1995 Avalon Radiator cracked

[Aznhiga13]

So yea, the radiator just made itself a nice long crack on the top plastic part. I heard that this is common for a radiator this old. So if i wanted to repair it what would be the best way to do this? Take it to a shop/dealership or just fix it myself? There are stores around my area that sell the radiator for my year car and i was thinking of fixing it myself. What would be the best way to get things done? Thanks!

[swiftjustice]

Cheapest way to do it is to pick one up off of e-bay or an online retailer and replace it yourself. Not that hard a job.

[toyomoho]

Replacing a radiator is a straight forward job. www.autozone.com has a repair info section with photos that covers this year car and radiator replacement.

If the car has an automatic trans you will need to swap oil cooler hoses and perhaps fittings from the old to new radiator. Not a big deal just something you need to know. Ask the seller about this.

Suggest buying locally from a store having a warranty, some give lifetime. Buying a mail order radiator may be cheaper but these can be kicked around in shipping, the result being leaks. You also want to have a local dealer for recourse in case you have a problem and not need to ship it back for a replacement.

Flush the engines cooling system, use distilled water and new antifreeze that is free of silicates and borates (read label). Dispose of the old radiator coolant carefully as it is toxic to people and animals. If on a city sewer system, most allow dumping small amounts down the drain.

Once done recheck the trans fluid level as some will be lost in the replacement.

[cexsiman]

its really easy to do, i did a radiator replacement on a 91 accord with 170k on it and the hardest part was getting the hose clamps off (that and dealing with the rust over everything, it was a Wisconsin car) just make sure you specify (if they ask) that you have an automatic transmission. and double check and see if the evaporator is a separate coil, i think it is. make note of where everything goes (fan plugs, screws/nuts/bolts, and hoses) id say replace the clamps with the screw tightening type, its just easier. you might also want to replace the hoses (because of age if they need replacement) and consider replacing the thermostat if necessary.

DO IT YOURSELF! ITS EASY!

[miflox]

Just replaced my radiator on '98 avalon with modine radiator from NAPA for about $125. Lifetime warranty. Old respected company but the radiator is still made overseas- forget if it was Indonesia or China. Had to pull mine all apart again as I forgot to put the 2 rubber bumpers back on the bottom of the new radiator! Flushed first, then used 50% mixture of distilled water and Prestone 5 year/150k mile antifreeze. New $20 Napa lower radiator hose. Has to be positioned just right so it does not rub against electrical fan.