Considering replacing a change of radiator since it's 25 years old. Is it a surprise time bomb (despite what was drained out a couple days ago was a nice blue color with no sediment.)? Always used Acura OEM coolant and did the change every year since new. I checked with an OEM Acura parts distributor who told me the original radiator was a Denso made in Japan. He says the Denso shows not available from his source and any/all dealers in the US. OEM part number is 19010-P8E-A52 and the price was $265.23 when available. He also said Denso made all radiators for Acura in Japan. I did some research and found a Denso in the Rock Auto catalog. Part number is 2213213 and cost is $102.89. That probably says something about the country of origin. The Rock picture shows inlet/outlet for the automatic transmission cooler, which was featured on the 1999 TL but not the 2000. More disturbing was I could not determine from the catalog photo if the Rock radiator has a drain plug, or has "Denso" decided that people who own an old car aren't interested in draining/replacing coolant unless they just enjoy pulling the lower hose off and having a gallon of coolant run all over their shirt or jacket. No fun there. Question time......Is the Rock radiator a real Denso or a pirate copy? And if it's genuine is the quality standard still there? What is the country of manufacture? Anyone know if there is a drain plug on the new version? I'm not worried if the auto trans cooler is not used for my application....could be "Denso" decided multiple applications means a savings in cost? Any/all comments are appreciated...THX

 

I have purchased many items (Aisin Timing belt kits, window regulators, Aisin ATF & GM MT fluid, Denso O2 sensors etc.) from RockAuto over the years and have had no issues.

In fact, RockAuto is the benchmark and the FIRST place I look to for any part I plan to purchase when it comes to research.

If you use the OEM part number in their time saving 'Part Number Search' functionality, it will take you to everything they offer without scrolling through the part catalog.

The drain plug for the 2213213 that fits your car is clearly shown below.



You can always initiate a 'Return', on their website, if not satisfied upon receipt of the part in question should it not meet your standards.
The 2000 TL is 26 years old, perhaps this Denso radiator gets you another ten years+ before it's crusher time, win/win for you!

 

Thank you. Some more
research indicates that Denso 2213213 fits 1999 thru 2001 TLs although the trans oil cooler would be redundant on the 2000 (and 2001 although my shop manual does not cover that year) but as long as the radiator would keep the coolant at a happy temperature no other issues. Would you agree the 25 years would be near end of life for just about any radiator?

 

It all depends.
My 2003 CL-S OEM radiator, IIRC'ly, started leaking at the plastic seems many years ago.
I purchased an aluminum CSF high performance radiator, when installing the supercharger in 2005 or shortly thereafter, and have had no issues to this day.
The $102.89 gamble for the RA Denso 2213213 is a low risk gamble that will suit your needs for years forward.
If it looks like a 'knock-off', just return it and find another brand.

 

My main concern is availability. If the Denso becomes unavailable in the near future I'll have to go with a knock-off anyway. I'm going to call Denso and ask a few questions later when they open. I'll let everyone know the outcome.

 

I'd second going to RA. If I can wait for shipping, I get the parts for my TL and Protege5 from there (even for my old Jeep Cherokee)

I go to https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/ first to find the OEM part number. If available (surprising some parts still are), note the price. Then off to RA and use the part number search Zeta shows above. If urgent, I'll then go to Amazon and search on the PN. Then pick one based on vendor rep, ratings, or random number generator (throw of dice). Lot's of fakes and/or low quality parts on Amazon even if they sport the "brand name" on the label. However, I can typically get the Amazon parts next day vs a week from RA, so sometimes I take the chance.

 

As promised, I called Denso today and spoke with a parts expert. He advised that Denso makes the OEM parts for a reasonable length of time and demand is there. For a car as old as mine Denso will look around for a source who can make a replacement part built to Denso standards although length of service may not be as good as a Denso built product. Some of the aftermarket parts are manufactured in China and I am advised some parts coming from China are very good and others are garbage. Compliance with Denso specs ensures the parts Denso labels as their product is probably best described as not OEM but better than a lot of aftermarket parts built cheaply. I am advised that longevity depends on maintenance and environment. I change coolant every year so that works well for me. I asked about buying a "Denso" out of fear that the Denso replacement would be unavailable whenever Denso decided that no one will be looking for a radiator for a car more than 25 years of age. I asked if I bought the Denso and kept it in a dry location in the original packing there would be no harm in doing that. I also asked if I should first flush the new radiator with distilled water to get rid of corrosives. I am told the radiators are not pressure tested with liquid....just air. Most import is the fit. The 2213213 is an exact replacement dimension wise. There is a gallery at the bottom for ATF coolant. My 2000 TL has no use for this feature but there is no downside to fit or function. Just ignore the cooler and don't worry about connections for an ATF cooler unless your car has one (1999 or 2001). I will buy the 2213213 for $109.89 from Rock Auto. I will do this install if needed....otherwise gift it to my friend who is a mechanic (his wife has an old TL which might need it). Hope this helps you readers.

 

One last item....the new radiator arrived yesterday and I opened the box to inspect it. Appears to be excellent quality and I'm putting it away until needed. A radiator cap is not included, but I had ordered one from Acura OEM Parts after hearing a genuine Denso cap is recommended in lieu of other aftermarkets more easily available. I also had ordered the "cradle" parts inclusive of rubber cushioning material. Not expensive and the old original parts have to be pretty beat by now. A drain plus was included..The radiator is made in Taiwan and I would endorse their craftsmanship over China or other third world factories. My experience with Sears floor jacks has been great with Taiwan....not so good with China. And as an aside I have purchased some tools at Harbor Freight, purveyor of a number of questionable items. I have three ratchet wrenches from Taiwan, all with more teeth than a piranha which allows their use in confined tight spaces. Again, Taiwan quality is apparent.