1998 SC400

A very small and slow leak around the drain plug. What is the success rate of changing out the drain plug and it no longer leaking versus buying a new radiator.

flush and replace $150

R/R Radiator $878 New

 

$878 for a new SC400 radiator? LOL, was the estimator given some drugs from a OWS tent?

$160 brand new Koyo unit. I just got the same one last month and it has worked great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-SC400-...item53ea3f31f2

Install time was 30 minutes for me. These guys will tell you that I'm far from a mechanic.

 

Thanks! I will go there if the plug doesn't stop the leak. They have esitmated 1.9 hrs for install. Appreciate the heads up.

 

You should not own an SC if you cannot work on it yourself...... because you'll go broke. It's not a pride thing, it simply doesn't make business sense. The SC has too many fatal flaws around it's bulletproof drivetrain after age has set in. That radiator is an easy pull. Search on here and DIY and your TOTAL bill will be $160

 

I would agree. It is not an every day car for me however it still has 110k on the miles, so far new starter $1,100 It's in cherry condition loaded SC400 and hate to get rid of it. Its not a nickel and dime car thats for sure. When repairs exceed the worth it is to me, I will sell it. Thanks for the feedback.

 

+1 on the koyo radiator. works great. i have it on my car. stay frosty my friend

 

If you leak is coming from the plug, I would maybe check into buying a new plug and gasket first.

Mine had a really slow leak. I purchased from lexus a new plug and the small rubber gasket that goes onto the drain plug. Yes the plug did not come with the rubber gasket from lexus. Crazy.

Stopped my slow leak. I think the rubber gasket is what really went bad on mine.

 

Zeke21

It was the plug and the gasket is separate. Did a flush and renewed the coolant and all is good. Cheapest down time to date on my SC400 however I must say I have been very fortunate, the car runs and performs great. Thanks for the info.

 

I got Koyo from eBay. I love it! Took me 30 mins to install. Got it for $185. But if it's just the plug that's leaking just buy it from Jeggs.com they're only like $5.