Hey guys, what are the odds if I recrimp my radiator tanks it will last a few years?

[dimension12]

Hey guys, what are the odds if I recrimp my radiator tanks it will last a few years?
Bought a cheap one after Christmas and it only lasted 4 weeks before the lower tank seam started leaking. Temps hovering in the single digits in Minnesota still and I don’t want to be putting in another cheap one under warranty.

 

[Rob5589]

Maybe some JB weld or similar?? Not sure I'd count on it to go a few years, however.

 

[dimension12]

Think I will crimp and pressure test it. When I hear from the seller through ebay about the 10 year warranty procedure, it may have to go back in. Trying to find a local radiator shop to have the OE unit rebuilt. Ex. Replace the tank seals.

 

[TJ2]

Hey guys, what are the odds if I recrimp my radiator tanks it will last a few years?
Bought a cheap one after Christmas and it only lasted 4 weeks before the lower tank seam started leaking. Temps hovering in the single digits in Minnesota still and I don’t want to be putting in another cheap one under warranty.

Re-crimping does not last long, go buy the Auto Zone cheap plastic/aluminum crimped type ($90). It will last long.

 

[Rob5589]

Re-crimping does not last long, go buy the Auto Zone cheap plastic/aluminum crimped type ($90). It will last long.

Someone here has gone through a bunch of cheap aftermarket rads. It is well known to stick with the oem radiator.

 

[dimension12]

I needed a cheap one after the holiday. Now I want something to last while I budget for an OME.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Early TJs like my 97 had radiator problems where the top crimped seam would blow and leak. My dealer sent my then fairly new TJ's radiator out to a local radiator shop several times to try to get its top crimped seam to stay sealed but nothing worked. I wouldn't count on anyone having better luck with yours.

 

[TJ2]

Someone here has gone through a bunch of cheap aftermarket rads. It is well known to stick with the oem radiator.

For some reason, my OEM last equally with the Auto Zone $90 that I bought for half the price. I am poor and so, works for me

 

[StG58]

I've never had any luck trying to recrimp a radiator tank. It always seemed to just temporarily move the leak to another place on the crimp.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

For some reason, my OEM last equally with the Auto Zone $90 that I bought for half the price.

If it's like other Autozone radiators, it's highly doubtful it will last as long and even less likely to cool as well in extreme heat conditions.

 

[dimension12]

Seller is sending out another unit. If I can get 3 to 6 months out of it I will get an OEM put in before the summer is over and box up aftermarket for an emergency spare.

 

[TJ2]

If it's like other Autozone radiators, it's highly doubtful it will last as long and even less likely to cool as well in extreme heat conditions.

Don't jinx it Jerry
I don't do off roading anymore, that's probably why it last longer.

 

[greenliftedtj97]

don't be fooled into thinking a pretty, expensive all aluminum is better.... as me how I know

 

[TJ2]

Someone here has gone through a bunch of cheap aftermarket rads. It is well known to stick with the oem radiator.

Hey c'mon now sometimes I hold my last penny for my wife's make-up It (AutoZone) last for 4 years and bought for an OEM thereafter.

 

[Squatch]

Anyone have any experience with a radiator shop doing a full rebuild of an OEM radiator? I've had a number of rads rebuilt through the years, and never had an issue. However, I don't know if the tanks in the TJs are plastic, and if that would make them something that cannot be rebuilt. Anyone have any input on that?

 

[Mike_H]

Anyone have any experience with a radiator shop doing a full rebuild of an OEM radiator? I've had a number of rads rebuilt through the years, and never had an issue. However, I don't know if the tanks in the TJs are plastic, and if that would make them something that cannot be rebuilt. Anyone have any input on that?

They are indeed plastic. No melting the bronze tanks off anymore or rebrazing them.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Anyone have any experience with a radiator shop doing a full rebuild of an OEM radiator? I've had a number of rads rebuilt through the years, and never had an issue. However, I don't know if the tanks in the TJs are plastic, and if that would make them something that cannot be rebuilt. Anyone have any input on that?

The crimps which are part of the core can really only be crimped once so there is not much chance they will be able to properly seal the thermoplastic tank a second time.

 

[Squatch]

They are indeed plastic. No melting the bronze tanks off anymore or rebrazing them.

Bummer. Guess that eliminates that option...

 

[Squatch]

The crimps which are part of the core can really only be crimped once so there is not much chance they will be able to properly seal the thermoplastic tank a second time.

Sucks for us. "Better living through chemistry", my ass. I hate plastic. Well...mostly...

 

[bobthetj03]

Just get a proper Mopar radiator and you're good for 120K+. I have a brand new O'Reilly's radiator if anyone wants it.