OEM radiator or aftermarket radiator reliabilty
03-14-17, 10:47 PM
#1
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OEM radiator or aftermarket radiator reliabilty
Should I save money and get an aftermarket radiator or get an OEM Toyota radiator for a 68,000 2001 RX300 2WD? Debating... recommendations?
03-15-17, 05:57 AM
#2
Intermediate
I bought a TYC radiator for our RX from Rockauto.com with no complaints. It pays to buy a thicker core when available. It helps with cooling on those really hot days.
03-15-17, 12:05 PM
#3
+1
Exactly what I did. No need for OEM, I went with the APDI/PRO but TYC is the same. The thicker core really does help, as one of my rad fans is broken but I've yet to have any overheating issues.
Exactly what I did. No need for OEM, I went with the APDI/PRO but TYC is the same. The thicker core really does help, as one of my rad fans is broken but I've yet to have any overheating issues.
03-15-17, 05:54 PM
#4
Moderator
I am curious as to what went wrong with the radiator ... that is if OP wants to share.
Salim
Salim
03-24-17, 12:19 AM
#6
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01-03-23, 06:46 AM
#8
Looking at both options now as I get to join the club of having the top of my radiator in my 2008 fail. My car had the recall done in 2015 at 130k miles but it is noted in the service history that the fan screws were found to be tight, they replaced the screws anyways and torqued to spec. So I assume then that the radiator was not replaced and this is still the original one. That was almost 8 years ago though. The car currently just rolled over 156k miles now.
Is there any easy way to check besides when I pull it out and finding the part number stamped on it?
I have been reading several threads on the options. Is there any more long-term data out there at this point of people daily driving their cars with the Koyo setup and no longer having the preheat for the trans? I have to say reading about, it is what concerns me the most about going that route. I did just order FBO and a tune from RR on Sunday only to have this happen yesterday. I won't say it gets super cold in NC but it isn't always warm. I like to be able to road trip most of my cars at any time even in the colder months. It is unlikely though this car would see a northern winter road trip. It does split daily duties right now with my CTSV Wagon though.
Is there any easy way to check besides when I pull it out and finding the part number stamped on it?
I have been reading several threads on the options. Is there any more long-term data out there at this point of people daily driving their cars with the Koyo setup and no longer having the preheat for the trans? I have to say reading about, it is what concerns me the most about going that route. I did just order FBO and a tune from RR on Sunday only to have this happen yesterday. I won't say it gets super cold in NC but it isn't always warm. I like to be able to road trip most of my cars at any time even in the colder months. It is unlikely though this car would see a northern winter road trip. It does split daily duties right now with my CTSV Wagon though.
01-04-23, 05:48 AM
#9
Intermediate
if it were me, I would get a radiator with the cooler, then add a tranny cooler to the circuit. Heat and dirt are the enemy of all transmissions. To clean it, add a Magnefine filter to the atf cooler line.
01-04-23, 07:27 AM
#10
Radiator replacement
I replaced the radiator in my Camry with a tyc through Amazon worked great no issues all. Everyone says get one with more rows I would helps more in the summer.
01-04-23, 09:34 AM
#11
Moderator
My personal experience is RX300 and other Lexus vehicles is that the engine runs hotter and the demand on radiator based cooling is low even in heat of central Texas. I drove without the fan and the needle barely moved from normal when ever the vehicle stopped moving. Extra capacity won't harm you, but is not needed. just my 2c
Salim
Salim
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