How to Replace a Radiator in a Toyota Tacoma

It's essential to keep the radiator on your Toyota Tacoma in good condition, as a leaky radiator can cause overheating and engine damage. Although the process is similar for any year or model, here's how to replace the radiator in the popular 2001 Toyota Tacoma.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Resealable container
• Replacement hoses, if needed
• Replacement radiator
• Torque wrench
• Distilled water
• Engine coolant

1. • 1

     Locate the plug on the bottom of the radiator and loosen it. Drain the engine coolant into a resealable container.

   • 2

     Remove the radiator grille and disconnect the upper radiator hose, radiator reservoir hose and lower radiator hose.

   • 3

     Take a close look at the radiator hoses. Replace any worn hoses.

   • 4

     Disconnect the fan shroud and the oil cooler hoses, and remove the bolts holding the radiator. Reinstall the new radiator and torque the bolts according to specifications.

   • 5

     Reconnect the oil cooler hoses and fan shroud, and replace the lower radiator hose, radiator reservoir hose and upper radiator hose.

   • 6

     Fill the reservoir with a mixture of half distilled water and engine coolant and replace the radiator cap very loosely.

   • 7

     Start the engine and let the motor warm up, then turn it off and check the coolant level. Add more coolant if necessary, and attach the radiator cap securely.

Tips & Warnings

• If used engine coolant isn't contaminated, reuse it. If you choose not to recycle it, take it to a garage or hazardous waste center for proper disposal.

• Be sure to keep engine coolant in a sealed container out of the reach of children and pets, and if any is spilled, clean it up immediately. Remember that antifreeze tastes sweet, and can be fatal if ingested.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and eyewear when replacing the radiator in your Toyota Tacoma. Never open the radiator cap if the temperature of the engine coolant is 100 degrees or more, as serious burns can occur.