Hi all,
I've got a 1994 4wd, 5 spd. manual transmission 4Runner with 6 cyl 3-
vze engine w/ Air Conditioning and the radiator is starting to leak.
I want to replace the radiator and I was considering doing it myself.
I'm semi-competent at fixing things so I looked in the repair manual
and it didn't seem like it would be too hard to do on my own.
Does any one know how hard this is? How long it might take? Are
there any special tools/parts I need? Is there anything super
important to watch out for?
Also is it OK to just order the new radiator from a regular auto parts
store?
Thanks,
Anders
Handyman - 23 May 2008 07:23 GMT
> Hi all,
>
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>
> Anders
It is a relatively simple job. All you will need is as far as tools
go is a metric socket set with a couple of short extensions, pliers,
standard screwdriver, a drain bucket, and fresh anti freeze. You can
get a radiator just about anywhere. The job will be easier if you can
find one that has the two hanging tabs that support the new radiator
while you install the four mounting bolts. If the new one doesn't
have the hanging tabs it will still work just fine, it will just be a
bit harder to get the mounting bolts lined up and started. You will
have to drop the skid plate from under the radiator / engine
compartment to access the thin cover band on the fan shroud, with that
out of the way you can pull the old radiator with the shroud still
attached, mount the shroud on the new radiator and drop the assembly
back in place. The new radiator may or may not come with fittings for
an automatic transmission, you can just ignore those since you have a
5 speed. I'd flush the system before removing the old radiator then
install fresh Toyota red antifreeze with the new radiator.
Long Ranger - 23 May 2008 14:00 GMT
> Hi all,
>
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> Anders
It's just a few nuts and bolts. To me the hardest thing about changing a
radiator is in not bending the cooling fins and the mounting tabs. They are
fairly flimsey.
rigger - 23 May 2008 16:43 GMT
> Hi all,
>
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>
> Anders
No matter what you or someone else installs, don't cheap-
out with an after-market radiator cap, it's not worth it.
signed:
The (sad) Voice of Experience
also known as:
dennis
in nca
johngdole@hotmail.com - 27 May 2008 03:11 GMT
Relatively simple indeed.
Check www.rockauto.com for prices. I'd use only Proliance (formerly
Modine), Koyo, or if you want the OEM Denso. Local NAPA's Proliance
get lifetime warranty. Get new Gates radiator hoses with them. If the
rad doesn't come with a new cap use a Stant cap with spring-loaded
vacuum return valve. Good time for a new thermostat and gasket. Should
be <$200 total.
www.pliii.com
www.gates.com
> Hi all,
>
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> Anders