Radiator Question
01-31-13, 05:08 PM
#1
Radiator Question
Hi All,
While having a shop switch out my water pump/timing belt/idler pulleys etc, they noticed I have a crack in the radiator.
I can source one from Sewell for a ~360, but I hear the big problem with OEM radiators are the plastic shrouds that crack which cause the leaks. A good friend of mine recommend Koyo, but they have 2 version available.
A2419 1 inch thick
A2418 5/8inch thick..
From my limited knowledge of our cars, it seems the A2419 is used for LS430s with the Tow package. and A2418 is for cars without the tow. Does it make a difference? From common knowledge I would assume a thicker core = more cooling, but will the bigger 1 inch core fit? Or should i stick with the 5/8's. I do not have the tow package installed, but would rather install a beefier radiator if it fits and doesn't affect anything else.
Also, if you have swapped to Koyo or any other aftermarket radiator where did you purchase it from? Will Koyo just drop right in?
While having a shop switch out my water pump/timing belt/idler pulleys etc, they noticed I have a crack in the radiator.
I can source one from Sewell for a ~360, but I hear the big problem with OEM radiators are the plastic shrouds that crack which cause the leaks. A good friend of mine recommend Koyo, but they have 2 version available.
A2419 1 inch thick
A2418 5/8inch thick..
From my limited knowledge of our cars, it seems the A2419 is used for LS430s with the Tow package. and A2418 is for cars without the tow. Does it make a difference? From common knowledge I would assume a thicker core = more cooling, but will the bigger 1 inch core fit? Or should i stick with the 5/8's. I do not have the tow package installed, but would rather install a beefier radiator if it fits and doesn't affect anything else.
Also, if you have swapped to Koyo or any other aftermarket radiator where did you purchase it from? Will Koyo just drop right in?
Last edited by tcr101; 01-31-13 at 05:26 PM.
01-31-13, 05:35 PM
#2
My concern would be if they both have a secondary integrated cooler for the transmission fluid, that is a must.
As for fitment, I can't recall any topic involving aftermarket LS radiators here on the forums. If it were me, I'd get the thicker unit providing it had the tranny cooler. Mounting isn't an issue really, L-shaped brackets aren't hard to fab up. YMMV though.
As for fitment, I can't recall any topic involving aftermarket LS radiators here on the forums. If it were me, I'd get the thicker unit providing it had the tranny cooler. Mounting isn't an issue really, L-shaped brackets aren't hard to fab up. YMMV though.
01-31-13, 06:58 PM
#4
Oh, haha. I meant YMMV as in fabricating radiator brackets isn't an issue for me personally, but you might not want to go through the hassle or feel comfortable doing it.
Your post makes me wonder though, if Lexus actually has a separate part number for the radiator with vehicles optioned with the tow package.
Your post makes me wonder though, if Lexus actually has a separate part number for the radiator with vehicles optioned with the tow package.
01-31-13, 09:09 PM
#5
Oh, haha. I meant YMMV as in fabricating radiator brackets isn't an issue for me personally, but you might not want to go through the hassle or feel comfortable doing it.
Your post makes me wonder though, if Lexus actually has a separate part number for the radiator with vehicles optioned with the tow package.
Your post makes me wonder though, if Lexus actually has a separate part number for the radiator with vehicles optioned with the tow package.
I left koyo a message and hope I'll hear back by tomorrow. If everything looks good I'll get the 1inch koyo and see how it works out
02-01-13, 09:05 AM
#6
You want the radiator that fits perfectly, that would be my primary concern.
I had a classic car that had cooling issues and I used a bigger, universal aluminum radiator on where I had to fashion brackets, and honestly, it was a more complicated project than I thought it was going to be. But I will say it was dramatically cooler when I was done. On a modern car like a Lexus, I personally wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel.
If you don't have any cooling issues now, I'd measure what's in there and just replace. I don't know what's involved, but it could require different hoses, different brackets, different transmission cooler lines, different shroud, etc.
But if the bigger radiator is truly "plug and play" though, let us know. Also, make sure the shop is telling the truth that the radiator is indeed cracked. My guess is if it is, they probably cracked it doing the water pump and timing belt job, but they're not going to take responsibility.
I had a classic car that had cooling issues and I used a bigger, universal aluminum radiator on where I had to fashion brackets, and honestly, it was a more complicated project than I thought it was going to be. But I will say it was dramatically cooler when I was done. On a modern car like a Lexus, I personally wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel.
If you don't have any cooling issues now, I'd measure what's in there and just replace. I don't know what's involved, but it could require different hoses, different brackets, different transmission cooler lines, different shroud, etc.
But if the bigger radiator is truly "plug and play" though, let us know. Also, make sure the shop is telling the truth that the radiator is indeed cracked. My guess is if it is, they probably cracked it doing the water pump and timing belt job, but they're not going to take responsibility.
02-01-13, 11:54 AM
#7
Thanks for the heads up BradTank. The shop is good, I've had a few cooling problems where there was not enough coolant, but didn't know where it was leaking from.
I just ordered the A2419 from 1800-Radiator based on Hawthorne, CA for ~$170. This model does have the integrated transmission cooler built in. I should have it delivered by Monday and will install it next Saturday and update you on the fit. For the price, I'll take the dive and see where it takes me.
I just ordered the A2419 from 1800-Radiator based on Hawthorne, CA for ~$170. This model does have the integrated transmission cooler built in. I should have it delivered by Monday and will install it next Saturday and update you on the fit. For the price, I'll take the dive and see where it takes me.
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02-08-13, 08:08 PM
#8
swapped in the new koyo radiator, its a direct OE replacement.
For being my first radiator swap, it was pretty simple. IMHO, the hardest part was jacking the car up and removing the under body panel.
The original radiator brackets fit the new one and it was a pretty quick swap. When i pulled the transmission cooling hoses off I did spill some fluid and will replace it when I go for a quick spin later. It took me ~2.5 hours to finish with no help.
I didn't take too many photos, but i followed the service manual page 16-20.pdf (uploaded below). The new radiator is shiny
For being my first radiator swap, it was pretty simple. IMHO, the hardest part was jacking the car up and removing the under body panel.
The original radiator brackets fit the new one and it was a pretty quick swap. When i pulled the transmission cooling hoses off I did spill some fluid and will replace it when I go for a quick spin later. It took me ~2.5 hours to finish with no help.
I didn't take too many photos, but i followed the service manual page 16-20.pdf (uploaded below). The new radiator is shiny
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