Deathmage

I think the radiator has a hole, any suggestion? I was in the process of flushing it out.

MTL_4runner

If it has a hole, then replace it or have it repaired by a radiator specialist (if possible, damage may be unrepairable).

Ironmike4x4

BUMP for an old thread. Mine is springing several pin hole leaks on the top part of the radiator. Can a radiator shop have it repaired? I know they can repair the sides but am not sure about the top. Currently I have rednecked it by putting JB Weld on the pin hole leaks but new ones keep springing up. I have even looked online for new ones for cheap and have found an aftermarket one. Do you guys think this one will work well? http://www.shop.com/op/~Toyota_4Runn...651?sourceid=3

mpavolka

The Radiators in 3rd Gen 4Runners are plastic Aluminum Radiators and they are not worth fixing. Any fix to them is nothing more than a band aid because the lifespan on these type of radiators is only 100k. Check Performanceradiator.com. They make aftermarket radiators that are designed to outlive the original. I think that they are little more expensive than most, but not by much. They also make the OEM radiators for Honda so they have to be semi decent.

Ironmike4x4

From the website you posted it's made of the same materials. The tank construction is plastic, and the core is aluminum. From what you are saying I wouldn't be any better off.

mpavolka

As far as I know, nobody makes a Copper/Brass radiator for 3rd gens. Almost all newer cars are plastic tanks with aluminum cores, 3rd gens fitting that catagory. This is because the materials are cheaper and they are easier to build. All I know is that Performance Radiator is not the cheapest but they build a damn good radiator. If you want the cheapest go on ebay. However there is a radiator on ebay right now that says it will fit a 88-97 4Runner with a V6 and another one that says it will fit a 96-02 with a V6 or 4 Cyl. Anyone at this website knows that a 1st and 2nd gen rad will not fit in a 3rd. Its hard for me to believe that, but bid if you want.

mpavolka

How come this thread was moved to general questions/non year related? Its question about a third gen 4runner.

Ironmike4x4

I was wondering that myself when I tried to look for this reply. I wasn't going to post my own radiator to avoid "thread cluttering."

Back to your post... ok I am clear now. It seemed like you were saying to avoid the plastic/aluminum radiators when the website you posted was made of the same materials. If you've had good experiences with them then by all means I will keep them in mind. I'd much rather stay away from flEaBAY as you never know if you are getting crap or quality. Just a quick Q though... do you know if the 4cyl radiators are the same as the 3rd gen 6cyl rads? It seems like other websites are offering the same parts for both.

mpavolka

Hey so I checked it out and because of the way their computer system works it asks the motor size but either size you put in it will come up with the same part number. They have a warehouse in Greenville if you just wanted to pick one up or have them mail it to you. It's to bad that cars are getting cheaper, the only real problem with plastic aluminum radiators is that they use a seal in between the tanks and the core. This seal is just like any other seal on your car, meaning that it might last 80k or 800k miles. If you end up buying a radiator try to get a Performance Radiator or a Koyo. Koyo radiators are equally good as the two companies share facilities.

Ironmike4x4

Yeah the seals were my first problems. Now it's completely sealed with JB weld at least until I decided to post on here. Thanks for the heads up on it being in Greenville! That should shave a few more bucks in preparation for my timing belt stuff.

mpavolka

If IronMike or any other yotatech member wants to buy a radiator through Performace Radiator let me know and I can get a fair discount.