Jetmech1

Hello. I'm sure this has been answered before, but I couldn't find it. I'm getting ready to do extensive cooling system maintenance when I replace the timing belt. Everything is still original at 19 yares old with 84K miles. I know there's 2 senders. Radiator and water outlet. Are these the same part number? When looking up on Rock A, I can only find 1 listed.

Thanks!

LeX2K

Sensor is here look at the ones that say on radiator
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...an+switch,4312

Unless the original is bad transfer it over to the new radiator, if you are replacing it. The other sensors why do anything unless they are bad?

Jetmech1

Thanks for the link. Nomenclature got me. One is a switch the other is a sensor.

That's a fair question. Basically it's a preventative maintenance issue. The vehicle is 20 years old. Everything has a lifespan (even Toyota/Lexus) Considering that I'm replacing all the hoses, T-Stat (getting a temp below operating range check engine code), coolant and radiator (I've never had a plastic tank radiator last much beyond 100K). I just didn't want to do everything and then have one of these go south and have to drain the coolant and replace it before the next coolant change in 5 years. Not worth it for the price of the switch/sensor IMHO. Yes, I may be spending a little more than I may need to at times, but I've adopted this practice from my 35 years as a FAA certified Part 121 commercial airline mechanic. It has served me well over the years and I despise having to do anything more than once.

Thanks again for the help!

LeX2K

The switch in the rad does tend to fail, can't say how good non Lexus parts are here since I avoid jobber parts when ever possible. Plastic capped radiators suck but Toyota used to be able to make them last I have one that is 33 years old @300k miles original rad is still fine no leaks.

Jetmech1

Yeah, know what you mean about replacement parts. I try to source OEM whenever I can. I thought that fan switch was prone for failure. So that is the one in the radiator bottom???

A Denso replacement radiator is only $65.00. Pretty sure that's OEM. Put a Denso in my Avalon and it's been great. Do you know how I can tell if I have one with a trailer tow package? RA has two different radiators. I'm assuming the trailer one had a thicker core. (But we all know how "assume" is spelled...LOL!

LeX2K

Yes that one. I don't know why Toyota went to this design they used to use a switch on the 'stat housing this was way more reliable.
I did one recently on a Camry the Denso looked very nice made in Indonesia. Looked better than one I put into another Toyota it was a Denso made in China kinda cheap looking. Both fit exactly as OEM so can't really complain.
Tow package rad is thicker get that one, outside of measuring your rad don't know how to tell a VIN lookup doesn't help. Maybe the Denso number on the rad will tell you if it's still there.

Jetmech1

Thanks! Have a great 4th of July!

BTW; Did some more research on the radiators. Specs quite different. Here they are FWIW:
Non tow
DENSO 2210503 Specifications Core Height 15.6870 in. Core Thickness 0.6250 in. Core Width 29.0000 in. Inlet Diameter 0.9370 in. Outlet Diameter 0.9370 in. Transmission Oil Cooler Included Yes

Tow Package radiator:
DENSO 2210504 Specifications Core Height 15.8120 in. Core Thickness 1.0000 in. Core Width 28.9370 in. Inlet Diameter 1.3750 in. Outlet Diameter 1.3750 in. Transmission Oil Cooler Included Yes

Big difference in the inlet/outlet size

LeX2K

But the rad hoses are the same, so not sure what's going on there.

Jetmech1

Yes it is. Guess the only way to know is to take it out and measure it carefully. Looks like the Tow has a slightly taller core.