Hey guys, 1991 4Runner, manual transmission. Noticed a coolant leak at one of the brass plugs at the bottom of the radiator. The only thing I can think of that those plugs are for is transmission cooling for an automatic transmission. Which brings me to my next thought, and that is there isn't supposed to be coolant there. So I feel like there may be an internal leak causing coolant to be there. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

So any suggestions on a new replacement? Any pros or cons for one from RockAuto? I feel pretty sure it's the original radiator. As always, thanks in advance!

 

I think that you are correct.

I have an '89 with 22RE engine and manual trans. The original radiator sprung a leak and I had other issues with the cooling system. I ordered a Spectra from rockauto and a new Aisin water pump and new Toyota hoses and new hose clamps from somewhere, at 188,000 miles in 2019. It's 208,000 miles now and trouble free. I really should have bought new fan shroud too, but maybe next time, if I need to work on it again.

 

Yes, coolant coming out of the trans cooler lines is not good, give a search on radiator replacement and you’ll find lots of threads comparing different brands and types. I will add don’t cheap out, the plastic sided cheaper options are garbage, get something good

 

I tried the search before I posted. I always have trouble sifting thru the threads to find what I’m looking for. Maybe I’m not specific enough.

 

If you have a high quality OEM copper/brass radiator AND an old school radiator shop within a reasonable distance, maybe have them check it out. I have had good copper/brass radiators serviced or repaired. I still have an original radiator from my 88 and one from my 52 Ford. They can tell you if it is worth fixing and if so it usually includes removing the tanks and rodding out the tubes. If not they can give you some options for a replacement.

Good luck with your search.
Scott in AZ.

 

Good advice! I think there is a local shop. I feel pretty sure it is the original radiator

 

Sounds like you got it solved, but figured I would put in my $.02:

If the radiator is in a manual transmission truck and has the transmission cooler ports, I doubt it is original. None of the originals in any of my manual trucks had those ports (probably could happen, but that is my experience). That being said, as long as it is brass then I agree with aztoyman 100% if you can find a local radiator shop. My cheap eBay brass replacement radiator I installed in 2004 is still holding up with only minor repairs.

I have ordered a lot of parts from Rockauto over the years and highly recommend them. The only negative about them is waiting for shipping, especially if you have to return a part and it stops the project while waiting for a new one. This has mainly just been a problem with remanned parts in my experience, similar to the local parts stores. I hesitate to buy remanned parts online anymore, but sometimes the savings on Rockauto makes it worth the risk.

Years ago I installed a Spectra radiator in an '86 pickup. At the time Autozone sold the same Spectra radiator as Rockauto but with a lifetime warranty, and since I was skeptical of using a cheap radiator I opted for the Autozone one. I sold the truck to some relatives and the radiator held fine for over 10 years until the truck was sold.

 

Yeah, that's an option if you can find a shop that still does that kind of work. Last time (2004) I had a '72 Plymouth and the OE radiator core was shot so the (old) guy had to order a core from LA and re-cored it, with new transmission cooler. Did a good job for $188. Top tank developed a couple of pinhole leaks later on. Repaired. After many many cycles (heat, pressure, depressure, cool). the brass/copper gets "tired" (metal fatigue). Easier and cheaper to replace. There's a lot of BS out there about custom aluminum radiators and cheap plastic and aluminum, etc.etc. My Corolla is still happy with its plastic and aluminum radiator at 18 years and 209,000 miles

Looking at rockauto just now a Spectra Premium Standard replacement for my '89 pickup is $75.79 plus tax and shipping as required.

 

So Toyota made 2 different radiators? This one may not be the original. But it is an all metal one. I need to call the radiator shop on Monday and see if they make repairs.