Buy Lexus ES300 Radiators

A radiator is a long, flat heat exchanger that sits just behind the front grille and carries engine coolant through thin aluminum tubes and fins. As air passes through, the coolant drops in temperature before it returns to the engine block. On the 1997-2003 ES 300, total coolant capacity is about 8 liters (a little over 2 gallons). (Club Lexus) The Lexus shares its 1MZ-FE V6 with the Toyota Camry, Avalon, and Sienna, so many parts-including the radiator-swap between these models. You can see Toyota's own engine overview here. (Wikipedia)

Coolant is pushed by the water pump, exits the engine, and flows into the radiator's upper tank. It travels through thin tubes, sheds heat to passing air, and returns cool via the lower hose. A spring-loaded cap keeps pressure at about 15 psi; this raises the boiling point so coolant stays liquid on hot days. (Bee ) If pressure rises too high, extra fluid escapes through a small overflow pipe-often mistaken for a leak. (Reddit)

• Plastic end-tank cracks-Years of heat can make the top tank split where the hose joins. (Lexus Owners Club of North America)
• Internal tube clogging-Rust or stop-leak pellets block flow and cause overheating. (Club Lexus)
• External leaks-Seepage at the seam or petcock shows up as dried pink crust. A 2003 ES 300 leak study lists the radiator and water pump as leading causes. (RepairPal.com)
• Warped fins-Bent fins can't pass air, so the engine runs hot, especially in summer traffic. Car and Driver warns drivers to keep the core clear of bugs and dirt. (Car and Driver)

Overheating can trigger a dashboard hot-coolant light or even warp cylinder-head gaskets if ignored. (Club Lexus)

When shopping for a new heat exchanger (also called a "cooling core" or "radiator core"), match:

1. Generation - 1992-1996 ES 300 uses the earlier 3VZ-FE V6, while 1997-2001 and the 2002-2003 carry-over share the same basic aluminum-plastic unit. (Lexus Owners Club of North America)
2. Transmission cooler - Automatic cars need built-in ATF cooler lines; manuals do not.
3. Core thickness - Standard two-row works for street use; three-row units add cooling margin for hot climates.
4. Sensor bungs - Some aftermarket units supply extra 1/8-inch ports for temp sensors-handy for gauges.

Because the ES 300 rides on Toyota's K-platform, many Camry and Avalon radiators bolt right in. (YouTube)

A driveway swap takes about two hours with basic tools. A detailed step-by-step video is here. (CarCareKiosk)

1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2. Drain coolant through the lower petcock into a clean pan.
3. Remove the fan shroud and unplug the cooling-fan harness.
4. Undo upper and lower hoses plus two transmission cooler lines (cap them to prevent drips).
5. Unbolt the radiator brackets and lift straight up.
6. Lower the new unit, tighten brackets to factory torque (about 18 ft-lb), re-attach hoses, and refill with 50/50 pink Toyota Super Long-Life coolant.
7. Bleed air by idling with the cap off until the thermostat opens and bubbles stop. (YouTube)

• Flush interval - Toyota recommends replacing coolant every 100 000 km (60 000 mi) or five years. (Bee )
• Visual checks - Shine a light through the grille; fins should look silver, not green or crusty.
• Cap test - A weak spring lowers pressure and lets coolant boil early; replace if it won't hold 15 psi.
• Hose feel - Soft or swollen hoses signal oil contamination or old age.

Regular upkeep, such as the easy checks in this simple car-care guide, helps the radiator last the life of the car. (Car and Driver)

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Because of the shared chassis, the same radiator also fits many 1997-2001 Camry V6 and 1999-2003 Avalon V6 cars. (YouTube)

• Part price - A new aluminum-plastic unit runs US $120-$220 depending on core thickness and brand.
• Coolant cost - 8 liters of 50/50 Toyota Super Long-Life is about US $40.
• Labor - Independent shops quote 1.5-2.0 hours; dealer flat rate is closer to 3 hours. Total installed price averages US $380-$600 in 2025. (RepairPal.com)

Used coolant contains ethylene glycol, a sweet but toxic alcohol. The U.S. EPA says to recycle it on-site, by mobile service, or at a local facility-never pour it down a drain. You can read the EPA antifreeze factsheet here. (US EPA) Closed-loop recyclers filter the fluid and pump it right back into the radiator, cutting waste and cost. (EPA NEPIS)

Q: What signs tell me my ES 300 heat exchanger is bad?
A: Look for coolant puddles under the nose, a rising temp gauge, or steam when idling. Plastic tanks often crack near the upper hose outlet. (Lexus Owners Club of North America)

Q: Can I drive with a small leak if I keep adding coolant?
A: It's risky. Losing fluid lowers pressure and boiling point. Overheating can warp cylinder heads and blow gaskets fast. (Club Lexus)

Q: Do I need special coolant?
A: Yes-Toyota pink Super Long-Life or an exact equivalent premixed 50/50. Mixing green or orange formulas can form sludge. (Bee )

Q: How long should a new radiator last?
A: With fresh coolant and good maintenance, 10-15 years or over 150 000 miles is typical. Road salt or clogged fins can shorten life. (Car and Driver)

Q: Is it worth upgrading to a three-row aluminum unit?
A: If you live in a very hot area, tow, or track the car, the extra surface helps. For normal commuting, the stock two-row is fine and cheaper. (RepairPal.com)

Q: How do I dispose of my old radiator?
A: Most scrap yards pay for aluminum units. Drain all fluid first, and take hoses off. Check local rules for fluid handling here. (EPA Cloud Files)

Q: Do all ES 300 years share the same radiator?
A: 1997-2003 models do. The 1992-1996 cars need a different design because the older 3VZ-FE engine sits lower and uses different hose angles. (Lexus Owners Club of North America)

Q: Why does the overflow hose drip after I shut the car off?
A: Hot coolant expands. When you park, pressure vents a small amount to the tank and out the overflow tube; that's normal unless the level keeps dropping. (Reddit)

Q: How tight should I make the radiator cap?
A: Twist until it clicks and cannot turn more by hand. A loose cap lets coolant escape and the system won't pressurize. (CarCareKiosk)

By understanding your Lexus ES 300 radiator and following these simple tips, you'll keep your V6 running cool, safe, and efficient for many miles ahead.