LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Cracked Radiator

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-19-19, 06:57 AM
  #1  
Hklexus
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Hklexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: HK
Posts: 24
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Cracked Radiator

Bad luck. I had some spare time last night and decided to replace the coolant and a new radiator cap. After driving the car today I checked under the hood and saw white spots and I immediately thought "******", radiator cracked along the top. Oh well, I guess it was about time since the radiator looks like it has not been replaced before. Maybe the new radiator cap held pressure too well and found the weak spot in the radiator. In the meantime, is it still ok to fill the expansion tank up and keep driving until I get the radiator replaced?

Last edited by Hklexus; 07-19-19 at 07:09 AM.
Old 07-19-19, 07:13 AM
  #2  
Lavrishevo
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Lavrishevo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,176
Received 310 Likes on 229 Posts
Default

I would not risk driving it much. If not leaking of course you have a little time. Get it replaced asap. Overheating can be catastrophic for the engine...
Old 07-19-19, 07:49 AM
  #3  
Bocatrip
Lead Lap
 
Bocatrip's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Fl
Posts: 3,611
Received 280 Likes on 236 Posts
Default

Quite common. Denso aftermarket works fine.
Old 07-19-19, 10:20 AM
  #4  
TheTiRider
Driver School Candidate
 
TheTiRider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: My couch
Posts: 29
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Same story with mine. One day last summer I noticed the temp gauge had crept up toward hot. A quick check under the hood showed dried pink dots everywhere. I added coolant for a few days but then order a replacement. That’s where things got “interesting” - Replacement #1 ordered a NAPA Premium. Took it home, installed it, and it leaked in the nearly the same spot as the original. Replacement #2 ordered a Koyo HD via Amazon Prime. Got it in two days. I began assembling it. Then I noticed the fan shroud holes didn’t line up. Every hole was about a 1/4” off. After stepping back and looking closely at the radiator the whole thing was wracked (the whole rad was bent, the top and bottom tanks didn’t line up). I packed it up and it went back to Amazon. Replacement #3 by this point I was annoyed and needed the car back. I checked all the local auto part stores and only Autozone could get one quickly. I ordered it and picked it up that same afternoon. I was a little hesitant due to a rad’s importance and being leery of bargain basement parts. Well, it arrived in perfect shape, fit like OEM, has AZ’s replacement warranty, and l’ve been using it for a year without having to add a single drop of antifreeze.

Last edited by TheTiRider; 07-19-19 at 10:23 AM.
Old 07-19-19, 10:22 AM
  #5  
Johnhav430
Lexus Fanatic
 
Johnhav430's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: PA
Posts: 8,491
Received 372 Likes on 346 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lavrishevo
I would not risk driving it much. If not leaking of course you have a little time. Get it replaced asap. Overheating can be catastrophic for the engine...
This is not a joke. When I was in the indie shop there was a RX350 next to mine and they were putting in a used engine. The tech got coolant all over the shop floor--I said that happens to me every time no matter how careful I am. Then, I said, what happened? They said owner overheated it.
Old 08-04-19, 07:26 AM
  #6  
sdls
Lexus Champion
 
sdls's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NA
Posts: 2,218
Received 294 Likes on 242 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Hklexus
Bad luck. I had some spare time last night and decided to replace the coolant and a new radiator cap. After driving the car today I checked under the hood and saw white spots and I immediately thought "******", radiator cracked along the top. Oh well, I guess it was about time since the radiator looks like it has not been replaced before. Maybe the new radiator cap held pressure too well and found the weak spot in the radiator. In the meantime, is it still ok to fill the expansion tank up and keep driving until I get the radiator replaced?
Don't drive with a bad rad dude. Especially in a riot area.
Old 08-05-19, 09:07 AM
  #7  
Longmire
Driver
 
Longmire's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: TX
Posts: 77
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Well, my radiator isn't leaking, but I did have a sudden split on my upper radiator hose while driving home from work Friday evening. I don't know if I missed something or what, but I just inspected them a few weeks ago and they felt great.

I was at a red light and my AC starting getting warmer, and then I looked at the temp gauge and it was at 3/4 or so!! Anyway, I cut everyone off and pulled into a parking lot and then had it towed home. I'm glad I was paying attention and also that I wasn't somewhere I couldn't pull off safely.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SlowGS3
GS - 1st Gen (1993-1997)
6
07-24-06 07:02 PM
stallion50
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
2
06-08-06 12:56 PM



Quick Reply: Cracked Radiator



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:13 AM.