Radiator replacement
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4Runrrun'n
New member
I replaced mine in my 04 runner a few months ago with a Koyo off ebay. I have a V6 but I think V8 is similar (thermostat is slightly different I know.) Others with V8 would be more help if that is what you have.
Many will swear buy getting OEM but I couldn't personally justify the Dealership pricing on them which was $500-700 depending where I looked.
the Koyo carried a lifetime warranty and was significantly more cost affordable (less than $150). I did, however, use the Toyota SLL coolant in it; which I think is worthwhile.
To do the actual replacement job it is very doable. Just followed my good o'l Haynes manual and it was a snap. While you are in there with the rad out pull off the water pump pulley from the belt and check the weep holes for coolant leakage indicating need for replacement (the pulley just slides off after the fan is removed and hides from seeing the weep holes on water pump -don't need to remove belt to do this). Might be worthwhile to do the water pump at the same time while your in there and coolant is drained. I also replaced my belt, thermostat and hoses and belt tensioner.
Overall not too hard of a job to do it you can manage a wrench with average ability (I'm no expert). Up to you if you go with OEM or not; my Koyo continues to work like a charm with dead on steady engine temp warm or cold.
That's my 2c...
Many will swear buy getting OEM but I couldn't personally justify the Dealership pricing on them which was $500-700 depending where I looked.
the Koyo carried a lifetime warranty and was significantly more cost affordable (less than $150). I did, however, use the Toyota SLL coolant in it; which I think is worthwhile.
To do the actual replacement job it is very doable. Just followed my good o'l Haynes manual and it was a snap. While you are in there with the rad out pull off the water pump pulley from the belt and check the weep holes for coolant leakage indicating need for replacement (the pulley just slides off after the fan is removed and hides from seeing the weep holes on water pump -don't need to remove belt to do this). Might be worthwhile to do the water pump at the same time while your in there and coolant is drained. I also replaced my belt, thermostat and hoses and belt tensioner.
Overall not too hard of a job to do it you can manage a wrench with average ability (I'm no expert). Up to you if you go with OEM or not; my Koyo continues to work like a charm with dead on steady engine temp warm or cold.
That's my 2c...
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Where is the radiator leaking from?
The rad is leaking where the end casing is crimped on, about half way up
A radiator is NOT a complex piece of machinery. It's a very simple assembly of tubes and cooling fins. While I'm sure you can find extremely cheap ones....the vast majority of aftermarket radiators are as good as the Toyota "brand" radiator.
Buy which ever is the cheapest from a decent parts store.
Buy which ever is the cheapest from a decent parts store.
I am pretty that is where my temp sits. Or close to it.
Thats normal
Derek G
New member
normal temp? yes. Normal fuel level? not with my V8.
wadle5
New member
Haha thanks guys, and yeah had to fill up before gas went up another .10 AGAIN. .40 in a week and a half. Thanks again for the affirmation
boondoggle
Member
Was talking about radiators, flushing etc with a guy at work last week and we were wondering what people do with old anti freeze these days. Do you just take it to the parts store and they'll recycle it like oil?
Just got off the phone with my mechanic, he's been fixing our families cars for years and I usually go to him with any problem beyond my capacity. Found out I have a cracked radiator and bad water pump both of which need replacement, $240 + $105labor for the radiator and $180 + $220labor for the water pump. the reason for the extra labor on the water pump was the difficulty of getting to and replacing the pump. I wanted to ask you guys if this was a fair deal and also if this would be something I could do on my own, I'm moderately handy with a tool set. anticipating your responses.
wnelax04sr5
New member
are they all OEM parts? radiator is not terribly difficult to replace and could be done for less than $100
Not 100% sure on whether the parts are oem or not. Any experience replacing the water pump?
GLP
New member
What engine do you have V6 or V8? I assume it's a V6 since he is not recommending a new timinng belt. Either way it seems reasonable. The labor to replace the timing belt and water pump on a V8 is about $500.
Doing it yourself is a possibility. You would save on both parts and labor because the mechanic is marking up the parts some. Read a write-up or repair manual on water pump replacement and if you think it's something you can handle then go for it. The hardest part is getting the crank shaft pulley bolt off. You need a way to hold the pulley while turning the nut with about 200+ ft-lbs of torque. Usually you buy or make a special tool for this. Whenever I tried a new DIY job on my cars I figure if I get stuck I can always call a mobile repair guy to come over and finish the job. Haven't had to do that yet though.
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wnelax04sr5
New member
personally, no. I'm sure others have done it though, a quick search may yield results on it