zapola6

2001 LS, 185,000 miles, bought Aug 2012 with 121,000, miles, moves 100 miles per day. I’m getting ready to do the timing belt and related items. My intentions are driving it until it drops and then putting it back together again.

Does anyone know if there is a way to determine if this is original radiator before I start the project? Everything looks to be OEM, it was always dealer serviced by the original owner. I checked the Lexus owner’s web site, hard to tell with the generic codes they use for service.

Just thinking, if its 13/14 years old and I’m there anyway, it certainly would be worth the money to change it out.

It would be nice to know the answer to the question before I get there. If it’s is original, having the new one on hand would be a bonus.

I’ve never had a plastic radiator fail at an opportune time.

Insight and thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

chunkyda

Most people change a part like that our when it fails. There might be a VIN sticker or VIN stamped on the radiator.
The reason the water pump is swapped is because it is removed to get to the belt anyway. I personally will leave the radiator alone when I do the second timing belt change, my '05 has 178,000 miles.

jamsvet

My radiator failed at about 150k on my last LS (02). WHAT A MESS. Never could get the engine compartment looking good again. Yes, I detail the engine compartment. I'm going to change the radiator in my new LS (03) at 100k. I know it's age not miles with plastic but ....

LSBen

The radiator on my 01 LS430 leaked at 127K miles after 10 years. It leaked from the top which is plastic. Replaced it with a cheap aftermarket for $400 installed. Figured it should last me another 100k miles if I still have the car by then.