question about radiator Options

[kloudkicka]

Hi guys, so I found a small leak in my rad and I was just curious if there is a quick fix or if I just have to replace it, if so does anyone know if the rad for a 3rd gen 3sgte is interchangeable with other models, hope someone can help, thanks

This post has been edited by kloudkicka: May 26, 2013 - 12:53 PM

[ILoveMySilly97]

Whenever there's a leak in a radiator. You should just change it. dont add any of those quick fix chemicals. Reason is, they're built to clog that crack, which means it'll clog in your engine too since the coolant circulates through the engine and hoses.

[kloudkicka]

Whenever there's a leak in a radiator. You should just change it. dont add any of those quick fix chemicals. Reason is, they're built to clog that crack, which means it'll clog in your engine too since the coolant circulates through the engine and hoses.

Ok cool thanks for the advice, now the question abiut interchangeable rads

[Smaay]

im pretty sure they are the same radiator

[kloudkicka]

im pretty sure they are the same radiator

oh they are? so i can just order a radiator for a 7afe? that was my stock motor before the swap

[IfWeChoose]

It will fit but the 7A-FE WILL be smaller. Just get the one for your engine. The part numbers are different so dont risk screwing yourself over. Don't play around with the cooling man! I upgraded my radiator to a larger aluminum radiator (I have the 7A-FE).

[MaskedMan]

im pretty sure they are the same radiator

oh they are? so i can just order a radiator for a 7afe? that was my stock motor before the swap

The 7afe radiator has a different outlet location on the bottom, and also has no hole for the water temp switch for the radiator fan. The 5sfe radiator will work with the 3rd gen 3sgte.

[kloudkicka]

Okay thanks for the info guys, much needed help, I appreciate it

[trdproven]

some people use jb weld but have not seen that work well.

I think the newer Toyota radiators are rebuildable with upper and lower o-ring gaskets. basically just like a valve cover gasket for top and bottom where they usually leak.

This post has been edited by trdproven: Jun 23, 2013 - 7:47 PM

[czwalga]

Personally I wouldnt be afraid to use bars stop leak. If it was a high performance or newer car yeah might not be the best. I've used it in several vehicles and never had a problem. Hell it fixed a leaking head gasket for 2 years in my dads old truck.


You could possibly get really unlucky and it clog your heater core, but its unlikely. I mean its all about how much you have to spend. If you need to get the car on the road I wouldnt be afraid of it.

This post has been edited by czwalga: Jun 24, 2013 - 10:55 AM

[Spider77]

I once used Permatex radiator patch stuff, just to get me through until a new one arrived. It held up pretty good, but I wouldn't use something like that as a permanent solution though.

[trdproven]

^exactly, those quick fixes are for temp, you have to replace it anyway.

[kloudkicka]

i just tried out the jb weld stuff, i applied it today, a nice thick coat, we'll see how it holds for now, the leak is as thin as a hairline, but now got another problem, looks like someone had too much fun and im positive that someone shot my car with an air gun or something, one shot to the window and one shot between the roof and the window, sucks

[trdproven]

let me know how the jb weld holds, sometimes when I use that to cover the crack, a new crack starts somewhere else kinda like the cartoons.

[kloudkicka]

let me know how the jb weld holds, sometimes when I use that to cover the crack, a new crack starts somewhere else kinda like the cartoons.

i think i didnt apply enough and it was leaking a tiny bit underneath it, so i cleaned it and applied more and now, so far so good