radiator leak GS430
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
radiator leak GS430
just found out i have a radiator leak. replacing the radiator myself isnt an issue, the question i have is with regards of the transmission fluid that flows though the radiator itself. im fully aware of the sealed system of the transmission fluid i do not want to mess with it. when i install the new radiator can i just simply add transmission fluid to the new radiator to avoid a trip to the dealership or does it really matter?
#2
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
You can add fluid, but will want it to be at the right level. Depending on your mileage, I would swap the radiator and have a drain/fill or have the tranny fluid serviced. If your radiator and valve covers are going, I would assume your 130K+ and would suggest a tranny fluid service if one has not been done already. There is a DIY drain and fill thread here with directions. I was lazy and had the dealership do a flush. I think it cost ~$300 a few years back.
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
sadly im at 72k but the car sits...a lot. i only put 5k on it last year from starting from last week. i had the cam seal changed out due to a leak that seems to be an issue with this block type because its a common issue on the tundra as well. since i had the water pump replaced when the new cam seal was installed i can only assume since its a new pump its performing slightly better than the last which could have created the leak. as for refilling the radiator with trans fluid i should be ok for a bit until i have it redone to the right level.
#5
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Ive had the top seal of my radiator leak, at the top rubber seal/plastic. The radiator doesn't have transmission fluid through, so you dont have to deal with transmission fluids at all.
You will need to take off the top radiator support, hood latch, and radiator fans. Other then that it slips right in!
You will need to take off the top radiator support, hood latch, and radiator fans. Other then that it slips right in!
#6
Driver
Thread Starter
i havent had a good chance to take a look at my car, not driving it currently, but from what dealership had told me at my last oil change that the radiator is leaking from the bottom. im going to put my car on some drive ramps because i need to remove the underbody covers, i dropped a socket that fell in there the other day, and take a look for myself.
#7
Driver
Thread Starter
how is that so when hoses from teh trans run into the lower portion of the radiator for cooling?
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#9
Driver
Thread Starter
a lot of automatic vehicles use a portion of the radiator to help cool the transmission fluid.
#10
Driver School Candidate
just found out i have a radiator leak. replacing the radiator myself isnt an issue, the question i have is with regards of the transmission fluid that flows though the radiator itself. im fully aware of the sealed system of the transmission fluid i do not want to mess with it. when i install the new radiator can i just simply add transmission fluid to the new radiator to avoid a trip to the dealership or does it really matter?
#11
Why you guy try to complicate this simple process?
There is a drain on the radiator and 2 drain bolts on both sides of the engine block, just under the exhaust manifold.
After you drain all the coolant you open the bleed valve which is on top
of the engine and just fill the system normally, you need no funnel. After the coolant starts dripping through the bleed valve you close it and drive the car for about 10 minutes with the heater on.
Let the engine cool down and check the coolant level.
There is a drain on the radiator and 2 drain bolts on both sides of the engine block, just under the exhaust manifold.
After you drain all the coolant you open the bleed valve which is on top
of the engine and just fill the system normally, you need no funnel. After the coolant starts dripping through the bleed valve you close it and drive the car for about 10 minutes with the heater on.
Let the engine cool down and check the coolant level.
#12
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