Denso Radiator FYI

Driving a ‘96 TACO 4x4,auto.,3.4L.

Purchased a Denso Radiator #

$168 221-3138 Radiator

221-3138 March of 2023 replacement for the leaking original at 92K miles.

Perhaps it was a fluke of the draw that it was defective but thought all should know of this if needing to R&R their radiator that it leaked with less than two years of use.

The leak is at the metal to plastic seams.

Found several all aluminum replacements, and went with a CSF replacement from Summit.

Will follow up later with a review .

A most Happy Thanksgiving to all, take care. Woodcutter

 

Just went through this decision process on my 3rd gen 3RZ 4Runner, went with a Koyorad all aluminum radiator.
Bonus was it does not have the internal trans cooler, which I don't need since mine is manual trans.
Installing it this weekend, looks like a quality part. (also check out Timmy the Toolman's videos on aluminum radiators)

 

Hopefully you purchased KoyoRad SK-C13 radiator cap.

 

i hate to say it, but with Covid, most manufacturers lost their touch with quality and preferred quantity.

I ran a Denso 3RZ radiator in my SC 5VZ for several hard AF years, including hard drop from Offroad without issues.

 

Sure did, along with new Aisin WP/thermostat, fan clutch, etc. Figured do it all while I'm in there, replace all the OG parts.

 

was a long time ago but i saw where an aluminum radiator didnt accept asian red coolant and you had to put the green or orange stuff I forget.

 

thanks, Woodcutter!
my rig's radiator is still the original at almost 361k miles... looking for a proper fit new one that is for MT Only
gen1 or just go home...

intresting... i need to look into this one for MT fitment
any known quality issues with this product?

 

Koyorad advises not to use DexCool coolant, no mention of the Toyota red/pink coolant. They recommend OEM suggested coolant w/o any extra additives.
Now Champion does recommend against the Toyota pink extra long life coolant. (along with other pink/red/orange coolants)

Note the older Toyota red coolant (long life) is different formulation than the newer pink (extra long life) coolant. In addition to that both do not contain the 2-ethylhexanoic acidic additives found in the DexCool coolant, which may be one of the issues here.

I've always run the older Toyota red coolant (which is correct for this car), changed it on a regular schedule, w/o any issues, so plan on sticking with it on this radiator.

 

do you have the Toyota part# for that red coolant? or where do U source that? it is not pre-diluted, right?
i have looked and looked at the cyber parts dealers but can only find the SLL pink pre-diluted at the online Yota parts dealer i frequent for the BIG savings

 

Toyota p/n 00272-1LLAC, undiluted. red cap. Most Toyota dealers stock it, current price is $30-40 a gallon.

 

thank you so much!

Genuine Toyota Long Life Coolant

these gen1 radiators are Thirsty compared to the gen2 radiator

2 gallons to drain/fill vs. just 1 gallon LoL

six gallon case for sale here

Genuine Toyota Long Life Coolant - 6 Gallon Case

 

Has anyone found a Denso that works for Manual Transmission? Ordered the Koyo for that reason

 

you’re referring to the champion radiator

 

?

only difference is the ATF cooler between AT & MT beside the physical core size

 

can that ATF cooler be deleted from the new radiator?

? perhaps a possible MT fitment issues for hanging too low with getting that undercover splash shield aka skid plate back up there securely?
IDK!

 

cannot delete the atf cooler as it is part of the lower unit but I had seen some mt owner benefit from having the atf cooler. They utilize the atf cooler as a power steering cooler. Or seen mt owner just cover the nipples with a vacuum cap to prevent debris from getting in.

There’s 3 difference size radiator, not 1 fit all. If your original radiator is position flush with the frame, you’ll need

$147 Denso 221-3137 Radiator

Denso 221-3137 (1” core IIRC). If the radiator hangs about 1.50” below the frame, you’ll need Denso 221-3136.

$168 Denso 221-3138 Radiator

Denso 221-3138 is for the auto v6 IIRC. They all have atf cooler built in.

About 8+ years ago when I was searching for Denso radiator to began my solid axle swap, I recall reading a few MT owner running the larger auto v6 radiator because it holds more coolant and have more cooling surface. I just don’t recall if they were able to reuse the sheet metal splash guard.

On a side note, I had no issue switching from oem Toyota v6 radiator to the smaller core Denso 221-3136 running 40” tires with summer heat averaging 100~110 and my truck weighs between 5.5 and 6k pound. Up until 2 or so years ago, I decided to go with the KoyoRad 2 row radiator and ditch the Denso. The koyo physical measurement is identical to 221-3136 but have a thicker core and 2 row vs 1. I’m auto but had ran an extra large external atf cooler so I didn’t matter.

 

dumb question but I have a 1997 3rz auto, which aluminum radiator would allow me to use the asian coolant? Also whats the denso pn? Which one is better and why? I changed my radiator with another brand forget which one but this was during covid and I went to dealership (i think they sell denso) but they were out since covid supply.

 

auto will required an external cooler if you plan on running the koyo as they do not have built in cooler. I have the koyo with Toyota coolant without issue for several years now.

See post #16

picture: top is atf cooler and bottom is power steering cooler

 

Koyorad fit was very nice, got everything buttoned up today (note this was a 3rd gen 4Runner), definately gained some coolant capacity, prob a quart or two.

 

i currently have a radiator with a buikt in cooler for the trans, I also added another trans cooler since my trans was running a lil high, I would think with a koyo the external trans cooler wouldnt be enough and i am better stucking with my current setup?