Toyota 4Runner / Tacoma Radiator Replacement

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In this video, I show you how to replace a radiator on a 1999 Toyota 4runner. It is nearly the same process for other Toyota trucks like the tacoma, tundra, T100 / etc.
I noticed leaking on my lower radiator hose and I was also constantly losing fluid and topping off the overflow reservoir. The job isn't too difficult if you have the right tools so enjoy!
Parts:
Radiator OEM (#16410-AZ011 or Denso 221-0508 amzn.to/2W7FCR8)
OEM Upper Hose #16571-62070
OEM Lower Hose #16572-62090
OEM Radiator Cap #16401-20353
OEM Overflow Tube #90445-12078 (or Oreilly's bit.ly/2LlIrf5)
Parts can be bought from McGeorge Toyota Online for cheap! toyotaparts.mc...
Tools:
10" 90 degree Needle Bent Nose Pliers amzn.to/382u9rl
Soft Line Pliers: amzn.to/347vNXI
Spill Free Funnel Kit amzn.to/37ZNWHX
Wobble Head Extension amzn.to/3gL5Sua
Pick & Hook Set amzn.to/3gL5Ylw
5 gallon Bucket (find something to put the fluid in. 3 Gallons)
Metric Socket Set 10mm/12mm (deep/shallow)
Optional:
M12 Cordless Ratchet amzn.to/37afQBX
#toyotaradiator #4runnermaintenance #nopinkmilkshake
► Buy me a coffee if I helped you with this video! www.buymeacoff...
► Support this channel by buying some 4Runner Merch! teespring.com/...
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not me. Enjoy my videos.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This cost you nothing and helps support my channel! Thanks!

[@ruizces]

Ive searched for several videos for my 1999 4runner radiator replacement. This is the best so far. Nice job!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@moneyseeker8886]

You always make good and informative videos. Sometimes I play the videos and go to sleep with your videos playing in the background that’s probably why I never got the time to finish fixing my 4R lol

[@PhoRunner]

Lol... glad you like them!

[@moneyseeker8886]

@@PhoRunner you should make a video on how to replace lbj. I know there are other guides out there but you seem to be better and more patient with explaining.

[@eljefeslash]

Thanks for this - another great video! My radiator has been getting more and more light brown (I believe it is the original on my '98), so I think it was time. Just did this last weekend. The spill-free funnel kit is awesome; however, I guess I didn't have it sealed 100%, and the coolant start leaking out of the fill cap (after the initial 2 gallons) and running down the back of the new radiator while I was burping the system. I almost had a mess-free job this time...but alas! Random, but my compliments on your KZbin thumbnails (background). It's always a nice, unique touch and catches the eye when scrolling through a topic looking for that next project, and those of us that know and love your content recognize it right away.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks for tuning in and thanks for watching my other videos!

[@07hdflhti]

Great instruction ! ( Tip: Before removing funnel; Squeeze upper rad. hose, insert plunger into funnel then remove funnel from radiator )

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks! Any reason why?

[@07hdflhti]

@@PhoRunner When you squeeze the upper hose it draws a small amount of coolant back to the radiator so there is zero drip when you remove the funnel.

[@PhoRunner]

Ah I see. That would make it truly spill free

[@eljefeslash]

@@07hdflhti do you release the hose after you've removed the funnel (and replace the cap) or remove the funnel, replace the cap, then release the hose? Thx. Getting ready to do this soon and taking notes.

[@RyanKirkland-vr2bc]

Dude seriously love your vids! I’ve had a 3rd gen for only 6 months and have watched like 10 of your videos already for projects I have done. I always use your videos because they are so detailed and well articulated.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks bud! Glad you enjoy them

[@mikerowave7303]

Fan Shroud: after taking off those clips, go underneath and pull out the bottom part, let’s call it the sub-shroud. That makes it so you can just leave the “main” shroud attached and lift it out with the rad, and swap it onto the new rad on your bench easy-peasy. Just did mine last night. 👍 Also, this is a good time for a Coolant Flush and/or new Thermostat. In my case, since I just recently rescued this 4Runner and wasn’t sure what coolant types had been in it previous or why the top of the radiator cracked, I did a complete Coolant Flush and replaced Thermostat (and verified the Fan Clutch was good).

