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Recently serviced my timing belt and water pump which included a new Denso radiator. Everything went fine but as I'm closely monitoring the water level after the job I notice pink seeping through the top where metal meets plastic. I'm not surprised to see a little around the overflow tank as I may have over filled it, but I didn't expect to see very even and consistent pink dust all around the top seam. New upper and lower rad hoses were also part of the service. This radiator was made in China and purchased from Rockauto. My first instinct is to send it back for a replacement but I'm almost afraid this may be the new standard to expect from a Chinese made radiator...? Has anyone seen or experienced anything similar, I've driven approx 300 miles since the TB svc.
Really sad that there seem to be different grades of Denso products these days. I can't recall what the shop put in ours during the major service. The invoice does not have a Toyota part# so I'll have to go look and see. I recollect them saying that if I want, they can get a factory radiator for like $450 but they recommend something-something to be cost conscious. My invoice simply has a 2058 DE at $150. Will see how long it can go.
my ls400 has the original radiator 245,000 miles later so ya, 300 miles and leaking is unacceptable. try to get a refund instead of a warranty replacement.
Are you sure it wasn't leaking from the top radiator hose due to using an aftermarket clamp or that's just the residual coolant from the installation? My new hose has a screw type clamp that needed to be tightened slightly after installation due to the rubber shrinking after a couple heating cycles. Now I see why OEMs use constant pressure spring clamps in this scenario, which allows for expansion/contraction of the rubber hose and applies the right amount of tension on the clamp.
Also, try cleaning all the areas around the radiator where you see coolant now and check back in a week to see if its still there. Coolant doesn't dry up as easily as water does and old coolant that was spilled can confuse people into thinking that its a false leak.
New Denso radiator leaking...?
