Question for those who replaced their radiators

[Avarice]

Hey all,

So I'm finally gonna get around to changing out the radiator to avoid the milkshake before the winter hits. Ordering the Koyo replacement now. Annoyingly my radiator looks dang near perfect, but I have no idea if it was ever replaced and I'm at 185k kilometers.

My question is this. Did you replace the hoses, thermostat, etc? My hoses seem to be in perfect condition, they aren't dry or cracking and the car blows hot air. I am replacing the cap just in case as I have a few mechanic friends who do recommend switching them out from time to time.

Just trying to make sure I don't waste cash needlessly. Already looking at a $1100 bill for some nice new winter tires and $230 for the radiator and cap.

PS. I know Toyota uses different coolant than others, did you guys just go to the dealer and get it?

 

[LittleCaesar]

I did, only as preventative maintenance. In the scheme of things, it isn't that much more $$$.

You can definitely feel the difference between the old and new hoses. And a new radiator cap allows the engine warms up quicker.

Dealer for coolant, unless you can find the Zerex Asian stuff at a parts store.

 

[IanB]

If you already have the coolant drained, I would replace the t-stat with another OEM, for piece of mind.

 

[96743runner]

I replaced my thermostat, hoses, and cap when I did my radiator.

Tried using a cheaper aftermarket thermostat but it ended up running 10*+ hotter than before, so I switched it out for a brand new OEM one. It's running normal now at 188* like it used to.

Personally, I think that if you are gonna do the radiator, might as well do it all at one time, then you won't have to worry about it again for a while.

I also used the OEM Toyota Red coolant. Cost me about $40 for a gallon from the dealer, but I think it was worth it. In my past experiences, it's usually better to stick with OEM than to try to save a few $$ with cheaper parts.

 

[kball]

Hey all,

So I'm finally gonna get around to changing out the radiator to avoid the milkshake before the winter hits. Ordering the Koyo replacement now. Annoyingly my radiator looks dang near perfect, but I have no idea if it was ever replaced and I'm at 185k kilometers.

My question is this. Did you replace the hoses, thermostat, etc? My hoses seem to be in perfect condition, they aren't dry or cracking and the car blows hot air. I am replacing the cap just in case as I have a few mechanic friends who do recommend switching them out from time to time.

Just trying to make sure I don't waste cash needlessly. Already looking at a $1100 bill for some nice new winter tires and $230 for the radiator and cap.

PS. I know Toyota uses different coolant than others, did you guys just go to the dealer and get it?

Which hoses are you talking about? Just upper and lower rad or heater etc..?

When I did my T belt/water pump I changed out the radiator, cap, thermostat, upper and lower rad hoses and oil cooler hoses (coolant flows through them to cool the oil).

I did not change any heater core hoses or rear heater hoses.

I've heard it said that every 7-8 years is a good time frame to change the rad hoses. I've pretty much followed that.

Since mine had green coolant in it I got the mixes with everything 5year/150K prestone stuff.

 

[Brilliant]

I did mine last weekend. I went to the dealer for the cap and fluid, 120 koyo from some online place.

I did a proper flush, but didnt do the hoses. Top was fine. I assumed the bottom was, but after getting under it, Ill replace the bottom.

I think the tstat goes with wp replacement, at least in my mind.

 

[cj80cruiser]

I didn't change out the thermostat on mine but I did change the hoses. Got the hoses from Carquest for $15 each....turns out you can use the same hose for the top as you do for the bottom with a little trimming for the latter to fit.

 

[Avarice]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm just gonna go ahead and replace all of it at once. I haven't taken a shortcut with the truck so far so why start now right?

This way, everything should last longer than the drivetrain itself.

 

[BrianSD_42]

change the T-stat, use Toyota part only, no ebay T-stat.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If you're going to use the red Toyota coolant then shop around to a couple of dealers since one dealer quoted me $32 fro the gallon and then I called the one I usually go to and I got the same stuff for $18.