I noticed when I was checking my fluids that the plastic radiator container was almost empty. I brought it up to the full mark and happened to notice what looked like a little seepage along the top of the radiator. My car has always been well maintained and has 152,000 miles. I'm wondering if some stop leak might help my problem. Thanks for your comments.

 

Check radiator cap for leakage.

The upper and lower radiator tank sections are plastic. The upper tank can start to crack due due to age. Check for cracks/leaks and if so recommend replacing the radiator before the crack gets larger.

 

Thanks for your comment, any idea how much to replace a radiator ?

 

I googled how much to replace radiator and got an answer around $700.00. I was looking at stop leak and read some mixed reviews. It seems some had problems with clogging while others said they had good luck. It looks like at very best its a temporary fix.

 

Found a shop willing to replace with factory Toyota for 420.00.

 

The $420 for a Toyota branded radiator is very good as genuine Toyota radiators are pricey. .

The price range appears from 400 to $700 for a radiator change.

Toyota branded radiators may be made by Denso as Toyota owns a stake in the company. Denso parts are typically excellent.

If your handy with tools aftermarket radiators are under $100.

The issue with stop leak is if the plastic top is cracked, the crack might seal (who knows) but the stresses that caused it to crack will not go away. Typically the crack then grows from a very slight leak to a fire hose leak with little notice!.

Stop leak can also plug up your radiator cooling tubes.

If you have a cracked plastic tank, highly suggest you change the radiator.

Cracking is a common occurrence. There is not much you can do to stop this other then to get an aftermarket full metal radiator (which may have its own issues and is expensive).

 

Thanks for your comments, I have an appointment Monday to get the new radiator installed. It is $259.00 plus $127.50 labor plus antifreeze and a cap. It should come to about $420.00 when its all said and done. My now deceased father bought this car new and I took it over 5 years ago. It just has 152,000 miles so it should have a lot of life left. I have always liked the way this car rides and drives plus the air blows ice cold. Next thing needed will be tires then I should be good for a long time.

 

Sounds good.

The 95 is a solid Camry year.

If never having the trans and differential fluid changed might do this. Change all the trans fluid but DON'T do a power flush or use chemicals.

Some oil change machines gravity feed the trans oil into the trans while letting the trans oil pump move the old oil out.

 

Thanks for that information, I've actually been thinking about changing those two fluids.

 

I did get the radiator replaced with the OEM replacement along with new upper and lower hoses and Toyota fluid, total cost $400.00.