My OEM 2006 sc430 radiator had a leak recently(after 18 years), but as im reading the forum im getting nervous, it sounded like the new radiator doesn’t even last that long. Is the OEM sc430 radiator also Denso? My question is if I have my radiator replace at lexus, is the radiator also Denso brand? Or is it different? I asked the dealership they said it’s just lexus brand and not Denso(I don’t think they know much though)…if anyone could please confirm this.

 

Replacement from a dealer will be made by Denso but it may or may not be produced to the same standard. On your car probably, given the age still made in an old factory in Japan. If it was me I'd take the original to a rad shop.

 

the replacement Denso i had has been fine.
amazon, $120
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...VQwi7k52J68oiH

 

I've had early failures with Denso rads, early meaning 5-6 years. Not sure the pattern some are made in China some Taiwan etc. the China ones look and feel ultra cheap.

 

A radiator shop isn't a bad idea, but it is the plastic that cracks on the radiator, so they aren't usually able to help.

If you buy a radiator at the dealer, they are going to tell you it is a Lexus Radiator because you are buying it at Lexus. It will come in a Toyota box, but it was built in a Denso factory.

If you are going to do the work yourself, or have an independent mechanic do it, you can still go the LEXUS/OEM route buy buying a genuine Lexus radiator online and taking it to your non dealer mechanic. You can probably save a hundred dollars or more by doing this.

Just do a search for the GENUINE LEXUS RADIATOR PART NUMBER

Lexus 16400-50280

 

Here's an interesting possibility....all aluminum radiator: https://www.ebay.com/itm/403544159714

 

I installed one of these in my SC430 a couple years ago:

 

Was the fit of the Amazon Denso as good as the OEM?

I like the all aluminum unit you referenced on Ebay. Has anyone tried one these? I like that there's no plastic to crack, but concerned about the fit and quality.

 

True. The caps are sealed to the main unit via gaskets they often leak but if the plastic is gone then the rad is scrap.
I've installed these style rads no issues, EXCEPT on one the locating pegs on the bottom were welded in the wrong spot so quality is suspect. They appear to be all made in the same factory same style welds, everything.

 

You might be over thinking this. Amazon has a Denso which is likely the same one in the Lexus box for $136. My original one lasted more than 10 years and even then, it was just minor seepage and not really leaving any spots on the ground. I have done several of these and I don't think it takes me more than an hour to change one and the one I installed back in 2014 or so is still doing just fine.