[@PhoRunner]

That’s a good tip. It was easy coming off but going on was a little more work hehe

[@PhoRunner]

Some distilled water flushing would be good but since I just swapped the fluid a few years ago and did the flush back then already, I just decided to go this route this time.

[@mikerowave7303]

Subtegral they might be right. I don’t know enough to know everything I don’t know. The forums tend to support flushes tho, so a little extra effort for my babies is AOK. Likewise with the debate about only using official red coolant, for me it’s a choice to be ok with the extra $10 every couple years until there’s a generic with the same formulation or science explaining why it’s unnecessary. Likewise again with the community advice to not mix coolant types, especially when you don’t know what a previous owner might have let happen. Your mileage literally may vary. :-)

[@oscarvenegas2420]

Great video! Exactly what I’m encountering with my 1999 4 runner.

[@PhoRunner]

Nice

[@oldschoolisnewschool]

I lubricate the hoses with spit. It slides better than water. And I always carry a spit dispensary with me were everywhere I go.

[@PhoRunner]

Lol

[@MrSergiogarcia85]

😂

[@btbam666]

what a great video! Never done this before don't plan on attempting this on my 06 4 runner but man was this fun to watch! Excellent job showing every step and talking through it!

[@PhoRunner]

No problem!!!

[@JustLouIt]

You're engine is amazingly clean

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks! I like to work on a clean engine hahah. Sometimes I preclean before a job

[@art_with_lilith]

I have a 3rd gen Surf 3.0 turbo diesel. Even tho they’re both different, your videos have been really helpful

[@PhoRunner]

Nice!!

[@lawrencepeterson7219]

Great video! Straight to the point and very easy to follow along. Thanks for uploading this!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@Mike_44]

Oh man, thanks so much for this, so very detailed and properly documented DIY. I need to do this to mine too. Awesome video!

[@PhoRunner]

No problem!! Just helping my fellow 3rd gen owners and tacos lol

[@foridlehands44]

Super great video. I really appreciate all work you put into editing and annotating to make it all very clear. I have been reading a lot of posts about "pink milkshake" and am wanting to get this done. I've replaced radiators on other cars before, but I don't usually work on my 4runner for anything but oil changes. I also appreciate all the links to the parts and tools. Good stuff.

[@PhoRunner]

Anytime! I try to keep it simple since that’s how I like to work lol

[@carlosspicher]

Flawless Victory! Thanks bro!

[@PhoRunner]

No problem 👍

[@brandonstinnett6622]

Best vid! Thank you!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@Miles-wy1zr]

I’m about to do this for the first time. Just got a 1995 Tacomas. The previous owner put green coolant. Did you flush to put pink coolant? Thank you for the tutorial! Very clear and easy to follow

[@PhoRunner]

Flush it all out with distilled water. drain and fill a few times then go to pink

[@rspectx]

Very informative

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks!

[@day1fishing603]

Great video. Can't wait to do mine

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks bud

[@leonmoore6736]

Very nice as always man..

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks Leon for continuing to watch!

[@Mike_44]

Upon closer inspection of mine yesterday, I noticed it's cracked like yours was but on the inside towards the motor and also sipping at the bottom by the passenger side. By the way, why does the reservoir fluid goes dry if it's lower than the radiator, does the radiator suck the coolant back when it's losing it? Mine has the exact same symptoms.. This channel is so underrated.. such a detailed DIY!

[@PhoRunner]

I’m not sure. If it’s a light leak, I guess it dries up and looks like that to warn you it’s leaking. The top of the radiator seems normal to be pink and dry since my new one is like that now lol. Just keep an eye on the level to make sure it’s never low. Mine was Constantly low even after topping it off (shouldn’t have to top off) and I found that lower hose was leaking as show in the video :). Thanks for watching.

[@Mike_44]

@@PhoRunner Yeah.. I was thinking on fixing my left valve cover gasket leak, but this is was more important. First things first. 👍🏻 Thanks again.

[@Mike_44]

@@PhoRunner Just to follow up on this.. I was searching the forums and found out that prior to ‘01, coolant lines were not stainless steel and were prone to rotting.. might have to check for that see if that’s why my res tank is always low even though I fill it up.. I’m just baffled by why the res tank keeps getting empty though.. maybe the radiator is sucking all the coolant back up in it and it’s escaping somehow through those cooling lines which might be rotted. It’s a 21 year old car after all.. Edit.. I checked the transmission cooling lines and thankfully, they’re fine 👍🏻 Seems to be an issue only in the rust belt area..

