‘05 Honda Accord EX radiator

[Big T]

Radiator on my ‘05 Honda Accord EX 2.4L w/ 5 spd manual developed a leak in the lower plastic tank. I ordered one Denso unit from PartsGeek whose site stated it fit vehicles with manual transmissions. It came with the cooler fittings for an automatic transmission. Sent the unit back and they sent another which also came with the same fittings (capped pipes).




In the course of doing my research I talked with one manufacturer here in Georgia. They gave me model # and said to simply plug the cooler line fittings. The pics show the second unit and it has the same fittings. Sounds like I will have to plug the transmission cooler fittings. I was hoping to avoid this as one would think the transmission cooler would create a dead spot in the radiator?

For the record, existing radiator does not had the transmission cooler fittings. Also, 2% of the Honda Accords sold in ‘05 had Manual transmissions.

 

[Will L.]

You won’t loose anything from them. Thats just a tube running through the tank submerged in the coolant. Those don’t run into dedicated fins or anything.

The caps you have on are fine- just remove and put some silicone on then slide them back on. Better would be a larger cap you can put a hose clamp on. The only reason not to let them remain open is water could go in that tube, rust from the inside out, and create a leak through that path. You could always tell them to send you caps and stainless steel hose clamps for it or send it back and buy a different brand.

There is the really slim chance that the fittings could leak where they penetrate the tank wall. It has happened but is so rare you are more likely to find a bag of money on the ground.

Then last possible issue: if there is some component in the way in the car from installing it.

 

[Big T]

You won’t loose anything from them. Thats just a tube running through the tank submerged in the coolant. Those don’t run into dedicated fins or anything.

The caps you have on are fine- just remove and put some silicone on then slide them back on. Better would be a larger cap you can put a hose clamp on. The only reason not to let them remain open is water could go in that tube, rust from the inside out, and create a leak through that path. You could always tell them to send you caps and stainless steel hose clamps for it or send it back and buy a different brand.

There is the really slim chance that the fittings could leak where they penetrate the tank wall. It has happened but is so rare you are more likely to find a bag of money on the ground.

Then last possible issue: if there is some component in the way in the car from installing it.

Thanks. Talked to my local mechanic (before reading this) and he said the exact same thing and they install them all the time.

On another note, we discussed his progress on the transfer case to the ‘99 Suburban. He found a lot of resistance to the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM). He cleaned up the ground to the chassis under the dash and the resistance cleared up. Last part, the new AC Delco encoder mother was not moving to electrical tests with +/- leads and was sparking at the motor. I brought over the prior motor which at least moved to 2Hi and 4Hi. After cleaning up the ground, the prior encoder motor may be the final link in the system. I’ll know today.

Finally, once the ‘99 Suburban is done, he’s onto the transmission replacement in the 2014 4Runner. I asked him how long that would take him. He said 4 hours. I said it would take me a day out and a day in, so it’s yours.

Sounds like progress is imminent.

 

[Will L.]

Pushing a button was always convenient for the t case. But the problems that come with it has shifted my vote to installing the cable manual shift kit.

Keep in mind I still prefer manual windows 90% of the time…

 

[Big T]

Pushing a button was always convenient for the t case. But the problems that come with it has shifted my vote to installing the cable manual shift kit.

Keep in mind I still prefer manual windows 90% of the time…

The push buttons are nice when they work. I was getting very close to going the manual shift route.

The 2023 4Runner has a manual shift. So far my wife has had no issues with it, but you can thank the artificial shoulder for that.