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Section 121 (Radiator): Radiator: Reassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus RX 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. INSTALL OIL COOLER TO LOWER TANK 
    1. Install 2 new O-rings to the oil cooler.
    2. Install the oil cooler to the lower tank with the 2 plate washers and nuts.
      1. Torque: 8.3 N.m (85 kgfcm, 74 in.lbf) 
    3. Install the cooler pipe in the direction indicated in Fig 1.
      1. Torque: 14.7 N.m (150 kgf.cm, 11 ft.lbf) 
      Fig 1: Installing Oil Cooler To Lower Tank
      G01331553Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. INSPECT LOCK PLATE FOR DAMAGE 

    HINT:

    • If the sides of the lock plate groove are deformed, reassembly of the tank will be impossible.
    • Therefore, first correct any deformation with pliers or similar object. Water leakage will result if the bottom of the lock plate groove is damaged or dented.
    Fig 2: Inspecting Lock Plate For Damage
    G01331554Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    NOTE: The radiator can only be recaulked 2 times. After the 2nd time, the radiator core must be replaced.
  3. INSTALL NEW O-RINGS AND TANKS 
    1. After checking that there are no foreign objects in the lock plate groove, install the new O-ring without twisting it.

      HINT:

      When cleaning the lock plate groove, lightly rub it with sand paper without scratching it.

      Fig 3: Installing New O-Ring Without Twisting It
      G01331555Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Install the tank without damaging the O-ring.
    3. Tap the lock plate with a soft-faced hammer so that there is no gap between it and the tank.
    Fig 4: Taping Lock Plate With Soft-Faced Hammer
    G01331556Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. ASSEMBLE SST 
    1. SST 09230-01010, 09231-14010
    1. Install the punch assembly to the overhaul handle, inserting it in the hole in part "A" as shown in Fig 5.
    2. While gripping the handle, adjust the stopper bolt so that dimension "B" is as shown in Fig 5.
      1. Dimension: 8.4 mm (0.331 in) 
      Fig 5: Assembling SST
      G01331557Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. CAULK LOCK PLATE 
    1. Lightly press SST against the lock plate in the order shown in Fig 6. After repeating this a few times, fully caulk the lock plate by squeezing the handle until stopped by the stopper plate.
      1. SST 09230-01010
      Fig 6: Caulking Lock Plate
      G01331558Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      HINT:

      • Do not stake the areas protruding around the pipes, brackets or tank ribs.
        Fig 7: Identifying Areas Protruding Around Pipes, Brackets Or Tank Ribs
        G01331559Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      • The points shown in Fig 8 and oil cooler near here cannot be staked with the SST. Use pliers or similar object and be careful not to damage the core plates.
      Fig 8: Using Pliers To Stake Parts
      G01331560Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Check the lock plate height (H) after completing the caulking.
      1. Plate height: 7.40 - 7.80 mm (0.2913 - 0.3071 in.) 

    If not within the specified height, adjust the stopper bolt of the handle again and caulk again.

  6. INSTALL NO.1 ECT SWITCH 
    1. Install a new O-ring to the No.1 ECT switch.
      Fig 9: Checking Lock Plate Height After Completing Caulking
      G01331561Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Install the No.1 ECT switch.
  7. INSTALL DRAIN PLUG 
    1. Install a new O-ring to the drain plug.
    2. Install the drain plug.
  8. INSPECT FOR WATER LEAKS 
    1. Plug the inlet and outlet pipes of the radiator with SST.
      Fig 10: Plugging Inlet And Outlet Pipes Of Radiator
      G01331562Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      1. SST 09230-01010
    2. Using a radiator cap tester, apply pressure to the radiator.
      1. Test pressure: 177 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm 2  , 26 psi) 
    3. Submerge the radiator in water.
      Fig 11: Inspecting radiator For Leaks
      G01331563Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    4. Inspect for leaks.

    HINT:

    On radiators with resin tanks, there is a clearance between the tank and lock plate where a minute amount of air will remain, giving the appearance of an air leak when the radiator is submerged in water. Therefore, before doing the water leak test, first swish the radiator around in the water until all air bubbles disappear.