Urgent: Need radiator for 1988 Tercel Wagon SR5 3AC

[lurvemytercel]

Hello:

Edited to update info:


Having to replace the radiator in my 1988 Toyota Tercel Wagon SR5 3AC w/automatic trans / 4wd.

The engine was replaced with a low mileage Japanese one back in 2006/07 which is a 3AUC which is the Japanese version of the 3AC. Engine fit everything fine,vice versa, including all the radiator connections, one of which is the thermal cooling switch.

My mechanic is having a hard time finding the right radiator that has the threaded hole for the thermal cooling switch.

The threaded hole for the thermal cooling switch and the correct placement of the hose connections seems to be the problem. We think the parts we've located with the number 813 in them (NAPA NR 813 and O'Reilly 4433813 may be the right ones that will fit -- the first one didn't.

Is this something that would be in stock in stores as it's fairly common? I'm moving house on April 3 and time is critical -- thought this would be fairly simple -- and now locating the correct radiator is becoming a problem.

Thanks for your help.

[Petros]

These radiators are still available, they are the same on 2wd sedan, hatch back and wagon as well as the 4wd. There is a double row radiators for the 4wd wagon, which is a bit harder to find. But I have not found the extra capacity necessary, even driving across the west Texas desert in 104 deg heat at full throttle cruise, and not running hot at all with the single row radiator.

You can use the ones without the auto trans fittings and just fit an auxiliary oil cooler, they do not cost much and actually improve auto trans cooling. A few extra tasks to do to install the aux cooler, but well worth it.

I have a near new single row radiator with the auto trans fittings I will sell you if you want. It came out of a car that is getting an engine swap and the larger radiator. It looks like new. I can get it in the mail tomorrow for you if you want it. how about $60 including shipping? PM me your address.

[lurvemytercel]

Thank you for your reply Petros.

Ideally, just replacing the radiator with an exact match is for the moment, a more ideal solution. I'll run the other solution by my mechanic. If we can't find a replacement radiator that will drop in with all the right connections, we may have to look at the alternative.

Should know in a couple of hours.

Thanks again.

[dlb]

lurvemytercel, i just got a rad for an automatic t4 a few weeks ago. unfortunately my friend bought it for me so i don't have the receipt or know the name brand. i got it through lordco which is a parts chain in bc, canada. i only had to swap the rubber 'feet' and the temp switch from the old one into the new one, which surprised me. i figured it would come with all that, but it didn't matter. so about all i can contribute is 'yes, they are still making them new, somewhere out there.'

[Petros]

lurvemytercel,

I do not think you understand, I have an extra Tercel radiator that has the trans cooler fittings for you if you want it. It is in like new condition and has the temp switch fitting and the oil cooler connections. It is an all metal single row radiator, and it has plenty of cooling capacity for your car. I can have it in your hands by friday if you want it.

[lurvemytercel]

Petros:

Thank you for the kind offer.

The problem I have is time. Should have had this fixed yesterday as I need my car to get around. I would love to have saved $$$ but unfortunately, can not wait until Friday.

The radiator challenge looks like it has been resolved.

With the help of board member Carlos, who suggested my mechanic have the parts place search for the radiator in their database using 1986 instead of 1988, voila! Hopefully my mechanic has the correct radiator and will have it installed shortly barring any other issues.

So now in my car diary I'll have to make a note that when looking for parts for a 1988 that don't fit (had this same problem last year with fan belt), will look under 1986.

Confusing much?

Thanks for the input folks and thanks to Carlos for all his help.

[dlb]

i had a similar problem here but with an '87. the auto trans oil pan gasket and filter they kept getting were wrong until they tried an '86. strange quirk in their systems.

[rer233]

i had a similar problem here but with an '87. the auto trans oil pan gasket and filter they kept getting were wrong until they tried an '86. strange quirk in their systems.

more than likely they didn't differentiate between sedans and wagons in their listings- starting in '87 the sedans had a transvese engine installation- a completely different car from our t4's. far as i know, ALL wagon replacement radiators are the same- even if you order one for a m/t car, it comes with the a/t cooler fittings. cuts down on inventory.