Oro

I found my radiator inlet pipe crumbling today. I had a small leak and thought it was a cheap clamp. Not!

So I find two things odd when looking at replacement radiators:

a) the Denso brand is a lot cheaper than most others. Seems suspicious. Is there something off about their branded radiators?
b) Denso specs a different radiator depending upon whether the ES300 (2002) has a tow package or not. I was unaware there was an option for that? Or is it just a volume issue and the "tow package" one has a larger tank on top and bottom?

If I search the listed options for that year, I can only find audio and wheel options, no "tow package."

Any input, folks?

LeX2K

The OEM parts list shows:
16400-0A240 MARK OF RADIATOR = 0A24
16400-20270 MARK OF RADIATOR = 2027
The mark is by the upper rad hose.

Rockauto shows
DENSO 2210504 w/ Tow Package
Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 164000A240, 1640020261, 16410YZZAE

DENSO 2210503 w/o Tow Package
Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 164000A230, 164000A420, 1640020270, 1640020271, 1640020300, 16410YZZAD

Going by the above you should be able to match up what is in your car. The parts listing does not mention the tow package specifically but matching up the numbers suggests there was a tow package. Denso makes an excellent replacement rad never had an issue.

Oro

Thanks for that. I have no codes like that on my radiator for some reason (has not been replaced), but I'll go with "no tow" and use Denso. Surprisingly, I can have one delivered for just under $70 on Tuesday. Thanks again.

hypervish

I had the same question, turns out the top of the radiator should say either 0A24 or 2027. I had already ordered the tow radiator because I figured bigger is better!! lol, luckily my ES did in fact have a 2027 tow package radiator. I also went with a Denso.

nsghtbrwry

^+1 on this. Bigger radiator = better, I do this whenever I have to replace a rad on any gen3/4 Camrys or 3ESs. For the gen3/4 Camrys, the larger radiator (1" core, dual-row) came from the factory on US-built cars, and the smaller (5/8" core, single-row) on J-VINs. Don't think there was a tow option on those

EDIT: Also for some reason, the dual-row Densos are usually a few bucks cheaper on RA

Oro

Thanks guys. The Amazon listings for these items actually had line drawings with dimensions vs. photos. I blew up the diagrams and they showed just what was said, the "tow" one had a 27mm OD tube, the "non-tow" one 16mm. The other exterior dimensions were identical, so it should fit.

And I also believe in maximum cooling, especially for the AT. I have an auxilliary cooler I put on my SUV for that reason. I'm ordering the Denso "tow" one. I wonder what all the other makers are shipping; they only offer one. Probably 1" I would presume or at least hope.

Oro

So I swapped the radiators and thought I would mention that unlike Hypervish's 2002 ES300, our exact same year came with the 16mm core radiator. The 27mm core one was substantially beefier and worth getting if someone else encounters this oddity in the future.

And as a tip, there's a decent deal on coolant, from Pep Boys on Ebay. I bought a gallon of Red concentrate last month when it was $10/gallon delivered. That was a screaming deal. So fortunately I had that on the shelf for this job. I was 10k away from my scheduled coolant change so I refreshed it instead of recycling what I drained out.

Pep boys still has it for sale via Ebay, but it's $12.67 and $5 delivery now. But still, $18 for concentrate delivered is a good deal. Here's the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Concentr...72.m2749.l2649

fortitude

Great thread
My stock radiator cracked in same spot as Oro's. I just upgraded to the DENSO 2210504 w/ Tow Package. As mentioned above, direct fit, not changes needed to existing hoses or lines.

Richardsr

Go-Parts.com has the Denso 221-0504 listed for the ‘02 - ‘06 ES models for $67.88 and doesn’t even list the “No-Tow” radiator.
https://www.go-parts.com/denso/denso.../i-573549.aspx

Good use of thumb rule with cooling... More is better. And BTW, my ‘05 ES has a tow hitch installed by previous owner, but they never used it and neither have I. Oh, well.