Just wanted to have some consensus on this radiator leak. Judging by the splatter, I'm thinking it is the Upper Radiator Hose/Clamp that is leaking. I can see some space around the hose and connector and leads me to guess that the hose has become brittle and the clamp worn. This is a 2003, and from what I can tell original. Am I missing a possible source?








I'm thinking OEM for the hose/clamp, called my dealer and they are:
Hose - 16571-50180 - $37.11
Clamp - 90466-41003 -$11.10
Shipping seems to kill most of the online vendor prices, but if someone has a great lead (or discount)...I'm all for it.

 

I hope you are not missing a possible source "radiator cap". When it's failed and doesn't work well to open the valve, the built up pressure causes your type of problem.

If I were you, I'd simply change the radiator cap first.

 

Good suggestion. I had changed out with a Denso unit when I did the WP about 2 years ago...maybe just got a bad unit.

 

That hose is not seated, I would start there but if it's the original rad I would just replace it. My 02 had it originals up to 220k but it is rare stuff lasts that long

 

I had a crack in my 2001 LS430 radiator that was causing a similar issue. It was at the top on the inside.Had to get a new radiator.

 

The answer is in your question.

 

At this rate, I'd do the upper and lower hose (OEM only) as well as new OEM clamps, OEM thermostat, and a Denso radiator. You've already going to be in there and the parts are almost 20 years old. Might be overkill but you can knock all that out in two hours for $275 after parts and OEM coolant. That way, you'd have peace of mind for years to come.

 

Romanova nailed it. It is cheap insurance to do it right.

I also believe that it is a good idea to replace this stuff when you do the timing belt. It is easy then.

 

Can we get some follow up on the original post. The first thing I would do is clean up the top of the radiator so there are no dried remnants of pink dried fluid, run the engine and observe where the leak is actually coming from.... the hose is obviously a source... cracks in radiator also a possibility, but a systematic approach makes sense....