Pink Milkshake: Highest Mileage with Original Rad

[1985taylor1925]

341k and counting on the original radiator on my 99 Runner. I think if you keep the fluid fresh you are less likely to have an issue.

wow. thats impressive

 

[tbst]

Just ordered a $67 radiator as I already have a transcooler I need to install. I couldn't live with myself if I got the pink milkshake after knowing all of this about the milkshake. Same way Paterno couldn't.

 

[erichbean]

1996

I know this is an older thread but I have a question. Is the pink milkshake not as common with 1996-1997 models? Just don't see many comments from owners who have these year models. I just bought my '96 and I'm thinking of putting an external cooler.

 

[offthebeatenpath]

The 99 I just picked up has 215k on it, and the radiator has the timing belt change sticker on it from the first go round at 115k. So unless it was replaced prior to 115k, it's still the stocker.

Those of you that have done the tranny cooler- have you replaced the radiator or just added the cooler?

 

[JPH63]

The 2000 T4R I bought last month suffered a pink milkshake last summer at 11 years and about 230k km (143k miles). The owner pulled over immediately and had it towed to a garage. With the transmission thoroughly flushed, and a new radiator installed, it has been running fine ever since. I'm not too concerned about it, but I am keeping an eye on things.

 

[1985taylor1925]

My 98 is just over 186k on the original rad. Though I will be replacing it within the next few months. Its probably a good idea to replace the rad on any vehicle with 186k miles. The pink milkshake issue just makes it that much more necessary for us 3rd gen owners.

 

[RC57]

341k and counting on the original radiator on my 99 Runner. I think if you keep the fluid fresh you are less likely to have an issue.

341k is encouraging. I'd think the radiator would have failed _somewhere_ by now, a seam or cracked tube.

Are you running original hoses too?

-RC

 

[mforce]

I just looked mine over. I have almost 170,000 miles and it's a 98. Mine is in great shape but I wonder if I change the fluids and put a cooler on if I will be fine and not have to change the radiator plus put in the cooler? Not sure how I flush the radiator other then drain and run water through it?

 

[XJeepguy]

Any of you guys who have installed ext. coolers , living in colder climates ,experienced any tranny shifting issues ?
I work in northern Alberta and it can dip to -20/-30 C and I know with it stock , the tranny fluid will be heated by the engine coolant upon warm up . Doesn't make much diff in summer but I worry about this in winter . Just looking for opinions.

Thanks

I just looked mine over. I have almost 170,000 miles and it's a 98. Mine is in great shape but I wonder if I change the fluids and put a cooler on if I will be fine and not have to change the radiator plus put in the cooler? Not sure how I flush the radiator other then drain and run water through it?

 

[RC57]

You guys recommended Koyo radiators. Are the radiators installed at the dealer Koyo radiators? If not, why it is better than the dealer installed one?

The Koyo looks identical to the Toyota radiator. It's quite possible Koyo makes radiators for Toyota under contract and the Koyo is the same as oem. It's unlikely Toyota makes radiators themselves. I have a 97 Avalon with original radiator that has the General Motors logo clearly molded in the top half of the radiator. That radiator is essentially the same design as the 4Runner rad. At 170k, should I change it?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Koyo made the OEM radiator. Its recommended to be changed because the old one has just had so long to develop cracks and deteriorate. Not that the stock one was bad, its just old and needs to be replaced.

I honestly dont understand the point of this thread. To see who can go the farthest without destroying their transmissions? Doesnt sound like a competition i would want to even be a part of.

Is it worth it to gamble and see how far you can go? Rebuilt trannys cost thousands, new radiator costs under 200. Seems like a no brainer to me...

 

[FJ 100]

The Koyo looks identical to the Toyota radiator. It's quite possible Koyo makes radiators for Toyota under contract and the Koyo is the same as oem. It's unlikely Toyota makes radiators themselves. I have a 97 Avalon with original radiator that has the General Motors logo clearly molded in the top half of the radiator. That radiator is essentially the same design as the 4Runner rad. At 170k, should I change it?

I've had a little experience selling radiators. I believe the Koyorads are the OEM and are quite good and priced better than Toyota.

Mine was changed today at 153k mi as a preventative measure. I have to double check the brand, but 1-800-Radiator is who I use and they refer to this as one of their RAD-X models. It is aftermarket, but has been time tested to outperform and have fewer warranty claims than the OEM (Toyota or Koyo).

 

[brian4t]

I currently have an 01 with 114K on the original radiator. I'm concerned and puzzled on how this happens to some and how others get MANY more miles out of a radiator that should be replaced (IMO) as routine maintenance every 150K. Since everyone has different stories I'd like to offer up an opinion and see what everyone thinks.

For those who have got the milkshake has your 4runner ever been in even a very mild - mild front end collision? I can see where is might start the ball rolling for premature failure. I owned a 95 Pathfinder and after being rear ended at 20mph my rear differential started grinding and seized up 1 month later. I believe the gears or pinion to be knocked out of place causing the failure. I didn't believe it to be a coincidence.

Any thoughts or feedback on this theory?

 

[JayRolla]

210k miles and original radiator. I will be swapping it soon.

 

[RC57]

I currently have an 01 with 114K on the original radiator. I'm concerned and puzzled on how this happens to some and how others get MANY more miles out of a radiator that should be replaced (IMO) as routine maintenance every 150K.
Any thoughts or feedback on this theory?

Swapped mine at 180k, no front end collision, no pink milkshake. There was however evidence of trace leakage on dissection of the old rad. The nipple that was bent 90deg showed signs of distortion during original assembly.

It would help if a number of failed radiators were carefully taken apart and examined to determine mechanism of failure. Why is it only 4Runners? Other Toyotas have radiators with similar design, yet a search for other models gets zip.

-RC

 

[brian4t]

Swapped mine at 180k, no front end collision, no pink milkshake. There was however evidence of trace leakage on dissection of the old rad. The nipple that was bent 90deg showed signs of distortion during original assembly.

It would help if a number of failed radiators were carefully taken apart and examined to determine mechanism of failure. Why is it only 4Runners? Other Toyotas have radiators with similar design, yet a search for other models gets zip.

-RC

However, if you do a Google search for 'coolant transmission fluid mix' other makes and models show. The first I noticed was a Benz.

 

[kegelinanger]

Wins...

 

[shadow247]

341k is encouraging. I'd think the radiator would have failed _somewhere_ by now, a seam or cracked tube.

Are you running original hoses too?

-RC

Not sure on the hoses, but I specifically asked the PO if he had ever replaced the Rad after reading about the pink milkshake issue. He said he never had. I just sold my Z71 so I am going to throw down for a new radiator this weekend.

 

[The97Runner]

Just went through all my paper work since 36k and now has 210000 and it appears to be original.

 

[Atreyus]

I swapped out mine at 166,000 because it was clogged or something. Was very easy to replace, looking to do the tranny cooler though just to be safe.