I have the slightest leak at the top left of the radiator. I don’t notice any coolant on the ground or loss of coolant in the reservoir. I only noticed it because I saw a wisp of smoke coming out from under the front of the hood as I was driving today. I’m not usually the driver of the car so I don’t know if this is ongoing.

Us it likely that I would need to replace the radiator. If so, is it a difficult repair?

 

No it is easy. You may be able to see a white dried out spray pattern in the engine bay. I may have seen a denso part on Amazon. I would suggest that drain the block and replace the thermostats if those have not been performed.

The only thing I don't know about is the foam packing. The old/existing may not be firm enough to be reused. Maybe some one can give guidance.


Salim

 

got a denso from rockauto about a year ago and no problem so far, it was pretty easy and did it myself, definitely want to use the box it comes in and cut out a square to match it and put it on the front of the radiator or you WILL destroy it putting it in. i think i found a guide on here or maybe a YouTube vid dont remember.

 

Thanks. I’ve seen a video for the 2002. The guy disconnected the fan shroud before removing the radiator. I saw another video for a 2000 where the guy said it was a fool’s errand to remove the fan shroud; he took out the radiator and the fan shroud as one unit.

I font know if the conjugations for the 2000 and the 2002 are different. Did you separate the fan shroud before removing the radiator?

 

i separated them after, i don't know if they're different either.