2001 Tundra - Replace orig Radiator?

[JeffKeryk]

Our '01 Tundra has 210K and is perfect. The radiator is original. I am going to service the antifreeze.
Years ago, our '95 Accord left the dreaded strawberry milkshake in the driveway... Radiator failure.
Put a used transmission in. I never wanna see this again!

Would you consider R&R with a nice new Denso radiator? Maybe hoses as well?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Chris142]

The plastic has to be brittle. When I worked at the radiator shop most rads,and it did not matter the brand were done by 100 k.

 

[The Critic]

The plastic has to be brittle. When I worked at the radiator shop most rads,and it did not matter the brand were done by 100 k.

Maybe in your extreme climate. We rarely replace radiators.

 

[JC1]

I'd do a drain and fill. No need to replace it unless it's leaking or failing.

 

[TmanP]

I could go either way on this, but I'd way rather have an older OEM or OEM-equivalent radiator than a new one of questionable quality.
Your plan to use a Denso one makes sense, though.

 

[simple_gifts]

Maybe in your extreme climate. We rarely replace radiators.

My friend's 2002 Tundra had a GM radiator IIRC

edit: might be mistaken; she also had a 96 T100; that is the one that probably had a GM radiator.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I'm pretty sure the radiator is made by Denso.
@The Critic - your thoughts? You know how I feel about my Tundra....
20 years old and over 200K... The Denso is $133 at Amazon.
I am thinking cheap insurance.

 

[4WD]

Speak to a tech at a radiator shop … they are familiar with expectations of various makes/models …

 

[4WD]

My friend's 2002 Tundra had a GM radiator IIRC

edit: might be mistaken; she also had a 96 T100; that is the one that probably had a GM radiator.

So did my buddy’s F100 build … switched it to electric fans like that …

 

[CharlesInCharge]

If it's in the budget and you're doing a D/F anyway, it's probably good insurance. As others said, a OEM Denso of high quality would be the way to go. Nothing aftermarket or cheap. I doubt it's necessary though. You would likely be okay by waiting until the next D&F in 5 years. Also, I think these call for the Aisin pink/red antifreeze. They might be able to take the yellow, orange, or green stuff but the pink/red for Toyota is the correct coolant to my knowledge.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

20 years old, it would be nice to have a new radiator, hoses and thermostat.
I'd want as close to OEM as possible.

If you don't change it:
I'd open the Radiator Cap and Over-flow Tank and look for Transmission Fluid / it would float.

 

[ka9mnx]

My 4Runner's radiator is notorious for the pink milk shake. Mine was fine but I replaced it with a new Denso.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I'd open the Radiator Cap and Over-flow Tank and look for Transmission Fluid / it would float.

I inspect the heck outta this truck. Everything is perfect.
The timing belt was done at 136K, before I got it, over 10 years ago.
I have not serviced the cooling system since I got it, so that's how all this started.

But yeah, 20 years makes a difference even to a 1st gen Tundra. People leave "wanna sell it" notes from time to time.

 

[Lubener]

No need to replace your radiator if you have no overheating issues or leaks of any kind. I am still running the original plastic tanked radiator in my 87 F150 and have no issues. I would put new hoses on your 01 if they are still originals.

 

[AZjeff]

$133 isn't going to cause you to go hungry...

Looks like you can get OEM online for around $200.

 

[CharlesInCharge]

I inspect the heck outta this truck. Everything is perfect.
The timing belt was done at 136K, before I got it, over 10 years ago.
I have not serviced the cooling system since I got it, so that's how all this started.

But yeah, 20 years makes a difference even to a 1st gen Tundra. People leave "wanna sell it" notes from time to time.
View attachment 66799

You are due for a timing belt, IIRC it's 7 years or 90k miles. You're over on years and close to it on miles.

 

[jagdriver727]

I'd just keep an eye on it, myself.

 

[Jake_J]

I don't really see the logic in replacing a perfectly good working part just in case it fails. I mean you could apply that logic to many parts of your truck, maybe the alternator should be changed, how about the power steering pump or the brake master cylinder, etc, etc.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Speak to a tech at a radiator shop … they are familiar with expectations of various makes/models …

What? Then what are you gonna do 4WD?
Forget that...

 

[JeffKeryk]

You are due for a timing belt, IIRC it's 7 years or 90k miles. You're over on years and close to it on miles.

Well, I hear tell those Toyletta timing belts go for 300K and 100 years, right?