95 Camry Radiator Question...

[Camree]

My '95 Camry (V6- 131K miles) has some very fine cracks visible in the top portion of the radiator and I am wondering if I should go ahead and replace it, or wait for it to show more serious wear signs.

Does anyone have any opinion about the best approach in this case?

I am thinking it may be best to be proactive here.

[JustinC25]

I'd be proactive here. A new radiator can be had on ebay for under 60 bucks with free shipping.
It'll only take about an hour to change.
Also the ebay rads are ok. I have one in my '95.
I put it in 2 years ago.

[71Corolla]

Replace it right away, small cracks lead to complete failure. A rad is a fairly inexpensive repair, while you're at it don't forget to do a coolant flush, use Toyota RED fluid only. Replace the thermostat if you don't know the age of it, or it has not been replaced in a long time. Toyota part only on the thermostat, no exceptions!

[JohnGD]

+1. Don't wait.

Radiator is cheap these days. But a failed cooling system can quickly damage the engine and overheat an automatic transmission.

Besides FleaBay or online dealers, you can also get a TYC from rockauto. It's supposed to a reboxed Koyorad, a quality aftermarket brand. But that could change at anytime. OP can also check with ToyotaPartsMan and see what an OEM rad costs after 30% off.

And yes I'd change out the radiator cap, thermostat/gasket and both radiator hoses (if not all coolant hoses). It's also a good time to change out the ATF cooler hoses. These are specially formulated rubber to handle ATF, so don't use any rubber hose.

[sam333]

Had the same problem( noticed very small spider web cracks all along the top of the radiator). Not long after I started smelling coolent and found it weeping from the cracks.

[BMR]

Ditto what everyone's said. Replace it now. It won't be long before it goes.

I've replaced the radiator in the Camry twice now. Both times, it was leaking from a crack on the upper plastic cap. That seems to be a very common failure mode. The first time, when it failed it burst with a loud "BANG" while the wife was driving, spewing coolant everywhere. Left her stranded. The upper cap had split open for about 6 inches. The second time, I saw it weeping coolant from a hairline crack in that same place. Replaced it. Like's been said, it's relatively cheap and easy to replace.

[71Corolla]

Too bad Toyota (and just about everyone else) stopped using all metal rads. They are available for the Gen3 Camry's though.

[Specialmen240]

+ 1 this is good prouduct dont let it get away and i repliced my raditor with china product raditor