04 LS, 216k miles, original radiator and tank.

Two weeks ago, I had Lexus dealership install a new starter. I'm not linking this repair to the current issue, but wanted to mention it since a couple of the coolant hoses are detached and radiator bled to perform this service (according to Lexus).

Below are pics I took of the spray I am getting. I replaced the radiator cap thinking the old cap is losing its seal and allowing the coolant to escape. However, the radiator itself is not losing coolant, but the reserve tank is. I have filled the tank to the full line, driven the car, and the level has remained the same. After 8 hours of sitting, the tank is empty. ALso, sometimes the tank empties when driving. I plan to get into it today and see where a leak may be coming from, but wanted to check here and see if anyone has experienced similar issues, and what the fix was.

The underside of the air intake cover show the spray. The liquid you see in front of the radiator is water dripping from the hood after a rain.

 

You need to clean the entire area, pressurize the system, and go from there. Not many radiators last that long, so it might be an issue or soon to be one. Pressurize the system and let it sit for awhile or overnight. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

Didn't take long to find the leak. Pumped pressure to 14 psi and it started flowing. Looks like a new radiator is needed, unless there is someway to seal the area it is leaking.

 

Looks like there's a crack in the plastic rail, and this is the exact location of the leak.

 

There is no proper repair of your radiator. You are fortunate to have made it this long. You can pick up an aftermarket Denso for a fair price. Installation is reasonable. If you go for an OEM from Lexus, of course you'll pay that much more.

 

Ordered a Denso from Rock Auto today. $134 delivered. Lexus quoted $450 just for the radiator. Toyota dealer quoted the same, as they would have to order it from Lexus.

I plan to do the install myself on Friday.

 

You've done well to get that many miles out of the original radiator. The indy relayed to me that he usually sees them go form 150K to 180K miles.

 

You've done well. You should have no further issues. If all the hoses are in good shape you are good to go! Good luck.

 

I am fortunate indeed. Twice in the last 3 or so years I've noticed a low reserve, and refilled. However, there were no visible signs of leakage.

All of the hoses look to be in great shape. Between the starter a few weeks ago and the radiator now, I'm hoping the repair costs will end for a while. Up until this point, the only parts that have failed are the PS pump, driver door actuator, and front suspension overhauled to soften and quiet the ride. Fingers crossed.

 

With the minimal amount of transmission fluid leaking from old radiator, will it need to be replaced?

 

Check the level properly after it is warmed up on a level ground while running. Wait approximately 30 minutes before checking the fluid. You may or may not need to top it up. DO NOT OVERFILL.

 

I read your thread from a few years ago about the overfill following radiator replacement. With my transmission being sealed, it's a bit more difficult to check.

 

Yes, I forgot that you don't have the dip stick. For the most part, you should be ok as not much should drip out after the radiator replacement. The sealed units are more of a pain to check. If it were me, and I'm over the top OCD, I'd check it anyway for peace of mind. If you had the level checked recently and it was fine, more than likely you won't need much if any at all.

 

The sealed ones are in my personal experience and opinion are way way way nicer to work on and check. Just fill the thing till it takes no more then let it run and shove more in and gets hot and then once it's done you close both ports.

Idiot proof and can be left alone and takes no effort, the one in my car requires me to row the gears, check level a bunch, re check since the fluid I just put in was still crowding the tube and ruined the reading, check again to confirm, then fill it a little more since it was a bit low, then make sure the temp is hot and good, CHECK AGAIN, then finally row it through again and make sure it's good before closing the tube. Nice because it can be checked easily without a lift but if the thing isn't leaking it doesn't matter and mine doesn't leak. Just been pissing me off since I've been changing the oil and doing trans drain and fills every 1000 miles last 5000 to get everything nice and clean and it stretches my oil change out from 10 min to 35 because of the damn trans refill process. I'm about to just very carefully observe where the fluid sits with the engine OFF and cold/hot and add three additional marks on the stick so I can do shutdown totally cold or hot checks to make like easier like I did on my truck and Jeep.

 

Question for everyone.
Rockauto also has radiator with tow package for $90 shipped. Isn't it better to get that instead? I understand it is larger and still fits the car fine.