Hayk

iTrader: (1)

My car developed a small coolant leak from its radiator, so I took that opportunity to document my repair in a DIY video format.
I haven't seen anyone else cover it yet, so I hope this helps out other people. Access to all the components is plentiful, in fact you don't even need to raise the vehicle.
Having the same engine as other Toyota Lexus vehicles, this should also apply to Sienna, Camry, Avalon, Solara, Highlander, and the RX300.

PFB

Excellent video. Very well done.

Thank you
phil

OceanView

Nice job. Wish this video was available when I had to do mine. It would have come in handy.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys. Having been around this community for some time, I wanted to give back to current and future members. Speedkar9 already covered a lot of general maintenance and repair in his videos, so I only wanted to add to his work.

80es300

Good job, very detailed and easy to follow.
Recently I had a mechanic replace the radiator in my 97 camry (4 months back) and since then I notice little coolant overflowing from the reservoir box after driving for sometime. I tried to google but still not getting a clear answer. Any idea what could be causing the overflow? engine temperature seems to stay within range.

808mcv20l

Great Video, very much enjoyed that thorough instructional video Mr. Boobies.

Very Professional DIY'er, this is how I would want this done if it were my car.

mmatheny

Bad radiator cap.

80es300

It is not leaking from radiator cap. It is overflowing from the reservoir cap. Could it still be bad radiator cap? Are you saying air leak from the radiator cap could cause overflow from the reservoir?

speedkar9

Hey nice video (albeit a bit long for me lol)
Very good camera work, especially considering you were doing it at night.

I see you live in the snow belt, but how the heck did you manage to remove the engine under cover bolts without snapping them? I only tried one on my Solara and it snapped off...so I left the rest haha.

On a side note, can you imagine having to do all this work (radiator removal) just to change the alternator on the 5ES? Those newer designs are so much more compact and harder to work on.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Thank you, speedkar9, for your kind words. Shooting these videos is a challenge and a learning experience. I'm still learning how to trim everything down to the essentials without leaving out anything important. On a scale of video duration/content, I see you as somewhere in between Scotty Kilmer and ETCG. I just found Scotty's version of a radiator replacement and he did in 3 minutes! Haha

Regarding the bolts, they were all replaced and one of them already snapped, so I started added anti-seize. These cars are incredibly well protected for this weather in the areas that it matters the most.

Seeing newer Lexus models becoming more cramped, I can only imagine the complexity of these tasks. It's no wonder most people lease nowadays.

mmatheny

I'm pretty sure the overflow hose comes out right below the radiator cap - if it is leaking, it will push fluid into the overflow tank until it - wait for it - overflows!

80es300

Hi Mike,
I am not sure I follow. You said, "leak is pushing the fluid into the overflow tank"? What leak pushes the fluid into the overflow tank... air leak?

cgdrennan

Great video! Really appreciate the time and effort you put into making it. I have a Denso radiator in my garage for my '00 ES300 w/ 198,000 miles that has developed a small leak. Your ES is really clean for 240k miles! Any other suggestions to keep ATF from draining out of the hoses other than spark plugs?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Thank you, cgdrennan! A couple of bolts or some vice grips/clamps should do the trick. I can see how finding spare plugs can be a challenge, I personally took them out of small engine equipment (snow blower, etc.)

fortitude

Excellent video and camera work - I much prefer your style with stationary camera shots. Curious - is the mic (audio) from the camera only? Audio was very good

I liked the sound effects when re-installing the upper radiator hose clamp. They can be difficult - I found using a pair of vise grips to compress and lock onto the clamp tabs helps.