Which radiator should I buy
- Thread starter Coolman
- Start date
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Buy the OEM Denso radiator from Camelback Toyota online and get free shipping. Replace the upper and lower hoses while you are at it and throw a new OEM cap on there. I found the hoses and cap cheaper at Amazon for what it's worth
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DK327
Member
I replaced my original radiator with 232K miles on it that was still going strong (preventative maintenance) with Koyorad A1998 a couple of years back and 16K miles later it's held up well so far. At the same time I also replaced the radiator cap, upper and lower hoses, 50/50 coolant, thermostat and gasket, all OEM except for the gasket (FelPro) and everything is working as it should. Later I added an inline trans cooler (post rad) with no complications.
Camelback won't ship a radiator for free because of the size of the box. I would call and ask for George. He will work a deal. I bought 3 and he only charged me 20 bucks to ship all of them at once.
I would also be prepared to replace the water intake studs when pulling the t stat. Chances are at least one or two studs will back out. Get the nuts too. They are cheap and better to have them on hand to prevent down time. Torque them correctly and evenly to seat the water intake.
I would also be prepared to replace the water intake studs when pulling the t stat. Chances are at least one or two studs will back out. Get the nuts too. They are cheap and better to have them on hand to prevent down time. Torque them correctly and evenly to seat the water intake.
IronBalaclava
Junior Member
Hmm.
I just ordered the original Denso(made in Japan)/Toyota 16400-75181 Radiator, for my new/old '02 Limited for $333 shipped@Boch Toyota South. These are supposed to be the real deal, that rolled off the production line with the vehicle. Wonder if it'll be OD?
Seeing that the latest Denso 221-0508s are made in China, I think I'm gonna go with the tried and proven, as no matter how I paint it, I cannot view the cooling system as something to skimp out on.:shocked:
spartacus
Senior Member
Is there a difference in the radiator? cause I wonder the part number is different and price is considerably higher then the oem I bought.
camel back Toyota Genuine Factory Part
Part Number: 16410AZ011
Radiator assy 3.4 LITER,
PARTS: Warranty and Service radiators are included in a special Toyota program.
Item #1 on image
$119.85
toyotaparts deal
Toyota 16400-75180 RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Part Description Radiator Assy
Replaced By 16410-AZ011
Manufacturer Toyota. This genuine Toyota part is guaranteed by Toyota's factory warranty.
Your Price: $116.91 Retail Pric
IronBalaclava
Junior Member
From what I understand from my research, the 16410AZ011 is supposedly the Toyota/Denso part currently made in Taiwan(Please correct me if I'm wrong) with mixed results, and the 16400-75181 is the new/old stock Japan made radiator, hence the premium(about 4X more expensive).
I think this is correct despite the Taiwan Rad saying it is a Genuine Toyota Part on the box. Camelback told me they haven't sold the more expensive radiator in a long time even though it is available.
I am not expecting the Denso to last 20 years but who knows? I had to buy three (three 4runners in the household) and was not going to pay $1000.00 for radiators. I plan on doing scheduled coolant changes to prevent corrosion.
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IronBalaclava
Junior Member
Three 4Rs? I surely understand your situation.
Ideally, how many miles should one go before a coolant flush?
The radiator that came with my 4R, looks generic with no data plate and the reservoir is filled with orange goop, which appears to be rust/coolant medley.:mmph: It overheats and spews coolant from the release valve on the reservoir tank cap when idling.
Makes me wonder if that's the result of the previous owner pouring tap water in the radiator?
spartacus
Senior Member
thanks for the info. I am surprised that when I put my Vin in the parts catalog it doesn't even give me the option to buy the Japanese made radiator cause I would've opted for that since my original lasted 16 years and the only reason I replaced it cause a friend dropped a wrench and broke the reservoir stem. good to have this info though.
Coolant flush depends if you are using Toyota Red or Toyota Pink coolant (do a search). You may have a bigger problem than a radiator though......
IronBalaclava
Junior Member
Finished up at Dunning Toyota last night.
The tech did a coolant flush and stated the nasty sludge was from mixing coolants and it probably caused the thermostat to stick. He recommended replacing the thermostat at the very least. The radiator is indeed new/generic no name aftermarket. I ran the 4R on idle for 45 min. last night afterwards and no probs, yet, so.......
A new OEM thermostat and gasket are inbound. I'm thinking, I might as well order a B&M 70268 Transmission cooler while I'm at the rebuild. What says ya'll?
ETA: Refilled with Toyota red coolant
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Donovan_03_4Runner
New member
Does anyone here who where I can find an fully aluminum racing radiator for a 2003 4Runner V8 ?
Another downvote for the Denso 221-0508 Ordered mine from Amazon. Came packaged perfectly fine. Install went fine. Everything was fine, until it wasn't. There was a small leak where the aluminum meets the plastic right above the petcock valve drain. Couldn't tell until I had driven about 30 miles and then noticed a small drip on garage floor.
4Runner4TW
New member
Received my Denso from Amazon last week and installed it a few days ago. So far temps have been great. Much better than before. No leaks either.
Was a little worried when I saw the Made in China sticker right on top. We'll see how it goes. Going to keep the transmission by passed through my external cooler.
Was a little worried when I saw the Made in China sticker right on top. We'll see how it goes. Going to keep the transmission by passed through my external cooler.
Road Bull
Senior Member
I am running this exact set up right now. My MIC sticker on top of my Denso with trans getting bypassed to cooler. It has been doing fine for a few months now. Next time I might try the Champion aluminum radiator. I read a few odd things about optimally mounting it that ultimately made me go Denso this go around till I could research a bit more. But several here are using Champions with success.
Mark_BC
Senior Member
I recently picked up a wrecked but really nice 2000 automatic. Obviously the radiator should be replaced especially with the stress of the front impact possibly damaging the internals of it. I already have a Champion aluminum radiator in the box that I was going to put in my manual 4runner. But the pink milkshake isn't an issue with the manual so it's not super urgent that I swap it out since I constantly monitor temps with the Scangauge.
I am wondering if the pink milkshake is also an issue with the Champion? Should I still plan to use a separate bypass cooler with the Champion?
I am wondering if the pink milkshake is also an issue with the Champion? Should I still plan to use a separate bypass cooler with the Champion?
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T4R2014
Elite Member
It's a shot in the dark. This radiator is still fairly new and not very proven. I don't hear great things about Champion in reviews for their other radiators. You'll be the guinea pig.
