Radiator replacement - when?
- Thread starter 4by4runr
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I had a slow leak around 100000 miles on a v6. I guess replacing it every 100000 miles would be a good maintenance.
MrRoo
New member
If it aint broke don't fix it. Really. If you have lots of corrosion then that's another story. But if you've changed your coolant on a regular schedule you should have no issues unless you spring a leak. There is no schedule for radiator replacement. Now a 3rd gen is a different story. 100,000 on a 3rd gen or 10 years about is all they last before pink milkshake brings all the girls to the yard.
jreask
Member
The radiators tend to leak up high and with small leaks that are hard to detect. Usually upper driver side. You can't see it but the overflow is empty, the radiator stops leaking when it hits the level about an inch below the top. Not enough to overheat but it will start leaking when you fill it up above the level of the leak.
4by4runr
Member
Coolant had been changed once at 92k for timing but no water pump. I'm getting ready to have the timing belt done. Would it be cheaper and to have them just do the timing belt idler pulleys and maybe seals and the do the water pump, radiator and thermostat myself? And or can the water pump be done easily?
My mechanic did what he referred to as the "timing belt kit" which included all the related pulleys, belts and water pump. Last time I told them to not replace the water pump but at 200k but I decided to go with a new one this time.
I'm not clear on why you want to replace the radiator, it may be fine and just doing a complete flush should be fine.
I'm not clear on why you want to replace the radiator, it may be fine and just doing a complete flush should be fine.
4by4runr
Member
I guess I don't. Just trying to save some money if I can do the external stuff myself. I have been shopping around and getting quotes for $1000-1500 which is about $450 on the belt, $300 on the wp, $150 on the tstat and then seals and pulleys on top. I can handle the tstat and pump if it doesn't involve tearing into anything else, I know where my skill set ends ��. The radiator came up during conversations with shops, I wasn't really sure if it needed it. I could see the pulleys and seals being a better choice of spending. Currently at 175k - thanks all
bob3dsf
New member
I'm curious about this. Where have you seen them leak? I understand it can be difficult as you say, but it has to leave evidence somewhere? I ask because I had some unexplained loss of coolant in my overflow, but no evidence of any leak... other than some crustiness at the overflow cap. some reading led me to believe that I might have topped off my overflow too much and through expansion, overflowed from the reservoir cap. I started to suspect a HG issue since I have a V6 (but an '08, where the VAST majority of HG issues were in the earlier 4th gens, specifically the '04's). No evidence of leaks that I could find anywhere else. I've since done my 150k flush and no loss of overflow. So I'm curious when I hear of issues pertaining to current goings on with my vehicle. Not trying to call you out or anything, just want to hear more if you have any more..
OP, count me among the "leave it alone if it's ok" crowd... If you keep to your flushes, then you ought to be fine.
97hb
New member
Dont have a V8 but my original V6 radiator is going strong at 387,000+ miles. No leaks, no scale, no rust, but I dump and refill more than most and have a coolant filter. Original water pump also. Keep your coolant fresh is my motto, probably why my original headgaskets have not popped yet haha!
jreask
Member
The ones that I have had leak the leak was so small that the liquid would evaporate before reaching the ground. It would run down and start to cross the radiator support. Like I said the leaks were almost undetected until the radiator was removed. Enough to lower the level in the radiator. After it reaches this level it never leaks again but it's not low enough to overheat. Hope this helps.I'm curious about this. Where have you seen them leak? I understand it can be difficult as you say, but it has to leave evidence somewhere? I ask because I had some unexplained loss of coolant in my overflow, but no evidence of any leak... other than some crustiness at the overflow cap. some reading led me to believe that I might have topped off my overflow too much and through expansion, overflowed from the reservoir cap. I started to suspect a HG issue since I have a V6 (but an '08, where the VAST majority of HG issues were in the earlier 4th gens, specifically the '04's). No evidence of leaks that I could find anywhere else. I've since done my 150k flush and no loss of overflow. So I'm curious when I hear of issues pertaining to current goings on with my vehicle. Not trying to call you out or anything, just want to hear more if you have any more..
OP, count me among the "leave it alone if it's ok" crowd... If you keep to your flushes, then you ought to be fine.
gm350reratliff
New member
Man, you just jinxed yourself.
I plan on replacing mine when it starts leaking. Currently at 157k, no leaks yet (crosses fingers).
BlackWorksInc
New member
Don't worry about the radiator until it leaks honestly.
shahsmerdis
New member
my water pump was leaking at 96k and 10 years. if they are doing a tbelt, and this is your second belt, get it done its like 8 bolts if i remember? and its right there
shahsmerdis
New member
they heck? this should all be one flat rate, its right next to each other no? or additional half hour of labor at the most (1 hour tops).
edit drain and fill should be fine, just use new proper coolant
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4by4runr
Member
I know right!? I called 4 places here and they all want about the same $1000 and the other Toyota dealer said $150 on the stat, so I'm thinking he's looking at the standalone price if you were just replacing the stat. I'll ask him tomorrow but I wouldn't pay more than an $100 installed. I don't know what the heck he was talking about.