Replacing Leaking Radiator
05-08-10, 10:27 AM
#16
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Thanks all!
I'll replace my radiator tues. since the koyo radiator won't arrived until mon.
I am also going to replace the upper/lower radiator holes and the thermostat/gasket.
Have a good weekend!
I'll replace my radiator tues. since the koyo radiator won't arrived until mon.
I am also going to replace the upper/lower radiator holes and the thermostat/gasket.
Have a good weekend!
05-11-10, 08:08 PM
#17
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Completed the radiator and radiator holes installed today 
Only took me 5 hours from start to finish
I took my time to make sure everything was done correctly. Most of the time was spent taking the old leaky radiator off. Putting the new radiator/radiator holes/coolant only took ~1.5 hour. I could not replace the thermostat and gasket since the bolts were on too tight. I even broke my socket adaptor. I know it was cheap (someone gave it to me). Oh well, I will have the thermostat/gasket replaced at the same time as the timing belt and water pump (car is at 80k right now).
Thank you all for helping me with this
Only took me 5 hours from start to finish
I took my time to make sure everything was done correctly. Most of the time was spent taking the old leaky radiator off. Putting the new radiator/radiator holes/coolant only took ~1.5 hour. I could not replace the thermostat and gasket since the bolts were on too tight. I even broke my socket adaptor. I know it was cheap (someone gave it to me). Oh well, I will have the thermostat/gasket replaced at the same time as the timing belt and water pump (car is at 80k right now).
Thank you all for helping me with this
05-12-10, 02:04 PM
#18
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Hi guys,
I got caught up with other things and had to put this repair on hold. Anyway, I'm back now and have some interesting details. As I posted earlier Koyo lists the part number for the GX470 as A2690. I called 1800-radiator and they gave me the part number A2581, which according to Koyo's site is for the V8 4Runner. I was hoping they were identical and I could just order that (particularly since 1800-radiator doesn't have a listing for the A2690 p/n). The dimensions of the radiator are identical in every way except overall height and plate count:
A2581 is 23 1/4" tall 7 plates
A2690 is 23 5/8" tall 8 plates
Do you think I'm just being paranoid and the extra plate will provide a negligible difference in cooling, or should I try to get the p/n specific to our cars?
I got caught up with other things and had to put this repair on hold. Anyway, I'm back now and have some interesting details. As I posted earlier Koyo lists the part number for the GX470 as A2690. I called 1800-radiator and they gave me the part number A2581, which according to Koyo's site is for the V8 4Runner. I was hoping they were identical and I could just order that (particularly since 1800-radiator doesn't have a listing for the A2690 p/n). The dimensions of the radiator are identical in every way except overall height and plate count:
A2581 is 23 1/4" tall 7 plates
A2690 is 23 5/8" tall 8 plates
Do you think I'm just being paranoid and the extra plate will provide a negligible difference in cooling, or should I try to get the p/n specific to our cars?
05-13-10, 10:33 AM
#19
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mr2fast,
I didn't even notice the different part # (2690 vs. 2581). They sent me the 2581. I had told them my year, make, and model when I ordered (should have told them the part # instead). On the outside label it said for 03-05 toyota 4-runner/gx-470 4.7L (v-8). I just called 1-800-radiator and asked them about this. The guy told me that 2581 works for the gx-470 as well. Since I already installed it
I don't want to redo everything again unless there is a problem.
I would suggest you get the 2690 one just to be safe. I had to reuse the 4 metal square washers from the old radiator to station the new radiator to the fame. The ones from 2581 would not fix into the screw bolts.
I have not notice any temperture increase. The temperture guage is in the same position as before. Only time will tell I guess.
I didn't even notice the different part # (2690 vs. 2581). They sent me the 2581. I had told them my year, make, and model when I ordered (should have told them the part # instead). On the outside label it said for 03-05 toyota 4-runner/gx-470 4.7L (v-8). I just called 1-800-radiator and asked them about this. The guy told me that 2581 works for the gx-470 as well. Since I already installed it
I don't want to redo everything again unless there is a problem. I would suggest you get the 2690 one just to be safe. I had to reuse the 4 metal square washers from the old radiator to station the new radiator to the fame. The ones from 2581 would not fix into the screw bolts.
I have not notice any temperture increase. The temperture guage is in the same position as before. Only time will tell I guess.
Last edited by gx470_05; 05-13-10 at 05:02 PM.
