Radiator Replacement Options

[Selly_Kuhman]

Got to work this morning, and smoke was pouring out of the engine bay. Opened up the hood and saw there's a 2 inch crack on the top of the plastic radiator part.

Is there anywhere on the forums a how to for replacing the radiator? I have a 95 GT and just ordered a replacement, but no idea how to replace it. Is this an easy swap, or will I need special tools/skills for the job?

[richee3]

It's a very easy swap. There's a drain plug in the bottom driver's side, facing the engine. Looks like a wing nut. Then the two hoses explain themselves. There's a temp sensor in the bottom as well. Unplug the fans then there are two 12 mm bolts holding the clamps on top of the radiator. After that the radiator just pulls straight up and out.

[Selly_Kuhman]

It should arrive on Friday of next week. I'll try to put it in that weekend. Richee... you're the man. Hope all's well with the Supra and Celi.

[richee3]

No problem! I have a spare radiator at home. I'll try to get some pictures so you know where the drain is and everything you need to unplug.

[Bitter]

Make sure the drain plug on the new radiator is tight after installing it. While the radiator is out use a garden hose and some soapy water to wash out the AC condenser and while the cooling system is drained it's a really good idea to replace the old radiator hoses and old thermostat as well! You won't believe how much better heat in the winter is with a new thermostat.

This post has been edited by Bitter: Sep 19, 2015 - 8:02 AM

[Selly_Kuhman]

Appreciate the tip. I will look into how much that will run me. I put some permatech seal on the crack which looks like it stopped the leak. Just did that so I can drive until the radiator comes. Would you think the patch can sustain a 4 to 5 hour ride during the day?

[955SFE]

Same concept

I always use the 3rd/4th gen camry stickies since most of the time it applies to 5sfe celicas.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/103-3rd-...tat-change.html

This post has been edited by 955SFE: Sep 21, 2015 - 12:36 PM

[richee3]

First picture, you can see the plug on the side of the fan. Second picture, you can see the plug on the side of the fan again, as well as the drain plug and temp sensor in the bottom corner. Unplug the two fans and temp sensor, drain the coolant, disconnect the hoses (which will still spill so be careful,) then remove the two 12 mm bolts on the brackets on top that hold the radiator down. After that, the radiator pulls straight up and out.

[Selly_Kuhman]

Thanks for the pics and info. I checked out the camry site for the parts needed and this is what I came up with. Are these the correct parts I need to do the job? This is the site I found to order at a decent price http://www.villagetoyotaparts.com/cart.aspx

Shopping Cart
Item Item Price Quantity Total Price
1626174010
HOSE, WATER BY-PASS . (J)
Stock Code: 1626174010
$ 9.14

1
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$9.14
1626774030
HOSE, WATER BY-PASS, NO.3
Stock Code: 1626774030
$ 8.15

1
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$8.15
1640574250
CAP SUB-ASSY, RESERVE TANK
Stock Code: 1640574250
$ 11.87

1
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$11.87
9091603046
THERMOSTAT
Stock Code: 9091603046
$ 17.45

1
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$17.45
9611110400
CLAMP OR CLIP, HOSE(FOR RADIATOR OUTLET NO.1); CLAMP(FOR AIR CLEANER HOSE, NO.1); CLAMP(FOR AIR CLEANER HOSE, NO.2); CLAMP, HOSE; CLAMP, HOSE(FOR INTAKE AIR RESONATOR, NO.2)
Stock Code: 9611110400
$ 2.16

2
Update Quantity
Remove Item
$4.32

[mkernz22]

I don't know what that stuff is that you posted...

http://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth.com/aut...components-scat

All you need from that is #5 and #7. I don't think it's necessary to replace the hoses if they're not bad, but it can't hurt either.

[Selly_Kuhman]

This is the list of parts needed off the Camry link which 955SFE provided. I just put my car specs in and searched for these parts.

Radiator: 140.00
Toyota red coolant: 10.00
Duralast Thermostat: 10.00
Thermostat gasket: 1.00
top hose: 7.00
lower hose: 13.00
hose clamps (x2 sets): 4.00
Distilled water (x2gallons): 3.00
Radiator Cap: 10.00

[Selly_Kuhman]

After seeing radiators for $250 + I am now worried my $55 one is of low quality and will break in a month, or cause other issues if it isn't working properly. http://www.ebay.com/itm/251431951075 That is the one I got.

The patch I put on my radiator just broke, so I need to change this asap. Appreciate the help.

[trdproven]

I wrote one of the stickies for radiator replacement

[Selly_Kuhman]

I wrote one of the stickies for radiator replacement

Idk how I missed that. Sweet write up, I'm printing it now and going to try this. It looks like you may have got the same radiator as I did. How's it holding up?

[Selly_Kuhman]

What do I do with these metal pipes on the bottom of the new radiator? My old one didn't have those

[Bitter]

Take them off and recycle them.

[Selly_Kuhman]

Thanks, I think I got it.

This post has been edited by Selly_Kuhman: Oct 11, 2015 - 2:56 PM

[Selly_Kuhman]

Well I finished putting everything back together, and of course I messed up the bumper /hood alignment. There's a 1-2 inch gap and for some reason the hood isnt clicking when pressed down. I have a feeling it may have to do with the largest of my left over parts.

[trdproven]

for the auto trans oil cooler pipes you see, you can just find a hose and close loop them if you have 5spd trans.

[Selly_Kuhman]

The hood magically closed somehow, so I guess that's solved. Though I don't remember there being that much space in between the fender and the hood. Will post pic today.

This post has been edited by Selly_Kuhman: Oct 17, 2015 - 10:12 AM