OEM 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Radiator

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the radiator on 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder?

  A: The radiator service and maintenance starts by draining coolant fluids from the engine before proceeding to take out tool box and luggage compartment trim box cover. The radiator assembly removal process starts by unbolting two components with two bolts and two nuts and two spear wheel carriers extensions then breaking connections between two electric cooling fan wires after which you disconnect two radiator hoses followed by unscrewing four bolts and two upper supports and the two lower support bushings. The electric cooling fan can be separated from the radiator after removing its 2 retaining bolts. To perform disassembly begin by removing the drain plug together with its O-ring before installing Special Service Tool: 09230-01010 which requires setting the claw onto the overhaul handle while adjusting stopper bolts for a dimension "B" measurement ranging between 0.2 - 0.3 mm (0.008 - 0.012 inch). To detach the lockplates first apply the tool for uncaulking and then tap the radiator bracket delicately to extract the tanks and O-rings. The lock plates must be checked for damage since any deformation needs to be fixed to prevent water leakage and the radiator should be recaulked only twice between replacements. Reinstall new O-rings and tanks while inspecting that no extraneous materials exist in the lock plate groove while also making sure the O-ring stays untwisted. A soft-faced hammer should be used to tap the lock plate until it eliminates all gaps. The assembly of Special Service Tools 09230-01010 and 09231-14010 requires adjustments to the stopper bolt for reaching dimension "B" of 8.4 mm (0.331 inch). Apply the tool against the lock plate to create a seal while verifying its height (H) falls within the range of 7.4 to 7.8 mm (0.2913 to 0.3071 inch). Place a new O-ring on the drain plug and proceed to install the drain plug into its position. You need to inspect for leaks after tightening the drain plug while installing the engine coolant reservoir and plugging the inlet and outlet pipes with Special Service Tool: 09230-01010 under a test pressure of 177 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm2, 26 psi) through a radiator cap tester and submerging the radiator in water. For installation, attach the electric cooling fan to the radiator with 2 bolts at a torque of 5 Nm (51 kgf-cm, 44 inch lbs.), then install the radiator assembly by placing the radiator and securing it with the 2 radiator lower support bushings, 2 radiator upper supports with 4 bolts at a torque of 12.5 Nm (128 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.), reconnecting the 2 radiator hoses and 2 electric cooling fan connectors, and installing the 2 spear wheel carrier extensions with 2 bolts and 2 nuts at a torque of 8 Nm (82 kgf-cm, 70 inch lbs.). The last steps include refilling with engine coolant then installing the luggage compartment trim box cover and tool box before checking for leaks with engine startup and verifying engine coolant level.