Cooling system (radiator) question

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:15 pm

Online, I found a <a href='http://www2.autopartsauthority.com/part ... category=G' target='_blank'>heavy duty radiator</a> for the Tercels, but it states that it only fits 2/84 - 8/86 models.

Mine was built in 11/83, but is an '84 model.

Is there a difference in the radiators between the '83 and '84? I'm 99% sure it will fit, but would like to make sure before I order.

It gets over 100 degrees here in the summer, which is why I'd like to invest in the 2-row radiator...

Thank you,

Jerry

GTSSportCoupe · Post by **GTSSportCoupe** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:33 pm

They are all the same as far as I know.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:42 pm

Thanks for the quick reply.

Anyone else? While working on the junkyard dog the other night, I noticed that about 1/4 of the fins are missing or bent on mine. Here in Bakersfield, we have days that top 100 degrees in the summer, so I need to start thinking about doing something.

takza · Post by **takza** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:17 pm

If those years are correct....the one I got from an '84 might not fit...but it looks about the same.

My current radiator sounds something like yours...basically some of the fins have simply corroded away, but not all that many. I do see some GREEN here and there (corroded brass). I don't have any overheating or leaking problems at all...fan hardly runs except on a +80F day when I'm idling along offroad.

I used the blade of a small knife to carefully straightened any bent fins when I did the T-belt. Also cleaned the fins from the backside with water first...cleaned the bugs and so forth from out of the fan shroud...then put the window screen in front.

Still going to put in the '84 rad if it fits...it's in a lot better condtion.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:25 pm

I'm pretty sure the HD will fit. On the website, it lists the same part number for the standard radiator for both the earlier and later model splits.

Well, I just ordered it, if it doesn't fit I'll see if anyone here wants to buy it. Should be decent - metal tanks will be an upgrade over the plastic.

Adelard of Bath · Post by **Adelard of Bath** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:36 pm

I drove through Bakersfield one time on a road trip in July or August...quite the oven you have going over there!

I should drive that again...I bet it is still camping weather there in Cali this fine January day.

takza · Post by **takza** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 7:24 pm

Some OK winter camping on the low desert....IF you like creosote bushes and sand. And a few desert tortoises. Lizards on a warm day. Nothing like watching the desert ....................................................

Creosote bushes clone themselves and grow in a ring....some are several thousand years old I beleive.

Adelard of Bath · Post by **Adelard of Bath** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 11:16 pm

I think that I would just as soon head off to one of the innumerable nat'l forests in the area, thank you...although one time, I camped in Death Valley, that was cool as hell actually, and there was nary a single person there except for me and two pals. And this very strange lizard with one of those necks that have the flaps that get huge, he took a liking to somebody's tent in the morning. That was.....around August as I recall, possibly July, some years back....gets nice and comfy at night, but best to get OUT of the tent BEFORE the sun turns it into the world's best "easy bake oven"
And it's NOT good to be in a huge sleeping bag...and have the zipper stick in the "up" position, while this "baking" takes place....ask me how I know

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:32 pm

Hope everyone's doing well.

After driving up highway 99 to Pasadena a couple of weeks ago, and having to stop 2-3 times on the way up to cool the engine off, as it was in the mid 90's outside... I finally decided to replace my radiator.

So, the good news - the heavy duty radiator fit right in, no problem. I still have to cap the lines that are there for the AT cooler, but I'll do that later.

It was pretty straight forward - I even put some flush through the system to help clean things out. If anybody hasn't done this before, a couple of observations:

1. To get the old radiator out (and put the new one in), you'll need to remove the bolts for the cooling fan. Disconnect the negative post on the battery, pop off the grille, and remove the four bolts that hold the fan & shroud.

2. Be sure to unclip the fan switch at the bottom of the radiator (right next to the hose). And, be careful when you pull the radiator out - you may want to remove that switch before you yank the radiator out, just to be on the safe side.

3. If you have the "spring loaded" hose clamps that came from the factory, ditch 'em and get some nice screw-on hose clamps. This evening, I settled for some AutoZone cheapies, but have found nice stainless steel ones at Home Depot and Lowes in the past.

Kudos to the Tercel's engineers for designing this car to be so serviceable...

Cheers,

Jerry

Carguylen · Post by **Carguylen** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:40 pm

Hi Jerry,
I was wondering if the radiator will work in an automatic car. I have an 87 4wd automatic. The lines are there for it? I am about 40 miles south of you, in Frazier Park, and I do alot of driving both ways, up and down the Grapevine every day. Would it also work in a 85 2 door Tercel?
Thanks,
Len

Gasoline Fumes · Post by **Gasoline Fumes** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:08 am

Jerry wrote: If you have the "spring loaded" hose clamps that came from the factory, ditch 'em

Why? :huh: I've never seen one leak. But I have seen the screw-types leak...

aussie 4x4 · Post by **aussie 4x4** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:01 am

Hi Guys,
I havn't posted here for a while. just thought i would let you guys know that i have recently replaced my 86 SR5 radiator with an 86 model Corolla Radiator. I did the 4AC swap at the beginning of the year and as you can imagine out here in Australia it gets really hot, and the 4AC was stuggling to keep cool with the tiny radiator the Tercels have. The Corolla has a radiator which is about 3/4 foot longer. I got the guy at the radiator place to make me up a radiator with the corolla core and top tank, and to get over the problem of the outlet on the radiator being on the wrong side, he matched up a camry bottom tank. He's a legend!!!!!!!!!!!

After a bit of fabrication (I happen to be a boilermaker among other things) i mounted the Radiator!
Had to relocate the AC fan to the front (behind the Grill) and do some other modifications

But now i tell you it runs as cool as a cucumber!

So if you guys want to keep your tercel super cool, i suggest the Corolla Radiator as a mod!

Cheers from Australia

Aussie 4x4

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:59 pm

In Order:

Car Guy Len: If you're going to be in Bakersfield anytime soon, I'd be glad to meet you somewhere so you can take a look at my car. According to that website, it's supposed to fit through 8/86 Tercel's. I forgot what year they went to the transverse mounted engine...

I have a repair manual that covers the older, front wheel drive Tercels. If you'd like it you're welcome to it - just let me know. Send me a private message with your email and we can make arrangements.

Gas Fumes - I should have clarified. The newer hoses I purchased at Southern Auto (CarQuest) here in Bakersfield. They sell decent parts, and both the hoses are American made, and a little bit thicker than the old hoses. I had a bear of a time getting one of the spring-loaded types over the end of the water pump outlet (upper) when I was putting it back together, so finally said "forget it" and grabbed a a screw type.

FWIW, I have heard that because the screw types tighten and squeeze equally all the way around, they are supposed to feel better. I do respect the fact that most car manufacturers use the "clamp" type, (Including Toyota) and they must work OK as well.

Aussie 4x4 - Great idea on the radiator. The link I included in my first post was for a two-row radiator; all the other replacements I could find were for single rows, same as stock.

Cheers,

Jerry