97 Radiator

[sbushnak]

Hey all,

We all know about the famous cracks that develop on the radiator's upper plastic tank on our cars. Well here are some pictures of my radiator's upper tank:







Can I assume that I will have to replace my radiator anytime soon?

As far as I know, this is the OEM radiator with 188,000 miles on my 1997 Camry.

Thank you all.

[Kenny_McCormic]

They are known to blow out right there.

[hill8570]

Pretty typical for an older Camry radiator. If it isn't weeping coolant, I'd let it slide -- those tanks typically don't fail rapidly.

[JohnGD]

I'd get it changed. If you don't want to order an OEM rad, then get a Koyo. Use Toyota Red with distilled water.

Looks like Modine and TransPro turned Proliance. And now that company is Vista-Pro. Who knows what it's going to be tomorrow. I'd get a Koyo.

Change the thermostat/gasket, coolant hoses, and radiator cap while you're at it. Get one with a spring loaded return valve if you can. It'll help in case you want an extended-drain coolant like Zerex Asian Vehicle (diluted only) or Peak Global (concentrate or diluted). The plastic hang-loose valve is open to air when cold.

[BMR]

My Cam's original rad blew where that crack is. And when I say blew, I mean BANG!!! Sounded like a gun going off. The second one, which I replaced this last summer, cracked in the same place. It was just weeping a bit.

[sbushnak]

Thank you all for your answers. I might just change it anyways. I am suspecting that the radiator is clogged inside.

What is the best way to test if my radiator is clogged?

Thanks

[bcp477]

The only way to test the system (or test for a clogged radiator) is with a pressure test machine. If the radiator has crack(s), then it will usually let go immediately when pressure tested. So, IMO, it isn't worth it. Just replace the rad. If you can find it, I'd try the aftermarket.....and look for an all-metal rad. Those will last indefinitely, as long as the coolant is changed regularly. Not so with the plastic ones.....they will eventually fail, no matter what......and always at the worst time.

Even if you are not terribly handy, a rad. replacement on the Camry is EASY. One of the easiest repairs there is. DIY makes the cost relatively reasonable, as well.

This is just another Camry issue that probably should be treated like the hoses on your clothes washer at home...... just replace it every 4 - 5 years, whether it "seems" to need it or not.....same with various gaskets, etc.

[sbushnak]

Well today I received my radiator from eBay. I thought about which one to purchase and decided to get the cheapest one since I will be most likely selling my car next year and it has a life time warranty.

But it was so easy to replace my radiator. For some reason when I helped my friend replace his Camry's radiator last year, we had a tough time removing the transmission cooler hoses! Took me about 1 hour and another 45 minutes to bleed the cooling system.

Replaced both upper and lower hoses. I replaced the thermostat and cap when I had the timing belt replaced.

Here are some pictures:

Need to bother you all with another question. In the 2nd picture, why do I have different fans? one is 4 blades and the other is 5? Did Camry's with 5SFE came from the factory that way?


New radiator.



New radiator with everything installed.



Old radiator.



ECT switch area.

[JohnGD]

The 4-blade is probably the condenser fan? 5-blade the radiator fan? Or the other way around?