1992 Es 300 Radiator And Follow-up

Howard · March 23, 2004

First, I would like to thank skperformance and others for helping me through my radiator leak. I went to the Toyota dealership and they wanted over $550 for the radiator PLUS labor. Thanks but no thanks. I then went to a local mechanic who I have known for years and got it replaced for just under $300 including labor. I also had him change the plugs (Denso's), which I cannot recall being changed before.

I have 110,000 miles on the car and at this point I am only putting on 10,000-12,000 miles per year. I get the oil changed every 4,000 miles, the air filter twice per year and the transmission fluid about every 30,000 miles. I have some of the same problems I have read on this site from others including dashboard lights, rear strut noise and muliple oil leaks. Regarding the latter, I add a quart every 3 months or so (it is not burning oil). Other than constantly cleaning up of the garage floor, I can live with this, especially when the dealer gave me a cost of approximately $2,500 to do the repairs. Talking about that, instead of using newspaper, where can I find a simple flat metal pan with maybe a 2" lip around it that I could put say cat litter in to absorb the oil and sweep out every so often? I have been to Pep Boys and a like and can find nothing. A size around 48" x 36" looks to be a good fit? I can also live with the dashboard light problem as well as the rear end noise (and squeaks) when I go over bumps. I would like to keep the car for a few more years and want to continue with preventative maintenance items only. Someone suggested changing the timing belt, which I do not think has been done prior. Is this in order? How much should this cost? Are there any additional things I should be doing other than the items I get done above? Thanks much.

lbinh · March 23, 2004

Had my fan belts, water pump, and timing belt changed at 80K @ dealer for $840. Plus I got a free loaner car for a day. Ceramic Radiator developed crack on top few months later. Blamed it on dealer for not filling it up coolant correctly after water pump change. Got a free new steel radiator after small argument. :chairshot:

Timing belt is non-interference from what this board states. Does not damage your engine when it breaks, just leaves you stranded so you could stretch that service out.....till it needs it. :D

SKperformance · March 23, 2004

NOt sure what i did to help ,but glad it did .

If you are looking for a small shallow catch pan ,go to a place that sells baking products like liek foil trays for the bottom of an oven and use that cookie sheet /tray to hold the litter. For about $1