Howard Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbinh Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKperformance Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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