Section 787 (Radiator): Radiator: Reassembly

2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Reassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus IS 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. A/T: 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 2 nuts.
      1. Torque: 8.3 N.m (85 kgf.cm, 74 in.lbf) 
    3. Install the cooler pipes in the direction indicated in Fig 1 .
      1. Torque: 14.7 N.m (150 kgf.cm, 11 ft.lbf) 
    4. Fig 1: Installing Oil Cooler To Lower Tank
      G00893327Courtesy 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.
    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 a new O-ring without twisting it.
      Fig 2: Identifying Normal & Twisted O-Rings
      G00893328Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      HINT:

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

    2. Install the tank without damaging the O-ring.
    3. Tap the lock with a soft-faced hammer so that there is no gap between it and the tank.
      Fig 3: Tapping Lock With Soft-Faced Hammer
      G00893329Courtesy 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 4 .
    2. While gripping the handle, adjust the stopper bolt so that dimension B is as shown in Fig 4 .
      1. Dimension B: 8.4 mm (0.331 in.) 
      Fig 4: Assembling SST
      G00893330Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. CAULK LOCK PLATE 
    1. Lightly press SST against the lock plate in the order shown in Fig 5 . 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 5: Pressing SST Against Lock Plate
      G00893331Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      HINT:

      • Do not stake the areas protruding around the ports (1), flange (2) and bracket (3).
        Fig 6: Avoiding Staking Protruding Areas Around Ports, Flange & Bracket
        G00893332Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      • The points shown in Fig 7 cannot be staked with the SST. Use pliers or similar object and be careful not to damage the core plates.
        Fig 7: Using Pliers To Stake Points
        G00893333Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Check the lock plate height (H) after completing the caulking.
      1. Plate height (H): 7.40 - 7.80 mm (0.2913 - 0.3071 in.) 
    3. Fig 8: Checking Lock Plate Height
      G00893334Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

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

  6. INSTALL ECT SWITCH 
    1. Install a new O-ring to the ECT switch.
    2. Install the ECT switch.
  7. INSTALL DRAIN PLUG 
    1. Install a new O-ring to the drain plug.
    2. Install the drain plug.
  8. INSTALL RADIATOR CAP 
  9. INSPECT FOR WATER LEAKS 
    1. Tighten the drain plug.
    2. Plug the inlet pipes of the radiator with SST.
      1. SST 09230-01010
      2. Fig 9: Plugging Inlet Pipes Of Radiator With SST
        G00893335Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    3. Using a radiator cap tester, apply pressure to the radiator.
      1. Test pressure: 177 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm 2, 26 psi) 
    4. Submerge the radiator in water.
    5. Inspect for leaks.
      Fig 10: Inspecting For Water Leaks In Radiator
      G00893336Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      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.

  10. INSTALL NEW PACKINGS 
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.