So I'm going to finally replace my radiator...and I need some help- A Bit Urgent! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Structureboy · 03-28-2003, 07:01 PM

Going to finally replace my cracked radiator with a new one I got. Considering that this will probably be the biggest mechanical job I'll have performed on the camry so far, be prepared for some very newbie questions.

engine: 3vzfe 93 camry

1) Where is the engine drain block for the coolant? I think I have a good idea where it is...basically, above and almost parallel to the location for the drain plug for the radiator and below the valve cover. It's a sorta black knob. But, is it necessary to drain the fluid outta the block when replacing the radiator? So location and necessity. Perhaps a picture would be nice for location.

2)I have to remove the entire fan assembly so that I can get access to the radiator. I looked through the haynes manual and it reads the steps for replacing the fan system are:

-remove union bolt and disconnect the pressure host from the fan motor.
-disconnect return hose, remove the 6 bolts retaining the fan shroud to the radiator and remove the fan and shroud.
-holding the fan blades, loosen teh fanblade nut clockwise and remove fan from motor.
-remove the three bolts hodling the fan motor

obviously, i'm sure not all these steps apply to just my case for removing the fan assembly so that I can get access to the radiator itself. Which steps are necessary, which aren't?
what the heck is the union bolt?

3) Just want to confirm that there are 2 auto tranny lines that I must disconnect as well before replacing the radiator. And, when I do remove the lines, will I have to add more tranny fluid once I'm done with this job? (like I will for the coolant)

4) is there a particular torque setting for the bolts that attach the radiator to its support? (couldn't find in manual)

5) when the new radiator is fit into the engine bay and when tightening the two radiator hoses, how to ensure that the hoses are tight enough to make a good seal?

That's pretty much all the concerns I have about the job. I plan on installing the radiator tomorrow morning.
Appreciate any help.
Thanks.

alchu · 04-13-2004, 10:42 AM

how did this go? I just ordered a new radiator for my gf's Gen3 from radiatorbarn.com. it should get here this week, planning on doing the replacement on saturday.

I figure I'll replace all the hoses and clamps too... where should I go to get all these parts? Do I need to measure what she's got on there right now, or will a place like napa or autozone know exactly what I need?

Thanks

Allan

Nick · 04-13-2004, 11:01 AM

they'll know what you need

atobe · 04-13-2004, 01:53 PM

i just replaced my radiator on my gen2 a few months ago. you should take of the fans first so you can get to the bottom hoses and drain it. to drain it, there's a lil plug in the middle of the bottom side you can't miss it. you might wanna lift up the car a lil bit so you can take of the bottom hose from under and the AT lines too. i didn't replace any AT oil after and it seems fine, not that much dropped out anyways. the AT lines come on and off pretty easy. the bottom hose is kinda of a hassle it's a 30 min job. remember to idle the eninge for a lil bit then add more coolant in after that.

Nico · 04-13-2004, 02:08 PM

I would say don't even bother trying to find that drain bolt, just remove both big hoses + hoses from tranny (coolant fluid only), let the water go, remove electrical connections, remove the radiator withe fans on it and remove the fans only once the radiator is out of the car. Quite easy job really. Once you reinstall your new radiator just fill in with new coolant and you're done ! Just go step by step, it is just logical. Toyota parts are generally quite easy to remove. Good luck !
Alchu, you really don't need to replace these hoses / clamps unless they are worn out (which is quite rare)

luisitol · 04-13-2004, 03:05 PM

Alchu, are you coming to the NYC Camry meet this Saturday?!?! If so we can jsut do it there. Oh and if you replace those hoses can i get the old ones? thanks! but you should definitely come to the Camry Meet.

alchu · 04-13-2004, 03:29 PM

NYC camry meet? where?

i've got big maintenance plans for this car. It really hasn't been treated too well. Don't really have many big issues with the car - the radiator prob doesn't really need replacing yet. I figured for a hundred bucks, it's a worthwhile replacement. I just don't want my gf stuck on the side of the road somewhere, then have to tow the thing to a garage. I'm waiting for a guy to come fix some chips on my jetta's windshield on saturday, if he comes early enough then I'll bring the camry to the meet.

it's a '94 with about 130k miles.

luisitol · 04-13-2004, 04:02 PM

NYC Camry Meet Saturday @ 3pm, hope you can make it.

alchu · 04-13-2004, 04:06 PM

Sports auth in woodside? that's like the R/V northern blvd stop right?

I'll try to drop by, but I plan on doing most of the maintenance before then.

it's not a flashy ride by any means...

luisitol · 04-13-2004, 04:14 PM

no keep reading, the part that has directions, its in Yonkers, NY at Nathan's. Up on Central Ave. All rides welcome, mine isnt' flashy

alchu · 04-18-2004, 12:31 AM

Completed this along with full tune-up this morning. (Oil change, Dist cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs, thermostat, fuel and air filters) It was a pretty easy job. took a while to get the old radiator out of there, though. but in the end, no problems. the old radiator looked pretty beat up.

Didn't end up needing the new hoses like you guys said. I'll drop by autozone tomorrow to return them.

Sorry I couldn't make the meet. how'd it go?

Allan