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Denso is most likely OE. They make many OE Toyota / Lexus parts and are top notch quality. They are OE on the LS and SC, what everyone uses, so no reason to think they would not be on the GX. Gates makes great hoses as well. But if you want to pay triple via dealer markup that is your choice. RockAuto is fantastic. I have been using it for years to source parts for my various vehicles. Amazon also when the price is right. Filters and oil usually.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Apr 17, 2020 at 11:06 PM.
Denso is most likely OE. They make many OE Toyota / Lexus parts and are top notch quality. They are OE on the LS and SC, what everyone uses, so no reason to think they would not be on the GX.
"is most likely" ... the operative words ... yes, Denso makes many Toyota/Lexus parts, but should not be automatic in assuming. Replacing the radiator is a PITA given the limited access ... so for me going OEM is worth the up-charge, assuming wholesale pricing and no sales tax. I personally do not trust unknown Amazon suppliers ... too many reported counterfeit parts for my comfort.
"is most likely" ... the operative words ... yes, Denso makes many Toyota/Lexus parts, but should not be automatic in assuming. Replacing the radiator is a PITA given the limited access ... so for me going OEM is worth the up-charge, assuming wholesale pricing and no sales tax. I personally do not trust unknown Amazon suppliers ... too many reported counterfeit parts for my comfort.
Personally, I have never had any issues with Amazon over 10 years of using them. Denso warranty is the exact same as the dealer part. It's about 99% chance they make the radiator. Even if they did not for some odd reason they make fantastic parts. No logical reason why you should not use them in my opinion.
I agree with you that using cheap aftermarket parts is not wise. What many fail to realize is you can often source OE parts through 3rd parties at 1/2 - 1/4 the cost. There are also good aftermarket parts available. Moog, Beck Arnley, Bosch, KYB, Gates, Aisin, & Desno are just a few. As mentioned, owners of the LS have been using Denso radiators for years with great success.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Apr 19, 2020 at 03:48 AM.
Personally, I have never had any issues with Amazon over 10 years of using them. Denso warranty is the exact same as the dealer part. It's about 99% chance they make the radiator. Even if they did not for some odd reason they make fantastic parts. No logical reason why you should not use them in my opinion.
I agree with you that using cheap aftermarket parts is not wise. What many fail to realize is you can often source OE parts through 3rd parties at 1/2 - 1/4 the cost. There are also good aftermarket parts available. Moog, Beck Arnley, Bosch, KYB, Gates, Aisin, & Desno are just a few. As mentioned, owners of the LS have been using Denso radiators for years with great success.
Amazon is not a seller ... they are a fulfillment operation for suppliers, some of whom (more so in the electronics, cosmetic and automotive space) sell counterfeit items that are very close to exact copies minus the quality materials and quality controls of the real thing. Amazon does not have a great track record of filtering these suppliers. The Forbes article (link below) is just one of many articles flagging this Amazon problem that has continued for years ...
Thanks all for the feedback, taking to local shop, Made in Japan and they will inspect and replace with oem parts if needed tmrw, will follow up afterwards.
Returned from a trip to the Caribbean to find a dead battery and remnants of leaking coolant near/around the top radiator hose. Went to Costco, picked up a $90 Interstate 24F, dropped it in and Toyoro fired right up.
But the coolant leak, not sure if it is radiator, hose or both. I have hoses on hand. Wondering if I should replace radiator too.
Hard to tell from the pictures... if you are north of 90000 miles and it's never been serviced I'd replace everything... hoses, radiator, water pump...
of course you could always start small with just the hoses to see if it keeps leaking... or clean it up and see if you can locate the source of the leak before making a decision
I'm hoping it is just a bad hose but have seen several before like that which required radiator replacement. IIRC.... the plastic may have split on that upper hose fitting.
On a cold engine, remove and replace the radiator cap to relieve the system of any pressure, then pressure wash the area in question to remove any scale buildup and contamination ... let the area in question completely dry (do not start the vehicle) ... use a hair dryer on the hot setting to speed up the localized drying process if necessary. Once completely dry, spray the area in question with "Gold Bond Spray Foot Powder" ... a nice even thick coat of white powder ... let dry for 5-odd minutes, and then start the vehicle ... immediately inspect for the leak ... the white powder will turn black when liquid is present ... even a superficial amount of liquid will be easily visible. An inspection mirror is a good assist to eyeball from multiple angles. It may take a few minutes for the cooling system to reach full pressure, and the leak may not present itself until full operating temperature is reached and the thermostat has fully opened.
It is common for the plastic radiator end-tank to separate from the radiator core ... typically starts by weeping ... but hopefully you are only dealing with the hose interface.
All excellent info, thank you! Decided to go ahead and add the radiator and water pump to my scheduled 100K service which includes the hoses, OEM clamps and Super Long Life Coolant already on hand.
OEM radiator cap and since it's going to be all apart, I'd do the fan clutch since it's only $112 for the Aisin from Rock Auto.
Also, do the serp belt, pully, and tensioner since it will be so much easier with the radiator out of the way. I'd skip OEM and go with the Continental kit. When I did my serp belt, the Conti belt was actually a Mitsuboshi which might as well be OEM. Good luck!
OEM radiator cap and since it's going to be all apart, I'd do the fan clutch since it's only $112 for the Aisin from Rock Auto.
Also, do the serp belt, pully, and tensioner since it will be so much easier with the radiator out of the way. I'd skip OEM and go with the Continental kit. When I did my serp belt, the Conti belt was actually a Mitsuboshi which might as well be OEM. Good luck!
I like the way you think 🧠. Called Discount Parts Monster, they say the radiator cap is included with new radiator. Looking into the belt kit.
