Crusty Radiator Leak, Time To Replace It

Slowgoat

Slowgoat

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I am need engine a new radiator.

Check out what I found after removing the cover:



I got a new one from Aeon Imports like this thread suggested:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/152737-my-radiator-too-young-die-v6-radiator-leak-pics.html

Hoses are good.

I need a new radiator cap. Does it have to be OEM?

Any other hints?

I found a couple of 3rd Gen threads that describe the process. Nothing for 4th gens.

Anyone know of one for the 4th gen? They look pretty similar.

What do you all think?
 
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Honestly, I reused the cap from the old radiator without issue. Wouldn't hurt to replace it with oem though. I also took the petcock out of the old radiator and used it in the new one. The new one seeped a bit.

Other than that, it's a really simple job if your 4Runner isn't rusty. Removing the rubber mounts can be a b#!%h if it is.
 
jonesmw10 said:
Honestly, I reused the cap from the old radiator without issue. Wouldn't hurt to replace it with oem though. I also took the petcock out of the old radiator and used it in the new one. The new one seeped a bit.

Other than that, it's a really simple job if your 4Runner isn't rusty. Removing the rubber mounts can be a b#!%h if it is.
Click to expand...

It was no big dea swapping them out. Kind of easy really.

Thanks for the reply!
 
Just an interesting observation here: The radiator cap on my V8 is on the drivers side. Surprised there's a difference.
 
Slowgoat said:
That is an excellent write up, wish I had it the other day!

I always wondered about the tranny fluid going in being cooler than the radaptor fluid. What are the advantages to the external cooler? I don't tow, so is it necessary?
Click to expand...

with the external cooler my trans runs about 150-170*f, with it being cooled alongside coolant in the radiator, i can only assume it was hotter because the coolant temperature is in the 190*f range. i tow often so it was a no brainer for me when i pulled my radiator
 
Slowgoat said:
I am need engine a new radiator.

Check out what I found after removing the cover:



I got a new one from Aeon Imports like this thread suggested:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ator-too-young-die-v6-radiator-leak-pics.html

Hoses are good.

I need a new radiator cap. Does it have to be OEM?

Any other hints?

I found a couple of 3rd Gen threads that describe the process. Nothing for 4th gens.

Anyone know of one for the 4th gen? They look pretty similar.

What do you all think?
Click to expand...
I realize I'm bumping an old thread. But I know you're still on these forums.

I need to do this too. My radiator is getting crusty as well. Hopefully tackling this in the next week or so...

Question about handling the ATF fluid. Did you prefill the radiator with ATF before reconnecting everything? Or is the amount of ATF fluid in the radiator negligible...
66e1e92f5d6dc57c4912afe32eb5b7c1.jpg
 
you dont have to prefill the radiator. very small amount will come out. dissconnect the oil cooler top hose and let gravity do its thing. you may blow air thru the radiator to make sure all oil drained back to the oil pan.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
 
Berty_K said:
Gotcha. So if I do this right, the only thing I should need to refill is the radiator and coolant overflow tank, yes?
Click to expand...

You'll lose approximately 1 quart of trans fluid also...the capacity of the cooler and some loss from the hoses. Plan on topping off the trans.
 
Slowgoat said:
You may lose a bit of tranny fluid.

Stick two sharpies in the hoses. Works perfectly!

That was the trick suggested deep on a 4runner radiator swap thread.

Easy!

Post #35 below:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/115475-how-radiator-replacement-3.html
Click to expand...

Great tip.

One last question. Did you have to bleed the system for air? I'm noticing some general internet DIYs recommend this Lisle funnel adapter.

I'm also not seeing any recommendation to bleed the system in toyota's FSM for the radiator install-- Just "Add Coolant" and the "Inspect Engine Coolant Leak."
 
Last edited:
Berty_K said:
Great tip.

One last question. Did you have to bleed the system for air? I'm noticing some general internet DIYs recommend this Lisle funnel adapter.

I'm also not seeing any recommendation to bleed the system in toyota's FSM for the radiator install-- Just "Add Coolant" and the "Inspect Engine Coolant Leak."
Click to expand...

I have that funnel.

Watch this vid:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zUpXgAJ1gjU

It explains a Honda (I have one), but same theory.

I just did the funnel part, skipping the block bolt bleed part. Do what you think is right. I’ve never had a problem since the swap a couple of years ago!
 
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no, you don't have to bleed it. the air will work its way out at some point.

Berty_K said:
Great tip.

One last question. Did you have to bleed the system for air? I'm noticing some general internet DIYs recommend this Lisle funnel adapter.

I'm also not seeing any recommendation to bleed the system in toyota's FSM for the radiator install-- Just "Add Coolant" and the "Inspect Engine Coolant Leak."
Click to expand...
 
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