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.
Geez. A year ago I replaced a Modine plastic-tank radiator that was leaking after less than two years. OK, I figured, this time I'm gonna get a rad that will last the life of the rig, and got a CSF all-metal radiator -- no more plastic tanks for me, no sir! Less than nine months later, the damn thing is leaking out a pinhole at one of the tank / downtube joins. I shipped it back for a warranty exchange ($30 just to ship - gah!), and got another of the same beast (still convinced all-metal has got to be better). Now, after less than a month, the damn thing is leaking out a pinhole along the main tank seam. Gonna cost me another $30 to ship this POS back.
If it is leaking from a metal to metal joint I would take it to a radiator shop and have it soldered. It probably would not cost you $30 and you can drive your car in an hour or two rather than a day or two. I know it's under warranty but I would try a repair rather than take the chance on another bad one. The can pressure test it for you to to make sure there are no other leaks. If you have a torch and soldering skills you can probably do this repair yourself.
I've used a variety of aftermarket radiators. Don't really have problems with them. However, Koyo seems to have a fairly consistent quality over the years. Modine, however, seems to be going downhill. They merged with TransPro years ago and now changed name to VistaPro.
Toyota also used GM's Harrison radiators, along with Denso. If you buy over the counter these may be what you get. But for aftermarkets, I'd go with Koyo.
Geez. A year ago I replaced a Modine plastic-tank radiator that was leaking after less than two years. OK, I figured, this time I'm gonna get a rad that will last the life of the rig, and got a CSF all-metal radiator -- no more plastic tanks for me, no sir! Less than nine months later, the damn thing is leaking out a pinhole at one of the tank / downtube joins. I shipped it back for a warranty exchange ($30 just to ship - gah!), and got another of the same beast (still convinced all-metal has got to be better). Now, after less than a month, the damn thing is leaking out a pinhole along the main tank seam. Gonna cost me another $30 to ship this POS back.
Koyo, here I come -- plastic tank or no.
Could be that you got a batch of bad rads. But repeated pinhole leaks sound like a corrosion problem coming from a number of sources.
Electrolytic corrosion, coming from dissimilar metals is common - and prevention requires matching up the properties of all the components. This corrosion could be coming from several places, including exhaust gases in the cooling system - which could compromise coolant anti-corrosion properties. You may also want to think about the brand of anti-freeze you're using - wrong A-F will not protect adequately. I'd also check all the engine and body ground wires - stray electrical current can cause all sorts of problems, including rad corrosion.
I'd recommend doing a thorough flush, going to Toyota- recommended coolant, and double-check all the ground wires and connectors. I'd also do an exhaust gas check for the cooling system - just to eliminate that as a possibility. Repeated failures of the same component indicate you're not getting to the root cause.
I put a Transpro in the camry 13 months ago. So far so good. Keeping my fingers crossed!
__________________
1996 Paseo 5E-FE 269,xxx miles - Gotta fix that sagging DS door. New hinges on the way.
1993 Camry LE 5S-FE 249,xxx miles - New water pump, TB etc etc
1989 Camry-Gone but not forgotten. Car has become a birthday gift for my cousin.
1997 Mazda B2300 213,xxx miles - New flasher relay installed.
Do you see Transpro name on there, or is it an aftermarket never-heard-of name on there? Modine (before turning into Proliance with Transpro) started reboxing imported rads.
It's too bad many of these "manufacturers" have begun turning into service industry "reboxers". And I've seen some real junk in another "major brand" of N. America.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 96paseo
I put a Transpro in the camry 13 months ago.
So far so good. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Do you see Transpro name on there, or is it an aftermarket never-heard-of name on there? Modine (before turning into Proliance with Transpro) started reboxing imported rads.
It's too bad many of these "manufacturers" have begun turning into service industry "reboxers". And I've seen some real junk in another "major brand" of N. America.
Now that you mention it, I'm gonna take a look tonight. I know the box said Transpro but I didn't really look too closely at the rad itself. Will post back later and let you know.
__________________
1996 Paseo 5E-FE 269,xxx miles - Gotta fix that sagging DS door. New hinges on the way.
1993 Camry LE 5S-FE 249,xxx miles - New water pump, TB etc etc
1989 Camry-Gone but not forgotten. Car has become a birthday gift for my cousin.
1997 Mazda B2300 213,xxx miles - New flasher relay installed.
As long as you use Toyota factory coolant and distilled water the original radiators can go 20-30 years.
That might have been true back in the day of the all metal radiator but the modern plastic/aluminum radiator is only engineered for a basic 72 month lifespan. Some of course last longer than that but the glass reinforced plastic can only handle so many heat-cool cycles before becoming too brittle to handle the expansion. After that, they crack and replacement is the only option.
That might have been true back in the day of the all metal radiator but the modern plastic/aluminum radiator is only engineered for a basic 72 month lifespan. Some of course last longer than that but the glass reinforced plastic can only handle so many heat-cool cycles before becoming too brittle to handle the expansion. After that, they crack and replacement is the only option.
That's terrible. But true.
Who would've thought we'd see the day for disposable rads?
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBO Das Automagazin
A BRZ, a curvy mountain road makes one liter of happiness hormones.
As long as you use Toyota factory coolant and distilled water the original radiators can go 20-30 years.
That's an absurd statement.
All of the early 1990s plastic tank radiators are have cracked plastic top and bottom caps. That wasn't caused by using the wrong coolant.
Only a few will hold together long enough to last 20 years. Unless you consider replacing the tanks (far more than the cost of an aftermarket radiator) to not count as replacing the radiator.
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.
1991 Toyota MR2
1996 Toyota Camry
New hinges on the way.
Linear Mode
