Radiator/Coolant Filler Neck / Water Inlet

2008 LEXUS RX 350
152,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ALDAVINO
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I need to replace the radiator/coolant filler neck (or water inlet). I see there is a part number for this. One of the plastic inlet nipples cracked. Lexus part number is 16431 (no. 2) or Dorman part number 902-408.
Aug 8, 2014 at 10:57 AM
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HMAC300
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so what do you need to know how to change it ? we have no pictures nor instructions on how to do it. from the look of it though you may need a special tool to get it off due to the one piece that looks like a one way lock on. best thing here is for that part check with manufacturer they probably have instructions on how to do that. looking at eh product at dorman it looks to be maybe a twist to remove and install. I'm sure they have instructions for that.
Aug 8, 2014 at 12:43 PM
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XIANREN
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I have replaced my radiator filler neck today (2007, rx350) by followed George's tip I attached below:

"See the u shaped clip? Pull up one end with a small hook or flat screwdriver then the whole clip will come out of the groove. With the clip out twist and pull on the neck and it will come free. The neck is sealed with an O ring to the radiator so clean the mating surface then wiggle the new neck into place and snap the clip in the groove.
Goes without saying that you need the engine cold to do this."

By the way, there is no O ring in my case, and it took a bit longer for me to remove the neck after took off the U shape clip. And it is not easy to install the new neck to the radiator, I used some coolant as lubricant to wet the filler and neck and a small hammer to hit on a solid plastic piece which I held and made contact with the neck. In that way I finally get the neck into 90% of it's position, and put the u shape click on, use the hammer to hit couple more times, then the click fell into position. Also, in the beginning, I used the new neck to practice how to put the u shape clip on and how to take it off.
Sep 12, 2015 at 8:26 PM
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HMAC300
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you could have used oil as a small amount wouldn't have hurt anything but at least you got it fixed and it doesn't leak I hope which is the best part. thanks for your reply.
Sep 13, 2015 at 8:14 AM