Hello~ first post here, greetings!

wondering if this is a clean wipe and monitor OR replace the whole radiator (says the dealer) type of job?

is there a plug or stopper where the crystals are formed? Also wondering why the extra outlet was made, seems like there’s no use for it??

just passed the 100km on this old baby. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

Pretty sure that port was made so the rad fails and you have to replace the entire unit. You need a new radiator.

 

You can remove Radiator bleed screw and replace the o-ring or just JB weld the screw into the plastic cap body.

 

You can try to remove the cap and see if it has an rubber o-ring gasket that can be replaced. If so, then just find a proper size o-ring and hopefully it solves the leak issue without needing an replacement radiator.

I use an o-ring kit like this to replace bad o-rings in my cars that is not normally sold by the dealership which wants to sell the whole entire part for just an simple bad o-ring in the part.

 

Here's discussion about the same problem on another RX;
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...fill-neck.html

 

The down side in cleaning is that you will spring a leak. The crust formed has sealed the leak.
I would clean only if i intend to repair/replace. The plug seems to be glued/bonded. You can try cleaning and applying epoxy, but replacing the radiator is the best choice.

Depending on where you live there are ways to separate the top portion of the radiator and reseal it. It all boils down to comparing price [labor, material cost]. If you plan to DIY, just purchase the radiator and coolant.

Salim

 

Be aware that when the radiator needs to be changed the 2014 RX450h comes in 2 versions; with tow package or without. 2014 RX450h with tow package comes with heavy duty radiator with core thickness of 1" and without tow package comes with radiator core thickness of 5/8". If unsure any Lexus dealer parts desk can determine tow option from vin number.

 

Here's a Toyota Camry thread which shows what the bleed screw plug removed looks like, post #17,


https://www.toyotanation.com/threads...spout.1569474/

 

Thank you for sharing.

There are two issues that must be considered before embarking on this.

1. How destructive will the removal of the stopper will be? From the post, it seems the plug was not usable and enough care was taken not to destroy the radiator side.

2. Assuming step 1 above goes well, what will be used to plug the hole. Do you have access to machining a plug? Or can the plug be purchased?

Cuba along with other parts of the world, has machinist who can re-create parts cheaper than replacement parts.


Salim

 

The plastic plug can just be carefully unscrewed and re-screwed back on to the radiator with set of pliers. The issue is generally an bad o-ring on the plug from what I researched on the issue. However, if a person does break the plug in the process then it may mean a new radiator or maybe a replacement plug from a junk yard radiator.

 

Seems redundant to have a plastic bleeder port next to a radiator cap, don't think 2RX had that feature. Likely not a good idea to turn that valve under pressure.

 

If I was to speculate, it might help in purging air during production. At factory the enigne does not need to be run ... but this is pure conjecture.

Salim