1993 Camry - Rad replacement advice - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

71Corolla · 12-09-2010, 01:53 PM

Just bought another 1993 Camry to replace mine that was ruined by a hail storm. It's a V6 LE, rad is the dreaded plastic/aluminum type and is leaking at the top, maybe cracked. Anyway, what's a good replacement, and sold in Canada?

How about this one? It's either a Koyo or "Performance" brand, it doesn't say. It also doesn't say if that's an all metal unit or a plastic top etc.

I called around and can get a replacement for around $100 locally, but they are the same hybrid design, I'd rather get an all metal one if possible, depending on price.

Also, what car are these wheels off of? A Camry? Pretty sure these wheels did not come with the car, they are pretty nice just wondering if they are off another Toyota or a different year Camry.

uibalnme · 12-09-2010, 02:17 PM

The rims look like gen4 alloys, but the center caps are replacements, since there's no Toyota logo. If you want an all metal rad, check out Radiator Barn. Just enter your car's info to see what they have. Option 2 on their site is the all metal rad.

71Corolla · 12-09-2010, 02:34 PM

That place ships to U.S only. I can get an all metal rad for about $280, or an "OE" for $100, big difference there. BTW, isn't there just a gasket between the core and the top cap? That's where it looks to be leaking, repairable?

Interesting about the wheels, didn't know the center caps could be had aftermarket. Come to think of it, they do look pretty crappy. edit - I think these might be the original center caps.

uibalnme · 12-09-2010, 04:01 PM

Well then, I guess just go with an OEM rad. The last one lasted 17 years, so why wouldn't the new one. It's not worth trying to fix the old one. Even if the leak is between the top tank, and core, and it was fixed, you'd still be running a rad with 17 year old plastic tanks. Just get a new rad, replace the hoses, and T-stat, while you're at it.

***Zembonez*** · 12-09-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uibalnme

Well then, I guess just go with an OEM rad. The last one lasted 17 years, so why wouldn't the new one. It's not worth trying to fix the old one. Even if the leak is between the top tank, and core, and it was fixed, you'd still be running a rad with 17 year old plastic tanks. Just get a new rad, replace the hoses, and T-stat, while you're at it.

+1

If the OEM radiator lasted this long, a replacement (even aftermarket) should easily last the rest of the car's life.

***eyeball96*** · 12-09-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Just bought another 1993 Camry to replace mine that was ruined by a hail storm. It's a V6 LE, rad is the dreaded plastic/aluminum type and is leaking at the top, maybe cracked. Anyway, what's a good replacement, and sold in Canada?

How about this one? It's either a Koyo or "Performance" brand, it doesn't say. It also doesn't say if that's an all metal unit or a plastic top etc.

I called around and can get a replacement for around $100 locally, but they are the same hybrid design, I'd rather get an all metal one if possible, depending on price.

Also, what car are these wheels off of? A Camry? Pretty sure these wheels did not come with the car, they are pretty nice just wondering if they are off another Toyota or a different year Camry.

Your wheels look like their from a Gen 3 SE !
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...1686335#toptab

71Corolla · 12-09-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeball96

Your wheels look like their from a Gen 3 SE !
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...1686335#toptab

Wow you're right.

Nice, now I need to find the proper center caps for them, the generic ones are ugly as hell.

Gonna probably go with a Koyorad, supposedly high quality and they fit properly. And of course will replace the thermostat and hoses. Another question, these cars have a filter for the hydraulic fan, is that true? I see something inline that looks to be a filter, or is it just an accumulator?

ricamryman · 12-09-2010, 05:32 PM

Car looks very clean! Same color & engine as mine! 3VZFE V6! How many miles on her? The wheels are from a 3rd Gen SE! Same year.....possibly?

71Corolla · 12-09-2010, 06:02 PM

Car has only 140,000 kilometers, or 85,000 miles. The sway bar end links are shot, lots of clunking. Struts are still good, hope the mounts don't need replacing, won't know until I put new links in, those things sure can make a racket! Engine runs great, no rust, one small dent on the right fender, should be able to straighten it out. A few door dings, otherwise very straight body. The trunk opens and springs up by itself too.

The power antenna even works properly.

When I first saw the car (bought it from a dealer) I complained about the tires, they had almost no tread, and were mounted on the stock steel wheels, which are very nice actually. So I told them I would buy the car if they would put better tires on them, didn't expect to actually do it. When I went to close the deal, they had put on the wheels with better rubber, no idea where they got them, but not complaining.

ricamryman · 12-09-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Car has only 140,000 kilometers, or 85,000 miles. The sway bar end links are shot, lots of clunking. Struts are still good, hope the mounts don't need replacing, won't know until I put new links in, those things sure can make a racket! Engine runs great, no rust, one small dent on the right fender, should be able to straighten it out. A few door dings, otherwise very straight body. The trunk opens and springs up by itself too.

The power antenna even works properly.

When I first saw the car (bought it from a dealer) I complained about the tires, they had almost no tread, and were mounted on the stock steel wheels, which are very nice actually. So I told them I would buy the car if they would put better tires on them, didn't expect to actually do it. When I went to close the deal, they had put on the wheels with better rubber, no idea where they got them, but not complaining.

Congrads on the fine Camry! It looks so much like mine its uncanny! Mine was a super clean old lady garaged one! still looks almost new, paint in great shape! Nice & clean! I did have to put a new radiator in just like you are doing! I also replaced the timing belt & everything that goes with it! It had 105 K miles on her when I took possession, she now has 131K trouble free miles & is my daily driver!.....I hope to get to 200K miles someday!.....

71Corolla · 12-09-2010, 06:31 PM

This car spent its life in Vancouver, no road salt. I didn't know the rad was leaking when I looked at it, but I could smell coolant so I knew something was up. The timing belt was done at 98,000 kilometers (dealer sticker on the timing cover) so I don't have to worry about it for awhile. I drove it from Vancouver to Calgary, which is about 900km or 500 miles. Anyone that's driven that route knows that the Coquihalla highway is really hard on cars (many cars outright die on the long uphill stretches), it breezed though no problem so I know the drivetrain is sound.

Best example I could find, no old lady garaged Camry for me, but still a really nice car. I like the colour, just works on this car. Congrats on your ride, love these cars.

ricamryman · 12-09-2010, 06:39 PM

Yes, the drivetrain on these V6's is stout! My mechanic who specializes in Toyota's told me that the 3VZFE's are a great motor as long as they never overheat! If they ever overheat they are suseptible to blown head gaskets! So keep an eye on your hoses & stuff & take care of your cooling system! He stated that I could actually be still drivin her 10 years from now as long as I keep up with her maitenance wise!!! It will be fun to see how long I can make her last!...(LOL)

71Corolla · 12-09-2010, 06:46 PM

That's one thing I was aware of, these engines don't seem to be too forgiving when it comes to overheating. Actually the 5SFE doesn't like it much either, the head gaskets get damaged. I don't see any signs of it on my car, keep my fingers crossed. The engine idles very quietly actually, I was surprised. No valve noise, I think it might idle even quieter than the 1MZ in my Lexus.

Oh and one really great thing is the entire exhaust system was replaced with OEM parts, front to back. Still shiny, and the Toyota part sticker is still on the downpipes

I didn't know until today when I had the car up on ramps. Actually the catalytic was not done, but everything else is new.

edit- forgot to ask, does your car have the under hood insulation? Mine doesn't, wonder if they came with it or not. I'll be grabbing one from the wreckers when I get a chance.