so i'm doing the timing belt complete kit real soon and while im in there i was thinking about replacing the radiator while at it. i have 170k on it and believe its the original. its not leaking but it is old. i do have an external tranny cooler already installed so no pink milkshake for me. researching that since im not using cooler in rad, i don't need an automatic version?? some say buy one meant for a manual tranny??? just want peoples opinion on what to get? just thinking that changing rad might be a good idea at this point. what do you guys think? thanks, this site is awesome. my 4runner is a 97 with the v6 with automatic tranny
radiator advice ???
- Thread starter hdoggie24
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Have you been changing your coolant regularly? If so I'd wait until the rad starts leaking before replacing.
That said, I changed mine at 170k, but that's because I'm using the built in tranny cooler. Too many pink milkshake stories. I'll probably change it again as a PM item after another 150k.
That said, I changed mine at 170k, but that's because I'm using the built in tranny cooler. Too many pink milkshake stories. I'll probably change it again as a PM item after another 150k.
brian2sun
Elite Member
Koyo radiators are good replacements that many use on here (including myself). I replaced mine about 6 years ago so it's time for me to start thinking about a new one again or an external tranny cooler. Last time I checked the auto version was ~$130. And yes, you can use the 5 speed radiator instead since you have an external tranny cooler (and I believe it's a little cheaper too). Like RC57 said though, you probably don't need to worry about replacing now unless you're having cooling system issues. I would just flush it out and replace it later as necessary.
Remove the cap and look at the core. You may have to drain some coolant to get a good look. At 170k miles it will look brand new if the coolant was changed on schedule. If it doesn't look good, consider flushing the system before replacing the coolant. Whether or not to flush depends on your tolerance for crap in your system. Does the engine ever run hot? If not I'd stick with a drain and fill. (I use Toyota Read and DI water.)
If you do go with a flush, rinse it out _thouroughly_ with DI water. 3 times, 2 gallons DI water each time isn't overdoing it. Turn the heater on high to get the heater core rinsed too.
If you do go with a flush, rinse it out _thouroughly_ with DI water. 3 times, 2 gallons DI water each time isn't overdoing it. Turn the heater on high to get the heater core rinsed too.
