Leaking Radiator Coolant
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Driver School Candidate
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From: Ca
Leaking Radiator Coolant
Took car in because I'm leaking coolant. First place said I have a cracked radiator. Need to replace radiator and thermostat $750. with 2 year warranty.
Took car into a radiator repair guy today, he said the water pump is bad. Referred to me someone else because said he doesn't replace water pumps.
Took car into another radiator repair guy, he said I need water pump, new radiator (It's bowed on the right side), thermostat and new timing belt. $1380. The timing belt was replaced before I bought the car at 80,000. Question is if water pump is bad do they also have to replace thermostat and timing belt??
Took car into a radiator repair guy today, he said the water pump is bad. Referred to me someone else because said he doesn't replace water pumps.
Took car into another radiator repair guy, he said I need water pump, new radiator (It's bowed on the right side), thermostat and new timing belt. $1380. The timing belt was replaced before I bought the car at 80,000. Question is if water pump is bad do they also have to replace thermostat and timing belt??
Driver School Candidate
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From: NY
Might as well for everything to be new! The water pump, timing belt, and radiator you can purchase on rock auto. Give them everything you need and just ask a price for labor. Mechanics will head crack you, better to bring them the parts!
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Driver School Candidate
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From: Ca
Moorelow... I have 109,000 miles on car. First big repair I have had. What do you mean "head crack"? I don't understand that term. Some mechanics won't give you a one or two year warranty if you don't use their parts right? Thank you.
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From: NY
head crack meaning they they are gonna over charge you for things you can get on your own. What’s does their warranty cover a 5 dollar radiator cap or 70.00 water pump ? They still gonna probably charge you the labor to install it. Probably won’t give you any warranty but if you purchase at places like autozone it’s life time warranty for certain things. All you gotta do is get someone to install it.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Mountainair, NM
ellie12mae: please provide the year and model GS you are referring to.
The water pump on a GS300 can be replaced without touching the timing belt .
On the GS 400/430 it’s a different story.
I would get a proper diagnosis at a independent mechanic that specializes in TOYOTA and LEXUS cars.
The warrantees the shops mention should be for parts and labor.
FYI: Labor rates can be $80-$100/hr
Radiator replacement should be no more than 2hour labor. Which would include a coolant flush.
A OEM Denso radiator can be $150 or less.
Good luck.
The water pump on a GS300 can be replaced without touching the timing belt .
On the GS 400/430 it’s a different story.
I would get a proper diagnosis at a independent mechanic that specializes in TOYOTA and LEXUS cars.
The warrantees the shops mention should be for parts and labor.
FYI: Labor rates can be $80-$100/hr
Radiator replacement should be no more than 2hour labor. Which would include a coolant flush.
A OEM Denso radiator can be $150 or less.
Good luck.
Last edited by FrankT; Feb 20, 2018 at 12:27 AM.
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Jon it can be done without removing the timing belt......however.....you have to take all of the covers, crank pulley etc just like you would do a timing belt. I just replace it anyways since 99.9% of the time the belt will get contaminated when changing out the pump.
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Instructor
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From: Mountainair, NM
Good call Letsride, you are 100% correct.
I thought I might inject some conjecture to the thread.
Just wanted to make a point that our GSs have different motors and it is helpful to indicate which one you have...
Thanks for playing.
I thought I might inject some conjecture to the thread.
Just wanted to make a point that our GSs have different motors and it is helpful to indicate which one you have...
Thanks for playing.
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