Camry Cracked Radiator

Jumpkix

Jumpkix

New member
Driving my Camry to work, I discovered a long thin crack in the top plastic cover of my radiator :mad2: Long story short, the whole thing needs to be replaced. Any suggestions for brand or where to buy? I've heard good things about Koyo...I think I'd really like to get an all metal one since the plastic ones are famous for cracking.

I really, really appreciate any tips or advice! :thumb3:

1999 camry

100K miles
 
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i dont think an all metal one is even an option.
what year is the camry? and how many miles? that plastic rad lasted that long, right?
just grab a replacement and throw it in.
 
nevada said:
i dont think an all metal one is even an option.
what year is the camry? and how many miles? that plastic rad lasted that long, right?
just grab a replacement and throw it in.
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It's a '99 with 100K miles. If I can get something that will last longer, that's what I'd prefer. I've just heard that some aftermarket Rad manufacturers make a superior product. But I'd be fine just getting an OEM one if that's what people recommend.
 
You got some. Go with what you had. You plan on having this car for more than 14 more years?
 
hearno said:
You got some. Go with what you had. You plan on having this car for more than 14 more years?
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Since I drive close to 20K miles every year, it definitely won't last that long. Guess I'll just shop around and compare prices. I was just thinking maybe there was a typical Radiator brand that people on this forum preferred.
 
Jumpkix said:
Since I drive close to 20K miles every year, it definitely won't last that long. Guess I'll just shop around and compare prices. I was just thinking maybe there was a typical Radiator brand that people on this forum preferred.
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20k isn't that much more than the average of 15k, yearly. If you keep the fluid fresh, I wouldn't see any reason the new OEM wouldn't last for another 200k miles.
 
hearno said:
20k isn't that much more than the average of 15k, yearly. If you keep the fluid fresh, I wouldn't see any reason the new OEM wouldn't last for another 200k miles.
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The cost of the OEM Radiator is closer to $200. The one from Napa Auto Parts is $112. So my real deciding factor is which to buy.
 
Jumpkix said:
Also, should I replace the hoses/thermostat while I'm in there?
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Hoses - depends on condition. Have they been done before? If not, I would so you won't have to worry about it. T-stat, has it been replaced before? If not, why not. That way you don't have to worry about it.
 
Buy the radiator from NAPA. Also buy some Zerex Asian antifreeze from them.

Go to the dealer for lower, upper radiator hose along with T-stat if you want to keep the car for another 100k at least. If not, then no.
 
hearno said:
Hoses - depends on condition. Have they been done before? If not, I would so you won't have to worry about it. T-stat, has it been replaced before? If not, why not. That way you don't have to worry about it.
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Normally, I would say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I did buy the replacement parts except for the hoses. Both of them seem to be in good shape.

LittleCaesar said:
Buy the radiator from NAPA. Also buy some Zerex Asian antifreeze from them.

Go to the dealer for lower, upper radiator hose along with T-stat if you want to keep the car for another 100k at least. If not, then no.
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I probably will keep the car for a while. Broadway Toyota charges an arm and a leg for parts, unfortunately. I just paid $30 for a bottle of Toyota coolant :mad2: I'm just gonna roll the dice and use the Napa Thermostat and hope for the best.
 
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