I have a 99 Camry CE 4cyl/automatic and it is leaking coolant from god knows where on the radiator. I replaced the cap and it is still leaking. Someone told me I could buy this stuff called Stop Leak that works like fix-a-flat for radiators but im not sure if it would work. Does anyone here have experience replacing radiators on camry's? I can get one off ebay for $50, but im toldthat with automatic cars, the transmission cooler is soddered to the radiator and has to be handled professionally. Can anyone here confirm or deny this? I dont have alot of money right now as I am getting married next month and my insurance is up for renewal and I still have to buy a suit for the wedding. What is the best way to remedy this situation? Thanks.

 

That bars leak stop or whateverbrand certainly will not hurt anything and I have had great luck with it for small leaks. Those cooler lines are just compression fittings and should not be a problem to undo and may leak a little but will not drain the system or anything (unhook it at the radiator). Buy yourself a Haynes manual and read up on it before you do it. I think you may have to take the condesor for theA/C off with the radiator.
Thats my 2 cents.

 

Make sure it the radiator and not a hose. The heater and bypass hoses on the engine can start to leak slowly before one splits open.

The upper and lower radiator tanks are plastic. The tank can get small cracks resulting in small leaks. Over time this can RAPIDLY become a VERY large leak.

Inspect the tanks for cracks and leaks. If leaking suggest you replace the radiator. It is an easy DIY job that can be done in a few hours.

An alternative is a plastic tank repair kit that most autoparts store sell that uses epoxy and a cloth fabric. If going this route still suggest changing the radiator as it can crack someplace else and you will lose coolant fast.

If your coolant system has any of the above problems suggest you NOT use a sealant as this will not solve your problem.

Check the seam area where the tank mounts to the radiator body. If leaking here the leak should stay controlled over time.

Also check the radiator hose clamps.

Today most all radiators come with equiped for auto transmissions. For manual trans the cooler ports are blocked off. The radiator will either come with the pipes attached or you will need to transfer them off the old one. As 93 Camryxle posts they are screwed on not soldered.

Still make sure any radiator you by has the cooler.

The condensor is in front of the car and not attached to the radiator.

The autozone website has info on replacing the radiator.

If your only going to wear the suit once suggest renting one or try thift stores. Yes, no kidding have picked up some name brand quality suits in great condition for peanuts at thift stores.

 

Yeah, the top tank was cracked and that was what was spewing coolant. I bought a new radiator off ebay for $50 and installed it myself. All is well now.

 

Great!