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2010 RX 350. Radiator leaking from plastic piece coming out of radiator that cap goes on. For 2007-2009 models they sell a separate piece called a neck that you can replace. Anyone know if I can replace the plug at the end of the next that's leaking, or the only option is a new radiator? Looks like a round plug about the size of a half dollar. I can see there is a round rubber gasket. Has anyone ran into this and been able to fix?
Thank you in advance
Last edited by GOLDSc300; Jul 25, 2024 at 06:59 AM.
Thank you for the link and your comments. It is so strange that nobody knows if twisting the plastic plug will prevent leaking. One guy posted that he twisted the plug to stop leaking, but another guy stated that it is a plug and is not threaded. I tried to twist this plastic plug (w/o pushing too hard), but it seems not possible. It will be very interesting to try unscrewing this plastic part on the old / removed radiator. My RX has only 69K and I just hesitate to replace the radiator at this low millage... Anyway, if I need to replace the radiator what brand would you recommend ? Thanks
Get a Denso radiator as they are one of the main OEM suppliers to Toyota/Lexus. Rock Auto has them. You may want to replace the thermostat at the same time.
It is pointless to attempt to repair leaking plastic parts in any automotive cooling system. My rule has always been to REPLACE the failing plastic part. If that plastic part is not a replaceable assembly, then you must indeed replace the entire radiator.
Any corporate beancounter who requires the inclusion of plastic parts in cooling systems should be legally responsible for covering the costs of all repairs required by that design for the rest of his/her career.
It is pointless to attempt to repair leaking plastic parts in any automotive cooling system. My rule has always been to REPLACE the failing plastic part. If that plastic part is not a replaceable assembly, then you must indeed replace the entire radiator.
Any corporate beancounter who requires the inclusion of plastic parts in cooling systems should be legally responsible for covering the costs of all repairs required by that design for the rest of his/her career.
Well said! & I would replace.
It all started with Copper and then combination of Copper and Aluminum till '90s when plastic took over .. cost and weight reduction. Pace steers were Germans.
For replacement check out Denso radiators ... I bought one from Amazon for another vehicles. My problem was with foam packing which goes around as the old one just disintegrated.
Thank you guys for your comments and suggestions. It seems I have to install a new radiator. Anyway, i will try to unscrew this plastic part on the old / removed radiator. Just for my curiosity. So far the radiator has very mild leak, so I will wait for cooler weather in Scottsdale.
Thanks. I guess nothing shock me anymore. Btw, what do you think about Zerex coolant for asian cars. About twice cheaper compare to the Toyota coolant.
Also, today I got a new problem with my RX350 which was problems free for the last 7 years. I started the car and the engine immediately stalled. It happened a few times today when the engine was cold and when it was hot. The battery and the alternator are fine and there are zero codes. The car works perfectly, just some times I wasn't able to start the engine on the first attempt and once I had to try 5-6 times before I started the engine. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Radiator leaking
