2002 Radiator Question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

bardarp · 07-21-2007, 02:25 PM

Hello all,
I need to replace the leaking radiator in my wife's 2002 Camry Solara convertible V6. But it may be more complicated than just a radiator swap...it looks like the A/C refrigerant lines are plumbed into the radiator - is this correct, or am I mistaken?

If this is correct, how do I replace the radiator? I've replaced plenty of radiators in other cars, but I've never had to deal with the A/C liines. (How to drain the A/C and recharge?)
I'd appreciate any help on this...
Thanks,
Scott

gdanaher · 07-21-2007, 03:42 PM

You are certainly mistaken about the a/c. That goes to the condensor in front of the radiator. I haven't worked on an 02 Solara so I am not the Bible on this. You might have to loosen the condensor to get it out of the way a bit, and and there will be other stuff around the radiator that will need to come off, but other wise it shouldn't be much different from any other radiator. Just a tight space to work in.

Should you need to disconnect the a/c and are asking these questions then I would suggest that it go to a knowledgable mechanic to do the job. The refrigerant, though not as toxic as Freon, is supposted to be collected. You might need to replace the drier since the system has been opened, and certainly the system will need to be evacuated to about 2 atmospheres and checked for leaks, then recharged. All of this requires specialized tools you probably don't have.

I think this is going to be easier than you think it is.

bardarp · 07-21-2007, 06:18 PM

Thanks gdanaher.
If the condenser is in front of the radiator, then it must be *exactly* the same size as the radiator, not a small coil in front of a big radiator like I'm used to seeing. Maybe Toyota has got them so well fit together that they look like one unit. I'll start turning bolts tomorrow and see what I find...

gdanaher · 07-21-2007, 10:38 PM

It's not a single unit. The condenser couldn't achieve the heat loss it needs for the R134a if they were touching.

TRD VVTi · 07-21-2007, 10:45 PM

You don't need to open the A/C. If you did open the A/C you automatically wouldn't need a new drier either. If you open the A/C system you need to seal the drier immediately so that the descecent (sp) sock inside doesn't become saturated. The drier needs to be replaced when the system has been open for some time or the system is contaminated. Not when A/C work is being performed as part of another repair.

bardarp · 07-23-2007, 12:19 AM

Indeed, two separate units. I just needed to look more carefully.

Thanks Much!