I have installed two radiators in a short period of time

Tiny
JWMONZINGO
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 65,000 MILES
I just had a new radiator installed in my 2005 Toyota Camry. A day or two later my car overheated. The radiator was replaced in 2009, then again recently by the same garage.
Monday, October 10th, 2011 AT 3:25 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
What code was in the computer? Also, why was the radiator bad after such a short period of time?
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Monday, October 10th, 2011 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
JWMONZINGO
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I believe he said PO128. But I could be wrong. There had been problems with the "check engine" light coming off and on; however, it was on consistently when I took it in and never shut off the engine. The warranty on the first radiator was only a year. The replacement (possibly not original parts?) Had a leak in the top near the cap at a weld or fold in the tank. We "split the cost" on the replacement radiator since it was so soon.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 1:59 AM
Tiny
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That code is means the engine coolant temp below regulating temp. Basically, it isn't warming up enough. The thermostat could be stuck open. Has it ever been replaced?
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 2:37 AM
Tiny
JWMONZINGO
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I bought the car in 2007. I don't have record that the thermostat has been replaced in the time I've owned it.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
JWMONZINGO
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I bought the car in 2007. I have no record that the thermostat has been replaced in the time I've owned it.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
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That would be my next guess for the problem.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
JWMONZINGO
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That would mean? The faulty radiator CAUSES the thermostat to go bad? My original question was. At the time I had original problem with the radiator (or at anytime you replace a radiator), should you be thinking of replacing the thermostat at the same time because your upper hose is disconnected and fluids drained?
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That would be the best time to change it. As far as the radiator causing the T-stat to go bad, no. However, a bad t-stat will cause overheating and may cause a radiator problem.
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Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 9:25 PM

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