So i knew this was going to happen, but I didn't expect it today lol. Today was the coldest day we have had in a few weeks, 49*. I turned the heat on max and usually within 2 minutes i have some sort of heat coming out of the vents. NOPE, not today. and when the car was up to temp, if i went a little faster than normal, the temp gauge would drop down. I pulled into a local grocery store parking lot and opened the hood thinking maybe I had the valley leak and the coolant was low. NOPE, I saw coolant sprayed all over the front of the engine etc. then looked at the radiator to see the top tank bubbling out and leaking where the metal fins clip on. SO i filled the overflow with distilled water and the heat started working again with about a half gallon. drove 5 minutes home and parked her. I did smell coolant yesterday on the way home from work but i thought it was the car in front of me.

Car has just around 135k
Today after work I ordered the below to get done in a couple of weeks:

1. Koyo Aluminum 48mm radiator part # HH012170
   1. I will be bypassing the transmission heat exchanger lines
2. OEM water pump (had a small leak)
3. OEM thermostat
4. OEM serp belt tensioner
   1. Already have a replacement belt
   2. Already have 2 gallons of SSL coolant

It was a depressing feeling but i honestly can't wait to do my first major repair on this car.

Coolant splashed everywhere

I'm not sure if you can see all the coolant bubbling under the hose inlet.

 

Pretty common for Toyota. My Supra did the same at nearly the same age/mileage. It has a PWR radiator in it now.

 

This is my project this weekend. Factory one lasted a lot longer than i thought. 145k. Shouldn't be too bad. There is a video on it which makes it easier.

 

I replaced mine last summer, at 106k miles

 

 

 

Noticed my radiator is leaking a tiny bit as well. Still debating between Koyo and OEM. Curious to see how you like the Koyo once it comes in.

 

What upgraded oil cooler does everyone use when upgrading to the koyo radiator?

 

 

 

 

I have intake and exhaust and gutted primaries. But the headers are cracked so I need aftermarket soon. I also have silicone radiator hose sitting in a box, I forgot to mention.

 

 

this happened to me today!!

 

Any definite way to check whether your headers are cracked without going underneath the car?