[@ccopesthastandard9717]

GREAT JOB 👍❤️

[@PhoRunner]

Thank you 🤗

[@sgtrock68]

Does yours (or anyone??) have an aluminum bridge type of arrangement with a baring for the clutch fan to be attached to? Apparently the crank pulley and the idler pulley centers don't line up on the fan shroud in the middle of the radiator. So there's this aluminum piece that as far as I can tell centers the fan up and pushes the fan forward the thickness of that bridge. Long story long, I hit a deer. Dad trailers my 2nd gen to his place and before I get down to his place he decides to remove everything from the bumper to the block. I wasn't here, he's 83, he didn't have any parts to put back on so I have NO IDEA why he would take it all apart...and he doesn't remember a bridge thing, or where any of the other parts go either. Hopefully I can figure out the rest.. So if it wasn't there then the prev owners must have bolted the clutch fan straight to one of the 2 off center pulleys, like on a SBC. You might not even have one on a 3rd gen. I just know it's like $125 for a new one. I'm disabled almost, and he's like 83 or so, so it's the blind leading the blind and crippled....and broke. I'm going to end up with a 2x4 for a bumper. I just gotta get it together before it turns into lawn art. We're going on 2 years now. Sorry, it's long and rambling and don't even know the parts name. I barely even remember what it drives like. Thanks.

[@PhoRunner]

Don’t recall that on a 3rd gen. Best advice is to head to the salvage yard and find a 2nd gen and examine it or grab parts you need. Good luck bud

[@brucewayne2773]

I went and bought a new radiator from the Toyota Dealer, thinking it would say Toyota on the top of it, but it's a Denso radiator. Just like the same one you buy on Amazon.

[@PhoRunner]

Yeah hehe. Was it also made in Thailand?

[@brucewayne2773]

@@PhoRunner No, made in Taiwan.

[@PhoRunner]

Sorry that’s what I meant to say lol. Yeah seems like the same exact one!!

[@brucewayne2773]

@@PhoRunner I was going to order a Denso from Amazon and many buyers ( reviews) were complaining that it seemed fake and the 2 alignment hook tabs did not line up and the drain was different. I can tell you that the Denso that I got did not have the same factory drain ( missing that little drain protrusion) like the oem one did and everything lined up when I hooked the 2 hold up tabs. All bolts went in good. It's a good radiator. I also bought a Koyo for my other 4runner, this one seems better and it's cheaper than the Koyo. Koyo is made in Indonesia. Koyo fit just fine and has the factory like drain plug set up( has that little protrusion under the drain to allow coolant to drain slowly when you back out the plug)

[@PhoRunner]

Yeah I would avoid Amazon. The oem Toyota one is pretty close in price if you shop dealers. My old one was a koyo and worked great.

[@bryantr.7787]

I got a bit of a problem my driveway is at a incline. Do you think I’d still be able to drain the radiator like that? Thanks for the video btw

[@PhoRunner]

Yes. The incline helps the air come out!! It’ll make your radiator the highest point too.

[@jimmylee_626]

love your channel bro...ur vids are very informative. i just changed out my radiator, upper and lower hoses (all oem). i do have a question regarding the upper and lower radiator hose temps. i've always had the upper run hot and the lower either warm or cool. thermostat has been changed with oem a few times thinking that was the issue but it's still the same. i don't have any issues with overheating and everything seems to be normal. do you know if this is normal for our 3rd gens?

[@PhoRunner]

That normal :). The upper is where it exits the hot engine into the radiator for cooling

[@jimmylee_626]

@@PhoRunner thank you for the reply!

[@DdDten]

How come first fluid was pink and the second was more red. I’m assuming it was fine to mix the two. I like the fact there’s a dye to find leaks.

[@PhoRunner]

Lol you’re the only one that noticed. I actually used aisin fluid first and when I didn’t have enough, I switched to Toyota pink mix and realized it was not the same. So it was full Toyota pink at the end lol. Either should be fine but I didn’t want to mix the 2. Lol I wasted some fluid

[@jhmanning971]

Love yours vids! I just got my 4Runner 1 month ago and needed to change the OEM radiator (255k miles) with zero leaks, as a preventative measure for the pink milkshake. Really helpful video to DIY it. Although, I got a new OEM Denso radiator, installed it and it’s leaking some drops from the bottom black plastic cover, where the radiator clamps into the cover. Any idea of why or suggestions? Drive for a while and see if it seals?

