Just a quick tip in case anyone wasn't hip to it: Use AAA batteries to plug the transmission cooler lines when you're replacing your radiator or doing other work where you gotta pull those puppies. I've used AA batteries on Jag throttle body coolant lines before, so during a BUNCH of work I did a couple weeks ago I packed a set of AAA and AA in the tool kit, just in case they'd come in handy. It's not perfect, you'll get a few drops if you leave them overnight, but I like this a lot more than doubling those lines back on themselves and using zip ties.

Kirkland batteries FTW

I also wrapped the super-easy-to-break radiator hose end in bright green tape just so it catches my eye when I'm under the hood. I'm sure youu can guess why I was replacing the radiator in the first place then eh?

Anyway, this is my first Lexus, and I'm really digging how this thing is put together. I did a heap of work over a weekend: both front wheel bearings, radiator, spark plugs, new battery, alternator, all stuff that the previous owner(s) had let go. Everything went well, really appreciate all the posts you folks make on here to help one another out.

 

Thanks for the tip; curious about this radiator part that’s easy to break. Where is it? What is it exactly? Is it a hose nipple that goes to the overflow tank or is it a main radiator hose neck?

Edit: looks like the tiny fitting that goes to the overflow is brittle and easily breaks

 

I don't understand why people change the radiator. I can see a reason to change a starter but not the radiator unless it is leaking. Radiator hoses something to keep you eye on. I think, idler pulleys are worth replacing on high mileage cars: 150k+.

Get a set of gaskets for the fuel pumps, valve cover gaskets and spark plug grommets.

 

I change radiators on my cars over 100k miles as preventive maintenance. And basically anything I do to a system or part is out of being proactive and knowing that part doesn’t have 100k miles on it.

 

I am relatively new to the forum, but I haven't seen threads with a failed radiator unless it was damaged during maintenance or repair.

 

I had a few reasons for replacing the radiator. First, I had broken the little hose nipple at the top. Fun. Second, my car was running hot on 100+ degree days. Thin Colorado air...

Also, after almost 140k of picking up dirt and grit and who knows what else from the road, the airflow wasn't as good as it could have been. I took the opportunity to blow out all of the gunk from the A/C heat exchanger as well. We've had a few really dusty seasons up here in CO, I've had to vac my house A/C coils a few times to get all the pollen and gunk out.

Here's what was sitting between the radiator and the A/C heat exchanger. Ewwwww....




I think all of those little factors were adding up to the car running hot when standing still on really hot days. I've already replaced the thermostat and water pump and my fans are all running correctly. I think it just couldn't move enough air to keep things cool, so we'll see how it fares once the warmer weather comes back around.