Radiator life

I have a 02 Pre-runner 2.7L, auto, standard cab. It has 143,XXX miles on it. The radiator looks fine and I've maintained the coolant changes since I bought it in 08 with 98,XXX miles on it. The radiator is 14 years old, how much longer can I expect it to last? With the aluminum head, I'd sure hate to be on a trip and have it fail and ruin something. Was thinking of replacing it as preventative maintenance. What says you guys? Also was thinking of genuine Toyota radiator for replacement. Do the plastic tanks on these turn color before they fail?

 

though mine is a 3.4, mine lasted 265k before it crack on the top plastic portion of the radiator.

 

If you are worried, have it pressure tested, if it passes, worry about stuff like herds of buffalo running into your Taco instead.

 

The only thing to worry about is the famous pink milkshake. They are easy to replace, and helps with peace of mind that you won't destroy the transmission.

 

I just replaced my (3.4l) radiator after 220,000 miles. It was VERY lightly weeping at the top, and I ran it like that for 6 months before replacing. They are generally very good, I wouldn't bother with it until you see something amiss. Get a genuine Toyota, most of the other ones have slight fitment issues and many are questionable quality.

 

I got 200k before I got the common crack on the top plastic. I wouldn't worry much till then

 

180,000 on mine. Stress cracks in front of the top hose inlet.

 

Around 230K when the top plastic piece developed a crack where the radiator hose clamps on.

 

Thanks for all the responses! I'll just wait awhile and keep an eye on things. Going to do a drain of the coolant and refill as it about time to do it.

 

saying that, if you have tranny cooler embedded inside radiator, replace it at ten years
whether or not you have problems or it looks brand new

200-250 for a new rad is better than >1800 tranny rebuild

I ignored this advice and at 13years, ...blorp....

 

02 Double Cab 3.4L replace ti at 152K leaking at top. Son had truck for 18mos and had put use mismatched tire on front. I feel the vibration and need for new shock probably caused it. Got new one at NAPA for $165 was an easy job compared to replace the radiator in our 04 Expedition which I had done.

 

Yeah...it's a pretty easy job. I got one from Pepboys for around $120. Perfect fit. Went to dealership for Toyota brand coolant.

No issues so far.

 

Isn't the Dex-Cool coolant acceptable for Toyotas? I don't doubt that the genuine product is better, but always thought the "Orange" stuff was good enough.

 

Maybe, but use what it calls for and you will never go wrong.