[@michaeljarosinski5595]

What about the transmission fluid? Don’t you lose some transmission fluid in the old radiator?

[@PhoRunner]

Good idea to add or check the levels.

[@Mike_44]

@@PhoRunner Wait! What?! Lol I’m new to 4Runners. How could you lose transmission fluid through a Radiator replacement? Pardon my noobness..

[@acenastyninja]

@@Mike_44 that’s how the transmission is cooled. At the bottom of the radiator there is a separate chamber that the trans fluid runs thru to cool it down.

[@Mike_44]

@@acenastyninja I see, makes sense. Thanks for the heads up! 👍🏻

[@vroomkeys]

I’m having the hardest time finding the right drain plug/petcock for my Denso 221-0508 made in Thailand radiator.

[@PhoRunner]

It didn’t come with it on there already?

[@christopheradams7309]

I was wondering if you have Facebook i have some questions 🤔 for you was wondering if there was a way for me to contact you

[@PhoRunner]

Find me in 3rd gen 4runner mafia group Minh Bui

[@michaelrissler5687]

You can order the Denso from Advance Auto for $200 less than Toyota. They ship it to you quick

[@PhoRunner]

Rock auto I think is where I got mine.

[@Ballzo916]

Nice vid, getting ready to do this one myself, I think.....Do you need to do anything to the tranny fluid after disconnecting those lines and loosing some fluid during this job?

[@PhoRunner]

You won’t lose much so no. Make sure you clamp the lines :)

[@waltertang9303]

I'm thinking about replacing my radiator before I experience that pink milkshake. When I replace it should I do a transmission radiator as well? Or would it be redundant?

[@PhoRunner]

It’s really up to you. If You don’t need extra cooling, I would just do the radiator only. Make sure it’s a quality denso one like the one in my video. They make them for Toyota.

[@waltertang9303]

@@PhoRunner i will probably do it since I am in SoCal..gets hot during the summer time. I am waiting for my BX Build headlights to come in so I can do the radiator, headlights, and satoshi grill mod all at the same time. Parts are taking forever now a days. smh. but always appreciate your videos bro! watched almost all of them now. really cool. thanks! i also am waiting on my uptop roof rack. theres no vids on the install of it. if you're in so cal maybe we can collab a bit for the vid.

[@PhoRunner]

I’m in central cali.. you should film it anyways!! More videos the better to keep these babies around and alive!!

[@waltertang9303]

@@PhoRunner I will try! I have been trying to look for videos on a dual battery setup for the rig and also some stuff to decide on if I should go with a sPod or SwitchPro for the light bars I will be adding. Not much on those either! I will probably do a new alternator and the "big 3" as well when the radiator job starts.

[@PhoRunner]

I got an alternator rebuild coming later when mine decides to blow. You got some expensive mods hahaha.

[@tonys.155]

Aren’t you suppose to mix it 50 water 50 coolant?

[@PhoRunner]

These are premixed 50/50

[@Gretzky2857]

I have an ‘02 4Runner with the original radiator. It looks to be in decent shape but I’m thinking of replacing it just to be safe. Any reason not to change it, will the existing radiator last another several years? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[@PhoRunner]

Is it brown and discolored? If so, I would change it. If not, roll the dice haha

[@rangerdoc1029]

Need a skid plate. That lower reservoir on the Radiator is just begging to get cracked by a rock.

[@PhoRunner]

It has the factory skid plates. I just removed it for the job.

[@NURsMec]

Do you wait until the thermostat open before you say the job well done?

[@PhoRunner]

Yes for sure

[@mosthated8190]

I purchased a radiator from Amazon , it’s a Denso brand however it says made in China on the white sticker on top of the Radiator

[@PhoRunner]

Hmm mine was made in Thailand… perhaps they changed locations. Kinda lame…

[@willlenoir1314]

New Music!

[@PhoRunner]

Lol is it? Haha

[@Zero_motivation517]

What right angle driver do you use

[@PhoRunner]

m12 fuel ratchet

[@PrimerBravo]

Did you have to add transmission fluid also?

