Memphis4X4

Well, my '91 Runner's Radiator needs replacing....at least I think it does. I noticed tiny pin hole leaks (4 of them) across the top of the original radiator that are ooozing, crusty, dried Toyota Red coolant. With 155K miles on the clock, it appears that the radiator is finally going out. Do any of you have suggestions regarding replacement vs repair? Someone told me to take my original radiator out and have it repaired because the Toyota original is better than a unit bought from a radiator shop. The local shops want $154 for a new non-Toyota radiator. Also, I noticed that the one in the truck now has foam around the top of the original radiator that appears to be either an insulator or vibration dampening or to plug up the gap so air is directed through the radiator rather than around. It looks fragile and wouldn't survive being pulled off of the old radiator and put on the new. Any idea what that costs? Anything else I need to know?

Thanks,
David

95_4X4Runner

My Radiator was leaking also. I've tried having them repaired in the past, to me, it's not worth it. The best price I found for them was $125 w/shipping @ http://www.911radiators.com

914runner

i got mine from napa for about $120 i think?
hope this helps.

Memphis4X4

Thanks guys. Did you just replace the radiator or did you have to replace the foam "gasket" that goes around the top of the radiator where it rests against the engine compartment frame?

David

Highland Runner

That foam can be gotten just about anywhere that has hardware (Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot etc). Its just foam weather stripping and comes in many sizes. Cost is only $3-4 a roll

vlibo

I'm having the same problem. I had tried to use soder to fix the crack, but to no avail. The radiator shop here said this is a common problem with toy trucks and runners. they said for $90 bucks they would remove the top part. core and flush the radiator and weld on a new top and pressure test it. I have to remove and deliver the Radiator. I'm still trying to find time to do it mine has been leaking for over a year. More of a pain in the a55 then a really problem.

Vince

Memphis4X4

Vince: Thanks for the info. A guy in my office has a '89 SR-5 V6 4x4 (same motor as ours) and he had the same problem with pin hole leaks several years ago. Not wanting to go with a non-Toyota part in his truck, he did exactly what you described and removed his radiator and had a local shop fix it. He has not a problem with it since. I'm glad that you replied because the purpose of my Thread was to find out if any others had heard of what this guy had done and if it really worked. My only concern is that if over time the acidic nature of the coolant ate through the top of the radiator, what was it doing to the other parts and how long would they last after the top was repaired.

Again, thanks for the reply.
David

Salue

I had a slight leak when I got my '94, and it was tiny enough to just put some JB Weld on. It lasted for a few months, then it started to crack. I ended up buying one from Performance Radiator for ~$150.

Salue