I just replaced the original radiator on my 2000 4WD Limited 3.4L with 230K miles. I am the original owner so I know it had never been replaced. Old radiator was working fine so this was just preventative maintenance. I also replaced the thermostat along with the upper/lower hoses, and flushed out the system.
The new radiator is an OEM Denso part# 16410-AZ011, which I picked up from the dealer for $152.
I thought it would be pretty much the same as the original. Not quite.
Before I get to my gripe, one thing I do like on the new Denso are the hooks on the sides that align up the bolt holes. Made the install so much easier.
So here's my complaint. Why is the petcock half the size of the original and of such low quality. When I loosen it, it wobbles almost like the fitting is off. When I hand tighten it down I feel like it's going to break off in my hand. At one point I just stopped tightening and called it good.
The new radiator does not even have the weep hole below the petcock, where you could blast pressurized water straight down like you could with the stock radiator. You have to carefully loosen it so it starts trickling, and don't dare open it up too much or it'll pop off and you will get soaked. Ask me how I know
There's no middle ground. It's either a slow trickle or full blast straight back.
I thought (for a split second) to maybe drill in a little weep hole. But then common sense prevailed, and to leave well enough alone.
edit: I didn't realize until today that there are more than one OEM radiator to choose from....so this is the "economy" line. If I wanted something closer to factory it would cost much more than I paid.
The new radiator is an OEM Denso part# 16410-AZ011, which I picked up from the dealer for $152.
I thought it would be pretty much the same as the original. Not quite.
Before I get to my gripe, one thing I do like on the new Denso are the hooks on the sides that align up the bolt holes. Made the install so much easier.
So here's my complaint. Why is the petcock half the size of the original and of such low quality. When I loosen it, it wobbles almost like the fitting is off. When I hand tighten it down I feel like it's going to break off in my hand. At one point I just stopped tightening and called it good.
The new radiator does not even have the weep hole below the petcock, where you could blast pressurized water straight down like you could with the stock radiator. You have to carefully loosen it so it starts trickling, and don't dare open it up too much or it'll pop off and you will get soaked. Ask me how I know
There's no middle ground. It's either a slow trickle or full blast straight back.
I thought (for a split second) to maybe drill in a little weep hole. But then common sense prevailed, and to leave well enough alone.
edit: I didn't realize until today that there are more than one OEM radiator to choose from....so this is the "economy" line. If I wanted something closer to factory it would cost much more than I paid.
