Plastic engine parts?

Hello all, I’m planning to add an aluminum radiator to my 05 V6 Tacoma and I’m wondering if anyone knows of a replacement metal water outlet for these trucks? I noticed the one on my truck is plastic just like the end tanks on the original radiator. That’s the pipe that covers the thermostat, thanks in advanced!

 

Curious as to the problem with the oem plastic part.

 

No problem yet, I’m a former professional mechanic and I’ve seen numerous failures over the years dealing with plastic coolant related parts. Admittedly, more-so on domestic vehicles rather than imports. With that said, why go to a stronger more durable aluminum radiator if your cooling system is still going to have an Achilles heel with this plastic water outlet.

I can talk about the heat transfer and pressure spikes associated with hard acceleration during the summer months when your A/C is on and the cooling system is already being taxed but I’ll let that lay.

I want a water outlet that isn’t subject to heat cycling fatigue like plastic is. Plus, it’s a relatively inexpensive part that could cost you your engine if it cracks or fails and you don’t catch it in time!

Anyone whose ever changed the plastic water outlet between the heads on 2.7L Chrysler engine will tell you how bad of a choice plastic is for critical engine parts!

 

Well, it’s almost 20 years old and hasn’t had a problem. I think you’re okay, but good luck in the search.

 

I seem to recall seeing "metal" thermostat flanges at Napa or AutoZone or something like that...this was a while ago though.
But as others here have indicated... I think this is a solution in search of a problem.

 

Ok, I’ve checked Autozone but haven’t looked at NAPA yet. I’ll give them a try!

Honestly speaking how many of the mods we do to our trucks are to correct a legitimate issue?

I’m just looking to enhance the reliability of my 200,000 mile truck. I want this truck to last for a long time.

 

Buy a spare housing and keep it in your truck. My 97 T-bird 4.6 had a plastic intake manifold that was notorious for cracking around the thermostat. I bought a spare manifold and kept it in the trunk. Several years later the crack formed in the middle of a 600 mile trip, the coolant blew out and I was stranded. AAA towed to a local shop that replaced it the next day.

 

My F150 cracked the plastic intake manifold also. So Fords crack and Chryslers crack and the OP knows Japanese cars and American cars use different plastics... but I don't recall ever hearing/reading a Toyota 4.0 cracked the thermostat housing. I searched for a aluminum version for the Toyota 4.0L and I couldn't find one.

 

CSF Radiator. The FJ or Tacoma one. Both fit, the FJ requires a tad modifying.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...adiator-for-our-trucks-finally.539151/page-83

 

AFe has also recently come out with one, or near to market.

 

I had planned to buy a CSF, they seem to have great reviews and one is available locally to me. Ill check out the AFe first though!

 

Always someone who thinks they can out engineer the engineers, the oem is good for 200k easy if not the life of the truck.

 

Lol

 

Guys, I appreciate the opinions of what I should or shouldn’t do to my truck. If you are satisfied with the parts on your vehicle that’s great! I’m not on here saying everyone should have a metal water outlet and anyone who doesn’t is stupid. I’m simply asking if anyone knows if a metal one is made.

You may run your truck on the road and never build the coolant system pressure over it’s designed capacity of 15-18 psi, or maybe you have worked as a professional mechanic, engineer or maintenance guy and have never seen a polymer part fail. That’s fine, I respect your opinion for what it is... your opinion.

Automotive engineers have a few main design goals for new vehicles. Exceed last years efficiency numbers in production, economy of scale, cost of operation; and to make the company more profit. That means lowering the cost of part production when and where you’re able. Plastic is an amazing substance; and it comes in many forms, nylon reinforced, glass reinforced and etc. But the change from using time proven lightweight metal alloys such as aluminum is not because plastic is better at holding pressure or resisting structural integrity loss at higher temps.

It’s because plastic is cheaper to make, mold and finish. Plus it makes the truck lighter which on a large scale improves MPG on the final product. It’s a win-win for mother Toyota and a load of other manufacturers across innumerable industries.

I work in the aviation industry now and guess how many oil cooler lines are made of plastic? How about fuel/oil heat exchangers? How about bleed air lines? Or any other power plant related parts?

Not mad, but as a new member of this forum I’m a little surprised to see the “enlightened ones” pouncing on someone asking a simple question about making their truck more reliable.

If I find a metal one I’ll post up the info for anyone who wants one. Maybe that’s no one but the info will be available in case.

Over and out.

 

Helluva 21st post, well said. Your tolerance for most threads here will be short. Welcome, none the less, opinions matter just not everyone’s.

 

Much obliged.

 

Damn, I wish I could write like that. Well said. I tried to help, I did a couple of searches, and then I felt the need to basically post that I didn't find anything. ???

Ain't that the truth!