I'm looking for instructions and tips on replacing the radiator on a 93 V6 Camry (or ES300). It looks pretty crowded in there. And hose R&R as well.
I appreciate your help.
Jeff Keryk

 

He is one way.

Drain radiator.

Disconnect engine coolant hoses at engine not radiator.

Disconnect coolant overflow hose at radiator.

Mark the orientation of the trans fluid coolant on trans (which hose goes to front or rear fitting on trans). Disconnect hoses at trans. Some trans fluid will flow out of hoses so be prepared. If possible find something to plug the hoses to prevent a mess from drainage (such as a bolt held in by a hose clamp).

Remove the upper brackets holding the radiator to chassis. Then pull out radiator, fans and all hoses as one unit.

When installing new hoses or swapping them to new radiator, orient them as they were on the old radiator and clamp them. This will allow their end openings to align with the hose fittings on the engine.

Swap fans/bracket to other radiator.

Swap trans hoses and clamp. Replace if you have the time as cheap insurance. Use only trans fluid hose.

Assure the drain valve on the new radiator is tight.

Re-install radiator asy in reverse order.

 

Thanks Joey. Sounds like a snap. Maybe a couple hour job? Any gotchas?

 

A couple of hours.

Prior to removing the old radiator, make sure the new one is correct.

The radiator fan wire harness plugs have a locking device to keep them together. Determining how to unlock it can be frustrating but once you figure it out, it is easy enough.

Take note of how much coolant drains out of the engine and try to add the same amount when refilling. When filling, air in the system can displace coolant causing overheating during warm up. Try to burp the system by squeezing the radiator hoses to get the air out.

Make sure heater is set at max hot when turn off engine to start work.