[@PhoRunner]

Yes I did but not sure how much since I also serviced my tranny after so I’m not too sure

[@jeremyledbetter8022]

So, did you put the Koyo or Denso in? The description had Denso but your video stamp said Koyo. I was looking into Koyo but did not know if it would fit

[@PhoRunner]

My old one was a koyo. The nEw one in this video is denso

[@jeremyledbetter8022]

@@PhoRunner ohhhhh I gotcha! Thanks for the quick reply

[@jhmanning971]

Is there an issue if you connect the hose to the radiator through the Yellow section?

[@keanonreep1040]

What winch do you have on that ARB bumper and where did you mount the control box for it?

[@PhoRunner]

Smitty 9500 steel cable. Cheap one. I made a vertical bracket out of flat bar and mounted it behind the grill

[@brendanschroeder1862]

Hi guys. When talking about the correct operating temps for this engine, how do you get that accurately with using an IR heat gun? I’m getting different temp readings from the top hose, thermo housing, valve covers...

[@PhoRunner]

Use obd2 scanner to see this

[@brendanschroeder1862]

@@PhoRunner ok! Just using data stream with key turned to acc will accomplish this?

[@PhoRunner]

@@brendanschroeder1862 just have it on while it's running and read the data

[@brendanschroeder1862]

@@PhoRunner so I figured it out. Whoever owned it before me put an aftermarket radiator on and found out the radiator cap was broken (missing spring assembly). Because when I took off the cap while hot, no pressure escaped. I’m guessing this was the main reason. Now the car never went into the red temp zone, but I knew it seemed kinda hot. How worried should I be about this?

[@PhoRunner]

As long as it didn’t get hot enough to warp the head, you’ll be fine. Your truck still runs so no head gaskets we’re blown. Good thing you found this out!

[@Cmc-365]

Did U have to put a little trans fluid back in ? how much is left in the old radiator

[@Smobro12]

What coolant do you use?

[@PhoRunner]

Toyota pink 50/50 or aisin pink 50/50. They are different.

[@Smobro12]

@@PhoRunner thanks

[@WVikings55]

im about to do this install, should i flush it before?

[@PhoRunner]

Yeah with distilled water if you Want the ultimate flush but if you already had Toyota coolant, it’s fine to mix it

[@christinaposeyHEADINTHECLOUDS]

Hey there PhoRunnah!! Hope you are well! Haven't chatted with you in a LONG time! I want to ask you, .... I had a tiny little "boomboom" with my 98 4runner!! 😮.. I want to SAVE my original front bumper, and have a couple of small dents in it... 😢.. Not ONE person out of FIVE that I have asked, can fix them by banging them out from the inside.. I live in Tucson for God's sake! Or do you know where I can find, in your state, a front bumper? I call , often, pick and pull yards, etc. in my ENTIRE larger southern AZ areas, and have only run across one that had damage, soooo... can you help me out with this? Hope to hear from you man. later😊

[@PhoRunner]

Try online parts pullers. Shipping might kill any deals.. try to find a parts car locally and buy it off them. I knew a few guys locally here always parting out 4runners. Try fb marketplace or local groups on fb

[@TempoMontages]

do i need to order a new coolant resivor hose if i ordered a koyo rad?

[@PhoRunner]

You shouldn’t have to. Mine was just getting old and leaking so I changed it out. I also recommend oem part for this as I had trouble with this aftermarket one!

[@TempoMontages]

@@PhoRunner did u have trouble with the koyo? My radiator is brown and I assume 22 years old so it's got to be better than that

[@PhoRunner]

I did not have any issues with my koyo. Just unknown how old it was so I replaced it

[@brendanschroeder1862]

Is it normal for these engines to warm up to where to gauge shows in the middle, within 5 mins of city driving? Trying to figure out if mines heating too quick

[@PhoRunner]

Yes. That is completely normal. It should heat up quick as you drive it

[@isaac_baik]

Do you need to top off tranny fluid at all?

[@PhoRunner]

Good idea to check! But likely not.

[@Amerikanin2numarali_ustasi]

6:06 NOT 10 mm ... 12 mm

[@tlallihouse3126]

I didnt bleed mine 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@PhoRunner]

Oh no lol. Engine probably sounding strange hehe