Do I need a new radiator?

[chas3]

depending on the construction of your radiator you might be able to take it to a radiator shop and have them put it through the tank for a bit less than a new radiator.

if your radiator has plastic end caps, i dont think repair is worthwhile for a 12 year old radiator. the plastic will be brittle and ready to go anyway.

 

[MaximaGuy]

I would replace the hoses, pressure clamps, thermostat, radiator (costs pennies $150), fresh coolant and call it a day. Its time some of these were replaced, including the radiator. Instead of spending $150 for every diagnosis with the dealership, I would get the new radiator and install it and move on...

Enjoy the ride of the old vehicle till it falls apart.

 

[Cressida]

Your symptoms sound like a partially plugged radiator to me too.

I'm still driving on the orginal 25 year old radiator on my Toyota. However, I had to have it rodded out twice as some of the tubes get plugged and you loose a percentage of the design capacity and that is why it shows up on a hot day highway run especially at higher speeds.

I noticed just yesterday I was crusing about 80 and my temp guage was bumping up a bit past normal. If it continues I will replace the radiator this time instead of another rodding out.

Years ago I could get the radiator rodded out for $50. Those days are gone so the difference b/t rodding out and getting a new one isn't that much on my model so I'm going the new route. However, I'll probably get through this driving summer and wait till next year.