harvfran

While conducting a visual under the hood inspection I found water puddles in the driveway and water spots around the radiator. I later drove the car around the block and noticed water spraying from the top of the radiator. Does anyone have a step by step video or instructions on how to replace the radiator?

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

I guess it's a common thing for LS430 radiator top seam to seep antifreeze. I had the same problem, ordered a new OEM radiator from Sewell at $376. Work was done at the shop for $175 including Toyota antifreeze. From what I know mechanic took off cooling fans, drained old antifreeze and took off old radiator. There is enough space under the hood to change the radiator without taking half the car apart. However I think cooling is one of the vital systems and it's better to leave it to professionals, if something goes wrong they will fix it for free under warranty.

tcr101

iTrader: (2)

I swapped the radiator on my 01 ls430.

Its pretty easy and this is the cliff notes from what I recall (swapped it feb '13, haven't had any issues and swapped it in 2.5 hours )

i would recommend having some long needle nose pliers for the clips, and a philips screwdriver.

1) Remove the top air duct
2) Drain out the fluid
3) Pull out the plumbing (Don't forget the transmission lines, they are best reached from underneath the car with under car shield removed)
4) Remove top 2 clasps for radiator, on the bottom there may be 2 screws as well. (Manual mentioned 2, but my car only had 2 screws on top holding the radiator)
5) Remove the fans (complete assembly comes off after 4-5 screws)
6) Use some insulation around the radiators edge (picked up from home depot)
7) re-install, re-connect coolant/transmission lines to radiator. Connect the fans, fill up the radiator and reservoir and check for leaks.

As a heads up, if you go with a "replacement" unit, (i purchased one from 1-800 radiator for ~$170 | See thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-question.html)

There are 2 options for radiators, one has the thicker core ment for ls430's with a towing package (koyo #: A2419 ) . The thicker core was plug-and-play. I have had no issues since Feb '13. The temperature sits at the lower tick (instead of dead center of the gauge).

harvfran

Purchased a new radiator for $110. Purchased antifreeze for $20. Followed the instructions posted and had no problems. I did end up cutting the old hoses going to the transmission. Purchased replacement hose from NAPA. Vehicle runs great. Thanks to everyone for there assistance.

msims2

Where did you purchase your radiator? That's appears to be a great price.

Thanks

Lynzoid

There are TWO different cooling designs employed on LS430. One is cheaper and have a plug on top of the radiator. Lots of aftermarket versions.
Second is without plug on top of the rad and costly (toyota part only).

msims2

Lynzoid,

Looks like I was able to find one at JCWhitney.Com for $98.48 with a SKU# JCW-1062925 and verified with them that this is the correct one. Thanks for your help.

harvfran

A place called BAP GEON. They specialize in import car parts.