250K.
I always ask for the shop price at the dealer though. They put in my phone number and always give me a discount after seeing my orders.
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Nology
New member
They're still out there. I want to say I paid around $350 a month or so ago with free shipping from a dealer.
Romeo1
Member
This one is such an easy repair that it really should just be part of a preventive maintenance situation.
The third GEN 4Runner radiator is quite possibly the easiest radiator I’ve ever swapped in my life ranging from cars to really big heavy equipment. It’s stupid simple, the thermostat is in such a cake spot, its not even funny. It’s some grill clips, four bolts that hold the radiator, and four bolts on the shrouds, a couple of clips, and you’re off and away.
I installed the Chinese Denzo from the dealer in mine this year, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. The Chinese Koyo rad in my Dodge has also been flawless too.
Sure there are way too many things in this life made of Chineseium that are pure garbage. This isn’t one of those in my opinion. Just replace the radiator, and be done with it. It’s not worth the headache or the hassle that a compromised radiator brings.
The third GEN 4Runner radiator is quite possibly the easiest radiator I’ve ever swapped in my life ranging from cars to really big heavy equipment. It’s stupid simple, the thermostat is in such a cake spot, its not even funny. It’s some grill clips, four bolts that hold the radiator, and four bolts on the shrouds, a couple of clips, and you’re off and away.
I installed the Chinese Denzo from the dealer in mine this year, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. The Chinese Koyo rad in my Dodge has also been flawless too.
Sure there are way too many things in this life made of Chineseium that are pure garbage. This isn’t one of those in my opinion. Just replace the radiator, and be done with it. It’s not worth the headache or the hassle that a compromised radiator brings.
T4R2014
Elite Member
The Denso radiators are piles of shit. There is one made in Taiwan that that don't package properly, and another variant made in China that won't arrive broken but is still a pile of shit. It might be easy to swap but I don't think most people want to spend a lifetime replacing radiators. I think if you take long trips in a vehicle with over 200k, then you don't want to be depending on a subpar radiator. When the cheap plastic fails that high mileage engine may not handle a few minutes of overheating like a new engine will. Just my two cents, buy once cry once.
Idk how people whine about mechanic prices when their comparison is DIY with Amazon supplied parts with no labor warranty while being located in nowhere Missouri where general living costs are relatively cheaper than a coastal city. Not all mechanics are saints, but these are small businesses.
Idk how people whine about mechanic prices when their comparison is DIY with Amazon supplied parts with no labor warranty while being located in nowhere Missouri where general living costs are relatively cheaper than a coastal city. Not all mechanics are saints, but these are small businesses.
Romeo1
Member
Well, I guess technically mine was a Taiwan Denzo from Toyota. There really aren’t any other choices out there from where I looked. Maybe there are and I just did not find it.
Plastic tank radiators are not designed to be a lifetime item in my opinion. Just change them as needed and move on. I don’t know, I guess it’s all relative. We used to keep water pumps on the shelf in the shop for our 350 Chevy pick ups, because it seemed like we never did any less than one a year. And we used to have a charge account in town at the radiator shop, which sort of isn’t a thing anymore since the widespread usage of extended life coolants.
I guess I don’t mind the what, $130 new replacement radiator versus the $300-500 rod and solder bill at the radiator shop. That’s just me though. If there was a better alternative out there I would totally be open to that idea though.
I don't mind changing mine as a wear item. They do make all aluminum ones though. Champion CC1998 and Koyo VH010665N. I think they both require their own specific radiator caps. Koyo doesn't have a built in transmission cooler, but I think the Champion does. But for that price I can replace with the plastic denso radiator 2-3 times.
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