3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I noticed that my coolant was low, so i refilled it. Two days later and its really low again. I filled it up again and ran the car and watched for a leak and i found one. On the front of the radiator about and inch from the top of the radiator is a 3 inch crack running horizontally. I tried to patch it with JB weld, then i remembered that the radiator is plastic, and my patch failed the next day. I there a way to patch this crack or should i get a new one? The leak is slow and the crack is tiny, pinhole size.
Replace the radiator, and do it now before it takes a huge crap on you. I replaced my rad for the same reason a couple months ago. I was able to get an aluminum core rad for $70 on ebay form radiator doctor. It has a lifetime warrenty against defects and wear and tear. I am currnetly pleased with it.
Replace it. I've seen them plastic welded & fail, and you can somewhat temporary patch them with fiberglass epoxy (JB weld sucks. Weak epoxy.).
But you're going to have to replace it. The sooner the better.
__________________
"The lamest twice banned, non-female member of-all time." -Ekam, Thanks, I <3 you too! AIM/Yahoo Toysrme257th
for anything, anytime; including camry turbos Now with Turbo!
Yep, check out ebay. I got one for about $60 about a month ago. Brand new and works great. Gluing, welding, ad nauseum, won't work. The crack WILL get bigger!
Best to get a new one. If need be the leak can be fixed using a repair kit. But another leak may occur and much worse, plus you may be out in the middle of nowhere when it happens.
Just wanted to chime in this thread. I also replaced my radiator in my 1993 2.2 AT Camry. I was blown away by the varying prices, but I bought the cheapest one I could find on ebay (~$60), and it has been perfect for over a year.
I was telling my BIL about my radiator experience, and I told him to inspect his 94 Camry. Sure as poop, he also had a hairline crack in the SAME area as me. They are weak around the filler neck area, and I suggest everyone inspect theirs. My BIL didn't take my advice of buying a cheapo ebay one before it really broke. About 2 weeks later, the radiator blew and he had to buy one locally for about $150!
Toyota is letting these radiators go for pretty cheap i got one for a friend for about 160 my cost, probably around 225-250, which is pretty cheap for a TOYOTA radiator.
I replaced the radiator on our 93 SE V6 about two or three months ago for the exact same problem. Even with the 3VZ-FE (i.e. with hydraulic-powered fan) it was a relatively easy job. Now, as fair warning, the radiator I bought was also from eBay and when I received it I found that the plastic mounting posts on the bottom (which slide into holes in the vehicle frame) had slightly different spacing than the vehicle. I used some sand paper to thin out one side of one of the plastic posts to open the effective spacing up a little. After that, the rest went relatively well.
Some additional items which may be old news for you: If you don't already have wheel ramps or a vehicle lift, you might want to spring for some. It's a lot easier job if you can easily access all under the front of the vehicle, where you'll be hooking and unhooking hoses and tubing. And if you go this route, get yourself wheel chocks to keep the vehicle from rolling (safety first), and I still used jack stands at the front of the vehicle (did I mention safety first?).
Good luck!
__________________ 1992 Camry SE V6 5M, Dark Emerald Pearl (Japan Build) 1993 Camry SE V6 4A, Sunfire Red Pearl (Kentucky Build) 2007 Camry SE V6 6A, Barcelona Red Metallic (Kentucky Build) Okay, okay, so two are actually my wife's cars...
Last edited by RodMillenFan; 11-03-2007 at 12:16 PM.
Does it come with the snazzy logo screen printed on the radiator fins?
Seriously, I wish I had seen this when I got my new one. Well, kinda. Truth is, the OEM unit worked well for 200K, I expect my new plastic unit will too.
__________________ 1992 Camry SE V6 5M, Dark Emerald Pearl (Japan Build) 1993 Camry SE V6 4A, Sunfire Red Pearl (Kentucky Build) 2007 Camry SE V6 6A, Barcelona Red Metallic (Kentucky Build) Okay, okay, so two are actually my wife's cars...
Guys, I am in need of one, too. Mine has only 133K miles on my 3.5 Gen and the radiator took a dump. I noticed it yesterday when my reservoir was low and I saw a puddle in the bottom. Today used the car to work...bad decision. I was steaming up halfway to work. I hope to make it home. Then I need to get a radiator. Some people got them from ebay ~$60. Any recommendations on the exact seller? TIA.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
05 RX330 
Linear Mode
