DIY Radiator Replacement '05 Taco 4WD Automatic V6?

Hi All,

My son's '05 taco developed a hole in the coolant reservoir line stem off the radiator cap stem and spewed out a considerable amount of coolant. He has a leak somewhere and we've had to fill it back up several times. When coolant levels are normal, engine runs fine and remains in the normal temperature ranges. And, when this recent rupture occurred, he immediately shutoff the engine and coasted off to the side of the road. So, I don't think any overheating damage occurred. Where it has been leaking off too is another story, but no tell-tale smoke in the exhaust. However, I've not had compression tests yet on coolant system or cylinders. No obvious drip puddles or burnt coolant odors either. But it has definitely been leaking off somewhere PRIOR to the rupture that stranded him.

This said, my shortterm issue is that the radiator needs to be replaced no matter what. I will have to have it towed 20 miles no matter what. I checked with a local non-dealer toyota-lexus repair shop, and with OEM radiator and hoses, they wanted $700 for the job (not including tax). I've changed out a few radiators, but not on a Taco. I've always felt this shop shot me straight, so I tend to think they've a reason for $300 roughly in labor. From my local Napa store, I can get a Denso radiator my my model for $150 and new hoses and cap for $50. they have an OEM thermostat (with housing) for $70. Plus replacement coolant. So, $300 in parts. The Toyota dealer said the OEM replace for the radiator alone was $300 and that is was also a Denso (same model#??? - not sure).

I've looked at the compartment and aside from the fan and shroud, I can't see anything that make me think that in lieu of $300 in estimated labor (3 hours I'm understanding), I can surely do this myself. But am I missing something? This Taco has the off-road plating on the bottom, so that does make the bottom access a little more of a hassle. I should add that I did find the factory service manual online and printed out all pertinent sections for replacing the radiator. So, I'm not just winging it!

Attached are some images. You can see the hole near the cap in the images with the tape measure. I should note that the redness of the fan and the radiator surface does appear to indicate a coating of Toyota Red that seems to be more baked on than just spewed upon. So, I'm wondering a little about possible leakage around the water pump now. Note that the very last image was taken shortly after it broken down. I did notice some gray sludge around the rupture. Does that hint at anything?

Any suggestions would be most welcome! I have to decide if the $100 tow is to my house or the toyota-lexus repair shop. That's my immediate dilemma.

Thanks!!

Mark

 

I dropped a headlight bulb into the fan shroud and could never find it. Well, the fan found it for me and shot it through my radiator. I put a new one in in no time, it's super easy. Only took and hour or two and maybe two size sockets if I remember correctly. Will be a good father/son project.

 

My thoughts too! Not so sure my son is as enthusiastic about it, though. But in truth, I'm more was more wondering about other potential issues with the cooling system than just replacing the radiator because of the rupture. Likewise, anyone see any problems with a Denso radiator purchased through Napa?

 

I never saw any issues and I believe mine was also purchased from NAPA. I don't know what any potential issues would be...

 

www.rockauto.com

If you can wait a few.

 

Ha! Yes, if only I could wait. Oh well, but thanks for the info! I have the Denso from Napa in hand and am installing it in the morning.

 

Do it yourself took me and a buddy 2 hours and basic tools to get it done. Easy job. And we winged it

 

Can't be that hard. I would inspect the hoses too. You might be due for at least a new lower one.

 

Does anybody know if Denso is the OEM manufacturer?

 

One guy told me he thought the OEM was by Aisin, BUT the local Toyota dealer parts guy told me that their stock item for this '05 Taco V6 was a Denso. But that might be a substitute if the Aisin doesn't make them any more. So not sure.

 

Mine is a Denso, it's original.

 

I knocked out the radiator replacement in a couple of hours, no problems! One point to note, though, at least with my 2005 4X4 Taco, it was not necessary to remove the fan and fan shroud (as the FSM procedures outline).

 

This said, though, I was in for a big let down. See video clip of first crank. Blown head gasket? Cracked heads? The "smoke" has to be combustion chamber exhaust (which would explain the eruptions too). I think we've determined that my son probably drove it hot for longer than he should have. I'm now suspecting the rupture in the radiator was a result of the sudden increase in pressure.