05-13-10, 07:26 PM
#20
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This one also has 7 plates for the transmission oil cooler:
http://http://www.lexuspartstore.com...it_search.y=14
Performance Radiator Radiator
2003-2007 Lexus GX470PERFORMANCE RADIATOR (tm) OE REPLACEMENT RADIATOR -- A High Quality, Direct Fit, OE Replacement Plastic Tank And Aluminum Core Radiator, 7 Plate Transmission Oil Cooler Design, 8.6mm Tube Pitch, 254mm Measurement Between Transmission Oil Cooler Ports, 10 Measurement Between Transmission Oil Cooler Ports, 1 Oil Cooler Quantity
http://http://www.lexuspartstore.com...it_search.y=14
Performance Radiator Radiator
2003-2007 Lexus GX470PERFORMANCE RADIATOR (tm) OE REPLACEMENT RADIATOR -- A High Quality, Direct Fit, OE Replacement Plastic Tank And Aluminum Core Radiator, 7 Plate Transmission Oil Cooler Design, 8.6mm Tube Pitch, 254mm Measurement Between Transmission Oil Cooler Ports, 10 Measurement Between Transmission Oil Cooler Ports, 1 Oil Cooler Quantity
05-17-11, 04:29 PM
#21
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Same thing just happened to me - dealer wants $950.07 for just the replacement radiator. called 1800radiator.com and ordered a replacement for $270 plus tax. Then read more here, and found out that I really want the A2690 - called 1800radiator back and sure enough, they were going to send the A2581. The koyorad site calculator says A2690, and 1800radiator is now going to ship me that one for the same price (apparently it's a bit more expensive). I called the dealer back and said "hold off", and asked if they wanted to install it - I'll get a call back in the morning if they want to do the work.
05-26-11, 06:55 AM
#23
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My 04 GX470 with 73,000 miles had the leak as well. 1800radiator sent me the 2581 stating it was identical to the 2690.
I replaced the leaking radiator with the 2581 which fit like a glove and works perfectly.
I attempted to add ATF to replace what was lost in the exchange but was unable due the transmission being sealed.
I was concerned of any air bubbles in the system as well as the ATF quantity so I took the GX to the dealer the following day - system checked out fine and no additional fluids were required.
The DIY write-up left much to be desired...I just wanted to add that you will probably drain less than 2 gallons of coolant - the rest stays in the engine block. No need to drain that. And as stated above, you will not lose enough ATF to be concerned. Around 90K miles, I plan to have Lexus perform the ATF fluid and transmission filter change.
twa2k
I replaced the leaking radiator with the 2581 which fit like a glove and works perfectly.
I attempted to add ATF to replace what was lost in the exchange but was unable due the transmission being sealed.
I was concerned of any air bubbles in the system as well as the ATF quantity so I took the GX to the dealer the following day - system checked out fine and no additional fluids were required.
The DIY write-up left much to be desired...I just wanted to add that you will probably drain less than 2 gallons of coolant - the rest stays in the engine block. No need to drain that. And as stated above, you will not lose enough ATF to be concerned. Around 90K miles, I plan to have Lexus perform the ATF fluid and transmission filter change.
twa2k
08-28-14, 04:57 PM
#24
How bad is my radiator
Just replaced radiator today
2004 GX 470 109K miles
Denso 221-3125 Brand new with a famous cut on it. So that fixed leaking issue
2004 GX 470 109K miles
Denso 221-3125 Brand new with a famous cut on it. So that fixed leaking issue
Last edited by vxphan; 08-28-14 at 05:07 PM.
03-14-16, 10:57 AM
#25
Anyone have additional thoughts on the Koyo A2581? My 04 radiator just started leaking over the weekend and 1800 radiator only has the A2581 in stock. I asked about the A2690 and the rep told me that the only part she found was made by a different manufacture. I ended up going with the 2581 because I need it ASAP.
03-16-16, 02:09 PM
#27
I got a Denso from RockAuto, it's been in for around a year, no issues. Great price. That's what I would do.
It's not the same as one you would get from a dealership even though it is an OEM, but clearly the one that came from the factory has a widespread defect as so many have a leak in the same spot.
It's not the same as one you would get from a dealership even though it is an OEM, but clearly the one that came from the factory has a widespread defect as so many have a leak in the same spot.
03-24-16, 11:48 AM
#28
Thank you for the replies. I ended up going with the Koyo because of availability. I've had it in for about a week now and no problems. The timing belt/water pump was replaced a few months ago right before I bought it so I didn't do a complete flush.
04-09-17, 08:28 AM
#29
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I found this video and fixed it myself
This is an annoying problem. I think it happens on Toyota Forerunners too. I have a GX470 and replaced the radiator using this video. It was easier then I thought it would be.
08-12-17, 10:55 PM
#30
Driver School Candidate
I see all the same signs of tank to core failure that you usually see in plastic and Aluminum radiators.... that is nothing new, they went to plastic for weight and cost savings along time ago... i did find a totally Aluminum radiator on Ebay for 4Runner/GX470... they use the same radiator in some applications. not a bad price under 300. and more than 200 sold with 99% satisfaction.. worth a look to me!!
Has anyone put or had built a all ALU RAD?? pictures, opinions, etc.????
Oh, the other operation in replacing this RAD I will do is cut a oval shaped hole above where the radiator cap is....
Has anyone put or had built a all ALU RAD?? pictures, opinions, etc.????
Oh, the other operation in replacing this RAD I will do is cut a oval shaped hole above where the radiator cap is....