OEM 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Radiator

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the radiator on 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder?

  A: The radiator servicing requires the engine coolant draining followed by removing the tool box and luggage compartment trim box cover. Start radiator removal by unthreading the 2 bolts, 2 nuts, and 2 spear wheel carrier extensions, disconnecting both electric cooling fan connectors, detaching the 2 radiator hoses and removing the 4 bolts with the 2 radiator upper supports and 2 radiator lower support bushings. You must uninstall the electric cooling fan from the radiator while removing its 2 bolts. To disassemble install Special Service Tool: 0923-01010 by attaching the claw to the overhaul handle and setting stopper bolts at dimension "B" between 0.2 - 0.3 mm (0.008 - 0.012 inch). Lightly strike the bracket of the radiator with Special Service Tool: 09230-01010 while uncaukling the lock plates. The radiator has a limit of two recaulking procedures followed by replacement since further attempts will be futile. New O-rings and tanks must be installed prior to assembly while avoiding foreign bodies within the lock plate groove followed by soft-faced hammer tapping to eliminate gaps. Press Special Service Tools: 09230-01010 and 09231-14010 onto the lock plate and adjust the stopper bolt until it reaches dimension "B" of 8.4 mm (0.331 inch). Next, use the tool to caulk the lock plate while monitoring the height (H) to remain between 7.4 - 7.8 mm (0.2913 - 0.3071 inch). First install a new O-ring to the drain plug before fitting the drain plug itself. To inspect for water leaks they should tighten the drain plug while installing the engine coolant reservoir then plug the inlet and outlet pipes with Special Service Tool: 09230-01010 and apply 177 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm2, 26 psi) pressure with the radiator cap tester while submerging the radiator in water under a leak test. 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 it in the body, securing it with 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.). Complete the cooling system with coolant before reinstalling the luggage compartment trim box cover together with the tool box then turn on the engine to test for leaks while inspecting the engine coolant level once again.