Finally I am watching what I want to watch. I have 2003 but manual transmission. Same shape. Mine has 300,000 miles, never changed coolant that’s why it’s leaking I guess. I had known coolant become acidic and corrodes aluminum parts, but coolant is so clean looking it deceived me. Because I used had bought used cars and coolant was so muddy and I now after putting Stop Leak, I realized why those used cars coolant I had bought were so muddy. Stop Leak damaged rubber and my radiator still leaking , spraying Stop Leak all over the engine room contaminating everything. Instead of repairing my radiator I think I better buy new one, because everywhere corroded. Thank you for the good tips on Tacoma.
This was a REALLY helpful video, especially for the take-apart hints to get the grill off. I have seen other videos where guys are able to get to those radiator bolts through the grill with a long extension, but I am really glad I took the grill off. It wasn't that hard and made the whole job so much easier. On mine (a 2003), I unscrewed the two screws on top of the headlight housings like you show, and pulled the headlight housings forward, but did not unplug them. It wasn't necessary. They will just swing off to the side out of the way. Once the screws release the upper corners of the grill, there are about 8 snap-out clips that hold the grill on, and they can be really tricky to release without breaking them. That was the hardest part of the whole job, honestly. Draining, disconnecting, unbolting and swapping out the radiator was pretty easy otherwise.
I have the exact same truck but it's a maual transmission. I'm a little worried about removing the grill to get to those bolts. Will be trying to do this over the weekend. Two shops in Tulsa wanted 800+ to do this. Found a radiator for 161$
I have a 2002 Tacoma with the 2.7L. The radiator started leaking today on the upper tank. The truck has 190,000 miles on it so I think I'll change the radiator, both hoses, thermostat and water pump while I'm at it. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for making this video bro! It helped me out tremendously! Keep up the Great work! Side note: When I changed the radiator on my 2002 Toyota Tacoma I ran into a problem with putting the transmission lines and bottom radiator hose on/off due to the big protective plate underneath. Probably because I didn’t have the proper tools. If you’re in the same boat then do your future self a favor and remove it before you begin. It’ll save you a lot of time and a big head ache. It’s held on by 7 - 12mm bolts and it’s easy to remove and reinstall. Best of luck!
just replaced the radiator in my 2.7L along with the thermostat. how do i know its all working properly, what do i look for??? any idea how much coolant it should take, i think we used between 1.5 and 1.75 gallons. thanks
Hey I have a question, I saw another video that said you don’t need to take off the front grill because you could leave the brackets and just take off the 4 bolts holding the radiator and pull the radiator out,.. do you recommend that?
@@BulletSolano hey so I was about to change it out but I can’t because the radiator I got from autozone has the nipples for the transmission fluid but my original radiator doesn’t have those nipples nor the hoses to connect to them, but they don’t have any other radiator available
I think you have manual transmission so it doesn’t have two nipples at the bottom. Mine is manual and most are automatic I have hard time to find radiator for manual transmission. And another thing I will practice to remove the front grill.
Great video Bullet! Very well explained, and detailed video. I have the same Tacoma you have and I'm about to change the radiator on it. Glad I saw your videos for the extra tips I wasn't aware of (front grill). Thanks again, and keep up the great work!
How long can you drive on a radiator that's leaking out the top like that? I've got a 95' tacoma 2.4l manual and it leaks just like the one in the video.
@@BulletSolano I thought so, once up to temp it stays a hair below halfway on the temp gauge. On my Tacoma I didn't see any transmission cooling lines connecting to my radiator so it should be a slightly easier job.
Hi....I have a question...my Toyota Tacoma is a 2003...would it be the same as the 2002? I don't know the engine size. I can look, it's plain, no power windos, locks etc. Automatic. Would I need any special tools? I've never done any work on a vehicle other than replacing exterior door handle. Is it heavy...just wondering how hard it would be for a woman...I have done other "tradtional male jobs" LOL. House repairs. Sorry for all the extra info😊
Hey, Guy, I see on the front of your radiator you have some AC lines. I have the same thing on my 2003. Don't you have to disconnect those to take out the radiator?
Those A/C lines you see are on the front of the A/C condenser, not the radiator. The condenser looks like another radiator and sits right in front of the radiator. So those lines you see, and that condenser, are not touched by this job.
@@BulletSolano I agree. Also, would you happen to have a video to replace timing belt an water pump with all accessories? I need to have that done on my truck. If you do have a video send me the link. Thanks again.
Qué tal bro!! Gracias, deja tengo la oportunidad y hago unos videos, checa en mi canal en español Balazo Solano ahí los voy a poner pero dame un rato por que tengo que avisarle a mi amigo
