So many radiator threads; here's the latest

I've come across multiple radiator threads in my search to find out "what radiator fits best/easiest" and have seen multiple part numbers and manufacturers listed.

The job looks stupid simple, so I don't need help with replacing it.

I'd like to know what replacement is a direct fit for a 2001 V6 Automatic (Prerunner).

I've read about mounting holes not lining up and such and would prefer something that fits without any customization. Post your brand/part number radiator you went with and how much you spent! Would like to order one today so I can tackle it on my days off.

Second, what coolant are you running? I run Summit Non-Glycol in one Corvette and Red Line Supercool coolant in my other Corvette.

 

In my searches I've narrowed it down to -

$116 Spectra CU1755 Complete Radiator

Spectra CU1755, CU1774, and CU1778 but they're listed at different heights on Rockauto.

Amazon also listed the same Spectra radiators.

Last but not least, Autozone has their set of radiators and they also list 3-4 different radiators that fit but with different sizes.

 

read my lips O-E-M

 

Can't argue that

 

The Toyota parts department across the street hasn't called me back yet; left a voicemail.

The parts manager there recommended awhile back that I go through their website; it gives people a discount vs buying in person since there is no actual 'person' taking the order online and it doesn't affect their sales/numbers.

PS I'm a finance director at an automotive group across the street from Toyota. So yeah I'd like to go OEM, but the website shows 2 versions for an automatic Prerunner, and says neither of them are available to order.

 

i thought they were no longer available. closest factory radiator is a denso.

 

I think DENSO outsources a lot of parts now to China unfortunately, if AISIN made one its more likely Japanese(maybe)

 

Oem is Harrison. So a GM radiator. I'd avoid OEM at all costs. They tend to have a tendency to leak or crack at the aluminum/plastic weld.

I'd go Denso. I recommend Toyota Pink premixed, but I'm sure any coolant is fine as long as the different types aren't mixed.

 

Oh and here's why I replaced the radiator -



The vehicle has never overheated, but I noticed that there was "dried coolant" on the radiator shroud. After inspection, I found this crack in the plastic tank. Again, the vehicle has never overheated even though it's really warm where I live, and I just replaced it as cheap insurance.





Oh and when you swap your radiator out, you don't have to take apart your shroud -

 

I just did this the other day and I had the same issue. I had the funnel about half full and started squeezing the hoses until no more bubbles came out. Then I cranked the truck, flipped my scanguage around so I could see the water temps, and watched for bubbles. They started coming, once the slowed down I started squeezing the hoses again and more came out. Once I got up to temp (185), I squeezed some more and got the last bit out ( I hope). I've since driven it a few miles and it ran about 10 degrees cooler than it did before (changed the thermostat and put jiggle valve at 6).

 

Hmm, that's the thing though, I never got any air bubbles coming out and never had to refill at all for the entire 45 minutes that the truck was left on.

I only had to refill when I squeezed the upper radiator hose a few times and that was when the truck was off.

I drove it around for half an hour and the temperature is just slightly less than I'm used to seeing it.

 

Did you drain the fluid out of the engine? There should be some still left behind the thermostat, no?

 

2002 Tacoma 3.4L Prerunner here.

Denso 221-3138 was a direct fit for me.

Denso 221-3138 Radiator

$158 Denso 221-3138 Radiator

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0096BA8Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xwUYCb5A6BR35

 

I got that spectra premium radiator and it did the exact same thing I had to wait 45 minutes I thought it was my thermostat but it wasn’t the bottom hose got warm so I didn’t really worry about it too much been going strong though hopefully I can get 100k out of this one.

 

OK, reviving and old thread. Replaced my radiator with the Denso 221-3138... anyone have a part # for the cap that fits this??


Installed the damn thing to realize my factory cap does not fit.

 

I had purchased a new factory cap to go with whatever radiator that one was.

 

I found the part# for factory cap. Same as my cap I have now. The ID of the neck on the Denso is about 2mm smaller than factory neck.

 

Can someone link me to the radiator cap that fits the Denso 221-3138? I test fit the cap that is currently on my "Harrison" radiator and that one is a little too big.

 

Did you ever find out which one fit? I'm in the same boat now and that's the radiator I was looking at

 

I just bought the OEM one and it ended up fitting fine.

$25 Toyota Radiator Cap - 16401-0C010

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KTKNJ72?ie=UTF8