colenzae

I have an 02 RX with an original radiator whose cooling fins are corroding and falling off. I have not noticed any effect on ability to keep the engine cool. I can drive the car on a 90 degree day in heavy traffic with the A/C on (yes it still works!!!) and the temp gauge doesn't move.
My concern is this. I don't have the time to replace the radiator before I drive this car to Florida for the holidays and am kind of worried about the radiator.
So I thought about bringing a can of sealer with me on the trip but I have read mixed reviews on using these products.
What would you do?? Just drive down and keep your fingers crossed??

hypervish

NO!! NO sealer!

It will clog up the heater core and other cooling passages. Stay far away from that.

My 2000 RX has the original radiator too, and I have no worries about it leaking or not being able to cool down the engine.

colenzae

Thanks for the reply. I've heard the same. I've changed the fluid a few times using the toyota pre-mixed fluid and I see no corrosion at all looking down the radiator filler neck. I guess I have it in the back of my head that this should be replaced. I'm also reminded every time the car is in the shop. Last quote was $1,000+. Thanks. Ill do it myself…….

hypervish

You're welcome.

Yeah, much cheaper to do it yourself and you'll know it was done right with quality (i.e. OEM) parts.

salimshah

You did not mention that you have any leak.

Corrosion? The fins have a paint what you may be seeing is that paint falling off.The AC condenser gets the most abuse as it is in the front. Corrosion from inside can happen too, but if you have been using Toyota coolant, there should be no corrosion (or minimal).

Most of the problems happen when the top or the bottom parts develop a crack. Unfortunately, Lexus uses plastic top and bottom .. I would say they last about 20 yrs.

I would also like to hear from someone who has replaced the radiator by pushing the condenser away.

Sa;m