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Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 1997tacomav6, Apr 12, 2018.

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HAS YOUR CHAMPION RADIATOR CORE FAILED?

  1. Radiator core failed 5k

    4 vote(s)
    10.8%

  2. Radiator core failed 10k

    4 vote(s)
    10.8%

  3. Radiator core failed 15k

    1 vote(s)
    2.7%

  4. Happy with radiator?

    18 vote(s)
    48.6%

  5. Radiator defect when new?

    5 vote(s)
    13.5%

  6. Radiator failed after 25k

    5 vote(s)
    13.5%
Page 7 of 39
  1. Jun 26, 2018 at 2:11 PM
    #121
    1997tacomav6

    #121
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
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    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    So I have had the radiator for a while now, the Outside Temps up by 100 degrees or so and the engine still runs at 188 on the highway and sitting in traffic it pushes 195 degrees, if you rev the rpms it drops back down to 188 so all is good

    UNTIL this morning I did an inspection under the hood.

    Mmm, what the heck, the radiator cap was leaking as shown around the bottom lip, so I did some googling and apparently the radiator caps that they use are kind of junky. There are lots of posts of the caps leaking with these radiators.

    I went and bought a car quest universal cap (16 pound) and compared them side by side.
    Yup the Champion cap is made cheap. The problem is the two prongs( locking tabs) that latch the cap are small
    and bend easily thus not making a tight fit.
    You could get a vise grip and bend them to make the fit better or just spend 8.00 and get a better quality cap. My advice is just get a good aftermarket cap.
    You can see the difference here on the two caps.
    The car quest cap has large locking tabs, spring looks better quality and locks on to the radiator better
    New radiator cap installed and good to go

    081369FF-00BB-48EE-98DA-672EC392271C.jpg
    CB22CB5C-9CDA-4683-9E92-508091EFD2C2.jpg
    AA120190-C175-47FD-83F4-9B7EFB16F5D1.jpg
    0A21B91A-7A61-4DB5-AE25-36B4A36C64BD.jpg
    557E9808-B44E-4DFC-B3F7-2F75861344E7.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2019
    1997tacomav6, Jun 26, 2018
    #121
    The Driver, Arctic Taco, BlackPearl and 1 other person like this.
  2. Jul 7, 2018 at 3:23 PM
    #122
    Arctic Taco

    #122
    Arctic Taco Firefly, Serenity Ed. -Arctic Taco, a slow build

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    859
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    Steve
    Denali Park, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Xtra Cab DLX, 85 Toyota LWB 4x4
    dents and missing bits, built in the Gravel garage, hillbilly trained mechanic…
    Just finished this installation yesterday, flushing the radiator right now. So far so good, now for tha pesky exhaust leak on the crossover header joint.....
     
    Arctic Taco, Jul 7, 2018
    #122
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  3. Jul 7, 2018 at 11:20 PM
    #123
    UnderFire

    #123
    UnderFire Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Awesome.find, saved for future reference. I'll need more than one of these over the next few years I think.
     
    UnderFire, Jul 7, 2018
    #123
  4. Jul 9, 2018 at 9:18 PM
    #124
    Arctic Taco

    #124
    Arctic Taco Firefly, Serenity Ed. -Arctic Taco, a slow build

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2011
    Member:
    #55445
    Messages:
    859
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Denali Park, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Xtra Cab DLX, 85 Toyota LWB 4x4
    dents and missing bits, built in the Gravel garage, hillbilly trained mechanic…
    Might have some air pockets in it, keeps puking out the water. Any tricks besides pouring it in through the upper hose first.
     
    Arctic Taco, Jul 9, 2018
    #124
  5. Jul 9, 2018 at 9:22 PM
    #125
    1997tacomav6

    #125
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    You have to open the heater valve( push heater lever on) and use a burping kit if you are still having issues, the heater core lines are higher then the top of radiator.
    And thermostat at 6 o’clock

    B391F6B7-340A-4F00-9228-3BF610696995.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2018
    1997tacomav6, Jul 9, 2018
    #125
  6. Jul 10, 2018 at 5:22 AM
    #126
    SilverGhost

    #126
    SilverGhost Well-Known Member

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    RayRay
    Reunion, Co
    Vehicle:
    02,03 some 04, it's complicated
    #junkyardparts
    SilverGhost, Jul 10, 2018
    #126
    Dalandser and 1997tacomav6[OP] like this.
  7. Jul 10, 2018 at 8:05 AM
    #127
    Arctic Taco

    #127
    Arctic Taco Firefly, Serenity Ed. -Arctic Taco, a slow build

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2011
    Member:
    #55445
    Messages:
    859
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Denali Park, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Xtra Cab DLX, 85 Toyota LWB 4x4
    dents and missing bits, built in the Gravel garage, hillbilly trained mechanic…
    Yep, might be more than that, found some milky foam in the oil cap, but nothing on the dipstick. Looks like the a combustion gas test and compression check are in order.
    Next weekend looks to be busy....

    It would be nice if one of these darn vehicles would cooperate this year....... 2 out of 4 down, and the Taco looks to join that club, at least it’s off the jack stands.....
     
    Arctic Taco, Jul 10, 2018
    #127
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  8. Jul 10, 2018 at 8:50 AM
    #128
    Dalandser

    #128
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2015
    Member:
    #149090
    Messages:
    17,598
    First Name:
    Anthony
    Downey
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner Regular Cab / 98 4x4 Extra Cab
    Empty Wallet Mod
    Lol read my mind, I am waiting for them to have more in stock.
     
