wrenchmonster

Wondering if anyone is using an autozone radiator (Spectra) in their 3vze? And if so... Do you have any problems with it? My set up is the 3.0, 4x4, a/c, standard trans.

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Is it a stock replacement radiator?

wrenchmonster

Yeah, my rig is pretty much stock. I'm running an electric fan and some doug thorley headers, but that's all. I actually replaced an old radiator that had a tank leak from one from RockAuto, but this radiator seems to run hot all the time. I'm only getting a 20 degree drop in temp when the coolant returns to the engine. I had no issue with my old radiator. I thought it might be a stat that wasn't opening all the way, but no change there. I just got done doing the cylinder head gaskets. Cat seems okay visually, but I don't have a back pressure tester. So there's probably more information than you need, but that's why I'm looking at trying a different radiator. Here's the one I'm looking at:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...mString=search

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Link isn't working for me for some reason.

I scored a radiator from a junk yard 4runner 3.0 that looked brand new. It looked clean as a new one inside even when I rinsed it. Idk what brand it is but it had to be a stock replacement. It is a composite material, bolted right in my truck. I haven't had any cooling issues, though all I can do with my truck is idle in the yard for now. Even with the temps in the high 90's (intake air temp is around 130) it has sat and idled for hours and never get any hotter than 191.

donomite49

i use a csf 3 core all metal radiator with good results. stay away from the plastic tanks.

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Why avoid plastics? Most newer vehicles have plastic

wrenchmonster

Thanks guys... I'm really looking for someone who has specific experience with the autozone/spectra radiators. I don't want this thread to get into the metal vs. plastic debate, as that is well documented.

jb451

I've used spectra in the past, have one that works pretty well in the Camaro... But the 4runner i got came with a brass radiator, so i will probably wind up getting it re-cored, or just dropping the coin for a new one.... I don't want to have to worry about the tank cracking, and i don't know if it being brass might help with cooling.

oldblue

i have one, and it does well. its about 4 years old now. when and if it does decide to break, i'll cough up another $100 and replace it with the same.

Cyberman

I have one in mine. The tank cracked on the way to work one day, but that is what the warranty is for. Took it back and put a new one in.

wrenchmonster

Hummm... Well, I'll let you guys in on a little something. Last October I replaced my leaking metal radiator (it had been repaired before and really was beyond it's service life) with one I bought from RockAuto. Turns out the one I bought was the Spectra CU50, which is the same one AutoZone sells. Anyway, I had nothing but problems with it. The temperature drop from top to bottom was barely 20 degrees (more like 10-15), and even going down the road on a cold day it would have the tendency to want to run hot and approach overheating temps.

A few weeks ago I blew the head gasket on the 3.0 and I felt part of what contributed to the failure might have been the Spectra radiator. So this time around, after doing the head job I noticed it still ran hot. However, after replacing the Spectra with a CFS 2506, my overheating problem was solved. So sorry if I led you guys on with my initial question, but I didn't want to outright bash the Spectra and was curious if anyone else had experienced the same results.

For the record, I think plastic/aluminum is okay... if it works it works, right? I have other rigs with plastic/aluminum and zero problems. Maybe I just got a dud from the Spectra factory, but either way getting rid of that radiator and installing the CFS solved my issue.

fdp101452

Ive got an auto zone radiator in my 90 3vz. Had it for about 5 yrs, no problems so far. Ive just put about 30m on it as I dont drive that truck much anymore.