Is this a result of dealer overfilling Radiator??
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
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Hi all
about 9 months ago, I had the SC430 timing belt changed...water pump and thermostat also.
at a recent oil change I noticed that there was a coolant leak (pink solid powder residue) at the radiator cap, overflow cap and also at the front of the upper radiator hose connection. I did not check any other coolant hose connections (because they are all more difficult to check).
I did notice that the coolant recovery chamber was at its max or slightly above its target level. I removed about 4 ounces of excess fluid.
the question is... would the dealer's potential overfilling of the radiator fluid when the timing belt was changed have caused the seepage at the radiator hose too???? there are no indications of overheating at the instrument panel that I know of or any instrument lights going on .
your opinions requested
thanks
about 9 months ago, I had the SC430 timing belt changed...water pump and thermostat also.
at a recent oil change I noticed that there was a coolant leak (pink solid powder residue) at the radiator cap, overflow cap and also at the front of the upper radiator hose connection. I did not check any other coolant hose connections (because they are all more difficult to check).
I did notice that the coolant recovery chamber was at its max or slightly above its target level. I removed about 4 ounces of excess fluid.
the question is... would the dealer's potential overfilling of the radiator fluid when the timing belt was changed have caused the seepage at the radiator hose too???? there are no indications of overheating at the instrument panel that I know of or any instrument lights going on .
your opinions requested
thanks
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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What you said is concerning, "also at the front of the upper radiator hose connection". You may need a new radiator!
What year is your SC?
I have a 2002 with 70k miles and replaced my radiator a few months ago. The radiator was cracked and what you are describing is what I saw on mine.
What year is your SC?
I have a 2002 with 70k miles and replaced my radiator a few months ago. The radiator was cracked and what you are describing is what I saw on mine.
#4
Lexus Test Driver
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![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/image_e08de18a6d48a252e6429d782cdbe4fd904a086a.jpeg)
Pointing at the crack
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clublexus.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/image_2285382d9ba3b517b9dd612eed870094781ed748.jpeg)
Note the crack!
And the white spray everywhere...if you see this, you need a radiator ASAP!
DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR!!!
Except to the mechanic.
#5
Racer
iTrader: (3)
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I would clean it very good & try to see where the leak is coming from for certain. If it's just the cap, it may drip down to the radiator. If it's the radiator, the leak should be seen there, although the fan may spray it elsewhere. I would probably buy the cap, as Coleroad recommended, then keep a close eye on it. If you still see it leaking,then get a radiator, as Bgw70 recommended......
#6
Lexus Test Driver
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I would clean it very good & try to see where the leak is coming from for certain. If it's just the cap, it may drip down to the radiator. If it's the radiator, the leak should be seen there, although the fan may spray it elsewhere. I would probably buy the cap, as Coleroad recommended, then keep a close eye on it. If you still see it leaking,then get a radiator, as Bgw70 recommended......
Do not go by the temp gauge, check the level in the radiator, when it is cool.
By all means, change the cap first...
If you are seeing the splash everywhere, the white splatter, look for a crack.
The radiator in these cars will fail!
Last edited by Bgw70; 01-25-16 at 06:46 AM.
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#8
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Hi guys,
I think I may need new radiator. I see coolant residue next to the radiator. Any recommendation? I see Advance Auto has lifetime warranty radiator $140. Dealer is closed now (weekend) but I am guessing $300 for OEM. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Chris
I think I may need new radiator. I see coolant residue next to the radiator. Any recommendation? I see Advance Auto has lifetime warranty radiator $140. Dealer is closed now (weekend) but I am guessing $300 for OEM. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Chris
Last edited by BCT; 02-26-17 at 01:36 AM.
#9
Lead Lap
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By next to the radiator, where do you mean? The reason I ask is that if a radiator cap is going bad, it can leak out the fluid or if a nearby radiator hose is going bad or the seal between the hose and the radiator is going bad, it can leak from there also.
#10
Lexus Test Driver
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do another CL search
#11
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Thanks! I did some search before posting but did not see this.
#12
Lexus Test Driver
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I did a search for you, please read this thread. In this thread you will find links to the OEM $90 radiator.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ement-diy.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ement-diy.html
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BCT (03-02-17)
#13
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Steve at luxury motorcar (the luxlink guy) mentioned when I asked about a replacement engine for a sc430 sitting on his shop floor mentioned a cooling loss having killed the original motor.
the temp sending unit is radiator mounted? If you lose coolant the gauge shows cold? I may have that wrong but the temp sender is mounted to the radiator not the motor so be careful here.
maybe someone swapped parts?
the temp sending unit is radiator mounted? If you lose coolant the gauge shows cold? I may have that wrong but the temp sender is mounted to the radiator not the motor so be careful here.
maybe someone swapped parts?
#14
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Hi all
about 9 months ago, I had the SC430 timing belt changed...water pump and thermostat also.at a recent oil change I noticed that there was a coolant leak (pink solid powder residue) at the radiator cap, overflow cap and also at the front of the upper radiator hose connection. I did not check any other coolant hose connections (because they are all more difficult to check). I did notice that the coolant recovery chamber was at its max or slightly above its target level. I removed about 4 ounces of excess fluid. the question is... would the dealer's potential overfilling of the radiator fluid when the timing belt was changed have caused the seepage at the radiator hose too???? there are no indications of overheating at the instrument panel that I know of or any instrument lights going on. your opinions requested
thanks
about 9 months ago, I had the SC430 timing belt changed...water pump and thermostat also.at a recent oil change I noticed that there was a coolant leak (pink solid powder residue) at the radiator cap, overflow cap and also at the front of the upper radiator hose connection. I did not check any other coolant hose connections (because they are all more difficult to check). I did notice that the coolant recovery chamber was at its max or slightly above its target level. I removed about 4 ounces of excess fluid. the question is... would the dealer's potential overfilling of the radiator fluid when the timing belt was changed have caused the seepage at the radiator hose too???? there are no indications of overheating at the instrument panel that I know of or any instrument lights going on. your opinions requested
thanks
Bgw70, Just by glancing at your overflow tank it does not look like you are using a 50/50 mixture of Toyota Super Long Life Coolant because it's not red/orange in color. Are you using an equivalent with the required chemical constituents as listed in the owner's manual?
"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrate and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology"
#15
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I would want to know now if there is a leak. Call some radiator shops to find out how much they charge to do a cooling system pressure test. In meantime, right after you turn off the warmed-up engine, check to see if you hear any hissing or see coolant seeping out.