    Dalandser, Jul 10, 2018
    #128
    1997tacomav6[OP] and SilverGhost[QUOTED] like this.
  9. Jul 10, 2018 at 12:18 PM
    #129
    Arctic Taco

    #129
    Arctic Taco Firefly, Serenity Ed. -Arctic Taco, a slow build

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2011
    Member:
    #55445
    Messages:
    859
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Denali Park, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Xtra Cab DLX, 85 Toyota LWB 4x4
    dents and missing bits, built in the Gravel garage, hillbilly trained mechanic…
    Well, it’s blowing bubbles so a new chore is added to the list...... Krap
     
    Arctic Taco, Jul 10, 2018
    #129
  10. Jul 10, 2018 at 2:11 PM
    #130
    UtahTacoma02

    #130
    UtahTacoma02 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #143730
    Messages:
    691
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    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    SLC
    Vehicle:
    02 Tacoma Double cab TRD Limited
    ARB front bumper, Old Man Emu suspension, on board air compressor, on board hot water converter, cb radio, safari snorkel, warn 8K lb. winch, AP rock slidders/rear bumper, gray wire mod
    Thanks for sharing! I noticed they are made cheap as well and was looking for an alternative. It the car quest one the only other option you found?
     
    UtahTacoma02, Jul 10, 2018
    #130
  11. Jul 10, 2018 at 2:43 PM
    #131
    1997tacomav6

    #131
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    There are plenty of options for that size, you will have to look around, I just went to advance auto and matched one up
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2018
    1997tacomav6, Jul 10, 2018
    #131
    UtahTacoma02[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jul 12, 2018 at 6:50 AM
    #132
    Arctic Taco

    #132
    Arctic Taco Firefly, Serenity Ed. -Arctic Taco, a slow build

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2011
    Member:
    #55445
    Messages:
    859
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Denali Park, Alaska
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Xtra Cab DLX, 85 Toyota LWB 4x4
    dents and missing bits, built in the Gravel garage, hillbilly trained mechanic…
    CarQuest is my only option here and a decent option. Second choice drive 2-1/2" hrs...
     
    Arctic Taco, Jul 12, 2018
    #132
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  13. Jul 24, 2018 at 4:12 AM
    #133
    Texasdynaryder

    #133
    Texasdynaryder Well-Known Member

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    Chance
    Paris, Tx
    Kings Built Engine All the other small goodies
    I may have looked it over but have any of you guys with the 3RZ have to get the Gates hose to complete the install?
     
    Texasdynaryder, Jul 24, 2018
    #133
  14. Jul 24, 2018 at 6:21 AM
    #134
    boostedka

    #134
    boostedka Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    NM
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    Curious about the too. I’d like to do this on my 3rz at some point as well
     
    boostedka, Jul 24, 2018
    #134
  15. Jul 26, 2018 at 10:50 AM
    #135
    Texasdynaryder

    #135
    Texasdynaryder Well-Known Member

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    Chance
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    Kings Built Engine All the other small goodies
    Mine is sitting in the back seat ready to install along with the new motor.
     
    Texasdynaryder, Jul 26, 2018
    #135
    boostedka[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jul 26, 2018 at 10:57 AM
    #136
    boostedka

    #136
    boostedka Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    NM
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    Sweet. I’m anxious to hear and see to the results
     
    boostedka, Jul 26, 2018
    #136
    Texasdynaryder[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Jul 26, 2018 at 1:19 PM
    #137
    1997tacomav6

    #137
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    Just do it! After you compare the two side by side you will wonder why you didn’t do this before.
    All summer my temps have been 185-190 while driving with AC on.
    Best protection you can get to avoid heat
    and head gasket troubles.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2018
    1997tacomav6, Jul 26, 2018
    #137
  18. Jul 26, 2018 at 1:24 PM
    #138
    boostedka

    #138
    boostedka Well-Known Member

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    NM
    Vehicle:
    2013 DCSB 6MT, 2004 4runner
    I mostly want to see how it works out on the 3rz first. Plus my truck has a fairly new Koyo radiator in it now so I’m not in a huge rush just yet. Thanks for the encouragement though. The results you’ve gotten definitely speak for themselves
     
    boostedka, Jul 26, 2018
    #138
  19. Jul 27, 2018 at 8:04 AM
    #139
    OneWheelPeel

    #139
    OneWheelPeel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2016
    Member:
    #187371
    Messages:
    2,312
    Phoenix, AZ
    So what is the verdict with these radiators on Manual Transmission trucks?
    Reason I ask is that I had accidentally bought an Automatic Transmission radiator as a replacement for my truck and although it does work, the truck needed a longer lower radiator hose to make it work and the current radiator bumps against my skidplate. So I cant run a skidplate.

    Those with Manual transmissions, any fitment issues with the stock length hose and skidplates?
     
    OneWheelPeel, Jul 27, 2018
    #139
  20. Jul 27, 2018 at 9:47 AM
    #140
    1997tacomav6

    #140
    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger,Haltech, 800k

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2013
    Member:
    #113940
    Messages:
    10,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Denver
    Vehicle:
    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 800,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TVS1320 Supercharger, 56mm pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC Tvs1320 supercharger,(MUST DO) every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 56mm custom pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ATM Pathfinders Dynopro ATM ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back dual exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks JBA UCA trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel, Haltech stand-alone ECU,
    No issues, the single core for manual is 20" tall, the single core for auto is 22".
    Champion is 3 core and 18.5" tall,
    So plenty of extra room.
     
    1997tacomav6, Jul 27, 2018
    #140
    burntkat and OneWheelPeel like this.
Page 7 of 39

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