2nd Gen DCSB 4WD Radiator Drain Plug

So, my drain plug fixture on the bottom of my radiator is brittle and I’m hoping to replace it instead of the whole radiator. Anyone have this issue?

 

If your drain cock is brittle your radiator needs to be replaced, even if it doesn't look like it on the outside pretty much guarantee the plastic is done on the inside.

 

This is unfortunate news but helpful never the less. I was hoping to just replace the drain plug and put new fluid in it.

If I replace the radiator & hoses it’s like $550 in parts alone... We’ll, there’s an unexpected expense.

 

Probably doesn't help but $500 now is better than $5000 for a new engine later after the headgaskets fail when your radiator splits on the highway.

The hoses can probably be reused if they're *NOT* super soft. Koyo rads are decent quality and reasonably priced usually, looks like they're around $200 for you truck, get Toyota Long Life coolant undiluted and dilute yourself with distilled water to save some more.

EDIT: hose should *NOT* be super soft. Soft hoses mean coolant has begun to permeate the rubber and they can start sweating coolant and split easy.

 

I've replaced lots of radiators in the past but never on my Tacoma yet so take this with a grain of salt, but online parts search shows you can buy the drain plug for like $7. Part number when I searched for your 2008 DCSB was 90080-34011. Not sure they would list a replacement drain plug if it wasn't removable and replaceable without doing the full radiator but I don't know that for sure.

Full radiator on my search showing as 16410-AZ006 for $123 at Lewis of Topeka. Free shipping on the parts.toyota.com platform using code FREESHIP.

I just bought hoses myself and they are another ~$30 if I remember correctly. So at least total it's not bad and much much less than the $500 you were expecting. Good luck.

 

You sound like those stupid BMW guys that need to drop $3k to "refresh" their cooling system every few years lol

Personally Id drop a new plug in it and run. After becoming one of those stupid BMW guys, I can tell you Toyotas plastic and rubber components are literal light years ahead of anything on a BMW . OP could always stick a inspection cameras in the rad after its drained out and take a look, but I dont read about radiators failing on here very often.

 

might as well upgrade to aluminum/silicone hoses, and do your water pump while in that area..