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Radiator leak

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by VintageFast, Nov 10, 2014.

  1. Nov 10, 2014 at 9:57 AM
    #1
    VintageFast

    VintageFast [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jim
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    Has anyone else had their radiator leak at the top? Mine just started leaking at the top in the middle.
     
  2. Nov 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM
    #2
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

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    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    stuff happens, something like that might be due to leaning over the front pressing down on it or just a random leak.

    the rads for these are fairly easy on the wallet im told.
     
  3. Nov 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM
    #3
    2000GTacoma

    2000GTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Mine began leaking around the bottom tank on the radiator. Takes about 30 minutes to replace including warming the truck after replacement and filling with coolant.
     
  4. Nov 10, 2014 at 10:24 AM
    #4
    KdF

    KdF Old Rednek Type

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    East-ByGod-TEXAS!
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    It's plastic on Aluminum and Copper. Especially in Texas, they will eventually leak.
     
  5. Nov 10, 2014 at 10:57 AM
    #5
    97TacoNM

    97TacoNM Riding a 97 Taco

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    Top is probably the most likely place, as that seems to me to be the highest pressure point. Cooler at the bottom, hotter at the top. Time for a new radiator :)
     
  6. Nov 10, 2014 at 11:12 AM
    #6
    Dirty Pool

    Dirty Pool FLIES ON THE FRIES, KETCHUPS WATERED DOWN

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    59.4 Miles, 56.67° NE Of Moab
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    Dirty Pool rear bumper/air tank with integrated spare CV shaft storage, DP customized TJM front bumper, 8000 lb Ramsey/Technora rope, E-locked, Extended breathers with front diff catch can, PCV catch can, SAWs with DP heim joint seals, DP custom 6 leaf rear springs/Billies, DP custom skids, 2lo, Gray wire, Cap, Bed Rug, Black steelies, 01 Center console, Map lights, Disraeli gears
    Cracking upper tanks is pretty common on 1st gens.
    Here is my theory from another forum. Thread was originally about replacements and the various sizes/applications.

    From TTORA
    I'll toss out some stuff gleaned over the years, if anyone's really bored.


    The application "sizes" listed are the height of the core, not including the tanks.

    There are frequently errors in the aftermarket applications.

    There are at least 2 different fan shrouds and some but not all radiators will fit a given shroud. It seems most of the time the shrouds can be made to fit with a little work.

    Sometimes folks have to swap the new mount brackets for the old.

    Many times the radiators will come with the trans cooler, needed or not. If you have a manual, the cooler could be considered an additional point of failure or a good start for an "on board hot water/shower system".

    How much the radiator hangs below the frame will determine the shape/slope of a custom skid. Any applications other than the V6 auto (tallest) should allow an IFS skid to slope straight back/down to the engine cross member for better approach angle. My 99 V6 man trans has the 20 3/4 inch core.

    At least on my 99, the OEM was made by Harrison Radiator. The logo is molded on the top tank. It can be seen in the 2nd pic below (upper/center), faint but it's there. Harrison has been a troubled company of late http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Radiator_Corporation . This may explain the all to frequent failures. Koyo or Denso replacements have pretty good reps.

    The day I brought my shinny new 99 home I noticed what at first glance looked like cracks in the top tank. A closer look revealed the "cracks" were were defects in the injection molding process. It looked as if the waves of molten plastic coming together in the mold were cold and did not completely fuse or the thing cracked while cooling allowing underlying still molten plastic to well up and fill the voids. Who knows, probably more than most folks want to know.
    FWIW my OEM (below) has remained tight as a clams ass to this day, 240K.
    RAD3_zps4f5408f0_256bc02bbcb59a7765f570a5416dc89d55c0f625.jpg
    RAD2_zpsae520bdb_3b30a10deafc746ebf053ce36a1960b3e0d5d215.jpg
    RAD1_zps74455f68_1d1e6321d741c14baf7a6dbaf134f26cff56cae8.jpg
     
  7. Nov 10, 2014 at 12:31 PM
    #7
    VintageFast

    VintageFast [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah. After 374xxx miles it probably was past its' time to crack. Radiators.com has 'em for $125.
     
  8. Nov 10, 2014 at 1:28 PM
    #8
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Yep common problem. Mine did same thing. I put some water weld on it until I got my new one. Doesn't last very long but it should hold until you order up a new one. Save yourself the hassle and do not buy one from eBay.
     
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    #8

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