Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

I stuck an update into my post from before after receiving a warranty replacement.

 

My Tacoma version of the Koyorad (weren't you running the 4Runner one?) has cracked somewhere. I'll need to pull the shroud to see where. I can see dried coolant on my skid and along the entire bottom of the radiator. I'm sure mine failed right behind the shroud somewhere. Very upsetting and I'll likely look into custom options now.

 

Check the radiator hoses for leaks! I did have a warranty failure, but after installing the replacement I was still leaking coolant. Turned out to be my fault for under-tightening the hose clamps.

FYI- The first radiator failed right where a column of fins attaches to the upper tank. Rear-facing, drivers's side, upper corner. Verified with a pressure tester and soapy water after I replaced it.

Overall it's really too bad, though. The Koyorad Racing radiator seemed like a great replacement for the frequent-failure Champion units while also offering improved cooling. I can attest to the improved cooling- both with aftermarket coolant temp and EGT gauges.

 

I’ll be removing the shroud to inspect things this weekend. I’m really suspicious of the radiator because I have two new constant tension clamps and two new radiator hoses.

 

You can’t use red coolant in the champion Radiator

It says so right on the box

 

Photo?

Cuz my box, still in my garage to send back to Champion on warranty, doesn't indicate green or red.
In fact when I called to order, dude said " a radiator is a radiator, right?" - first clue this was a shit product...

 

Blog on their website

https://blog.championcooling.com/2017/08/04/what-coolant-color-do-i-use/

 

That's VERY interesting. I think I'd rather use the OEM-recommended fluid and a stock radiator than the Champion with green coolant, then.

FYI Koyorad Racing says to use OEM-recommended fluid.
What type of fluid, coolant or antifreeze does Koyorad recommend?
50/50 coolant antifreeze mix is mandatory. Use OEM manufacturer's recommended coolant. Note: Coolant additives do not contain the necessary anti-corrosion properties as 50/50 coolant antifreeze mix. Coolant additives should not be used. Prior to installation, a complete cooling system flush (including heater core flush) is mandatory in order to eliminate any old coolant, contaminants, mineral deposits, and previous additives. Dex-Cool is not to be used with Koyorad all-aluminum radiators. Follow vehicle factory service manual for proper filling of the cooling system after a Koyorad all-aluminim radiator has been installed. Reference vehicle owner's manual for coolant capacity, then 1 additional gallon on-hand to top-off.
FAQ Page Link

 

There is a third aluminum radiator option from Cold-Case now. Just not sure if it will be any better than the Champion or Koyorad. I called them today and wasn't convinced it was really stronger. All they could confirm was their test truck had been running it for 4 months. @1997tacomav6 is probably right and these things are too flimsy to hold up to any flexing. I'm just not sure I want to drill out my radiator support for a custom braced radiator that I can't guarantee I'll be able to purchase again down the road.

Cold-Case 95-04 Tacoma radiator

 

You don’t drill out your radiator support, you use the oem holes,
You may as well just keep replacing it then every 150k with an OEM type

 

I was just referencing a post you made that said your custom one wasn't a direct fit. I might've misunderstood. I'm not afraid to drop $1000+ now if it saves me from replacing my radiator every 5 seconds.

My issue with replacing with OEM type is that the original OEM radiator part numbers for our trucks are out of production. Denso doesn't make one of the same quality of the 15 year old stock one I removed in February. The new "OEM" standard just cools worse. Even when removing air from the system and running the same thermostat the truck just runs hot. So I took that rad out and put it in my project truck for now.

 

All I know is I’m running 175° Engine temperature in 100° Colorado heat with my Champion radiator and the green stuff
Oil temperatures are at 190°
Loving it

 

1KZ motors NEED to be kept cool, which is why I went to the Koyorad Racing aluminum radiator. (Just search some combination of "1KZ" + "losing coolant/overheating/cracked head/etc" to find other forum threads on this topic). If it came to it I wouldn't be opposed to dropping in a fancy "custom" radiator, but I'd much prefer to keep everything as close to stock as possible. At least the Koyorad unit just bolts in (and thus could be replaced with a Denso unit in a pinch if I needed to.)
--

x2 on current radiators for our trucks not measuring up to the original OEM units installed in the factory (made by Delphi/Harrison, I think).

 

What’s the consensus on the koyorad aluminum radiators? Are they failing like the champions?

 

I was going to tear my truck apart this weekend and find my leak (hoses are all fine with no coolant residue) but then my backup vehicle’s steering rack got destroyed by an alignment shop.

The T4R 4Runner thread for their Koyorad version didn’t have many recent opinions either last I checked.

 

My Champion radiator is still running strong….Because I use the green stuff like Champion says to do

 

Is there a reason not to keep using the OEM one? It sounds like everything is crap compared to it unless you get a custom one made for big bucks. I figured if the OEM one made it to 200K for me and still going, it can't be half bad right?

 

Thanks for this information. Im going to take some measurements from an 04 and compare them to my 99. I don't mind making a well in the hood for the rad cap if that's all I need to clear. I have an Orilies radiator thats just not keeping it cool on the hiway. Ive done multiple flushes, and burps, replaced the fan clutch thermostat, water pump all with genuine Toyota parts (expect the Rad itself). Im ready to try one of these If its not going to leak and keep the 6pack of hamsters running cool.

 

Just an fyi you can still get the OEM radiator for $370 from Toyotapartsdeal.com

I don't know how you guys are having cooling issues. I'm running a stock, 5lug 4cyl radiator on my 3.4 and it stays nice and cool, rock crawling in 95*+ humid heat with the AC blasting at full, a big ass steering cooler infront of it and a winch/frame bumper combo blocking most of it. The only time my Tacoma ever had cooling issues was when the fan clutch took a dump on me.

 

stock like oem right? Whats the height on that sucker? I want to make a tighter skid and I think I need to go this route.