OEM heater core discontinued: Best replacement?

[Gambaholic]

Hi,
I recently bought a 97 tj (6cyl 4.0) and am currently going through the process of finding and fixing all the little issues that came with my purchase. Well it seems one of the previous owners has bypassed the heater core which probably means it’s leaking. The Mopar OEM heater cores (Part 4874045) for the 1997 tj are no longer available anywhere. Does a quality aftermarket replacement even exist?

Thx,
John

 

[Squatch]

I'm in the same boat. This is what I'll be using. It's copper (another site said they contacted Crown and asked if it was, and Crown confirmed it).

https://www.quadratec.com/products/...MI1ezpvur61wIVxY5-Ch02lAA8EAYYBCABEgJGcfD_BwE

I've used Crown heater cores in the past, and never had an issue. So, based on personal history with their product, I feel fairly confident in using them again.
My TJ is a '98 with a 4.0 in it. You didn't state what yours was. It may be the same heater core for the four cylinder, but I'm not sure. Anyway, hope this helps. And by the way, welcome to the forum!

 

[Gambaholic]

Yep, mine is the 4.0 also. I’ll edit my first post in case anyone else chimes in. Thanks for the welcome and the info!

 

[Gambaholic]

I'm in the same boat. This is what I'll be using. It's copper (another site said they contacted Crown and asked if it was, and Crown confirmed it).

https://www.quadratec.com/products/...MI1ezpvur61wIVxY5-Ch02lAA8EAYYBCABEgJGcfD_BwE

I've used Crown heater cores in the past, and never had an issue. So, based on personal history with their product, I feel fairly confident in using them again.
My TJ is a '98 with a 4.0 in it. You didn't state what yours was. It may be the same heater core for the four cylinder, but I'm not sure. Anyway, hope this helps. And by the way, welcome to the forum!

You might want to double check the copper claim. From what I can tell the Crowns are aluminum. If you order one please let me know what you receive. I can’t believe they’re aren’t any OEM heater cores around on the shelf somewhere in this country!

 

[Squatch]

You might want to double check the copper claim. From what I can tell the Crowns are aluminum. If you order one please let me know what you receive. I can’t believe they’re aren’t any OEM heater cores around on the shelf somewhere in this country!

I'm actually going to delve a little deeper into this. I just tripped across a number of sites that might have just what we're looking for. As soon as I find anything out, I'll be sure and let you know. And should I have no choice but to buy the Crown, I'll let you know if it's copper, or not. The pics I saw showed copper, and it was the only question asked ("Is this copper?") on another site. I want copper or brass, not aluminum. I'd even consider having the original re-cored at a radiator shop, if I have to. I'll keep you posted, friend.

 

[Daz7]

FWIW I used JeepsAreUs.com for a recent purchase, as part of the ordering process they checked the part no. against my Vin number.

They suggested the part required was discontinued and then found the discontinued part for me at another dealership. It cost extra to have the part shipped to them before shipping to me however, I was pretty chuffed to get the correct part.

 

[Squatch]

FWIW I used JeepsAreUs.com for a recent purchase, as part of the ordering process they checked the part no. against my Vin number.

They suggested the part required was discontinued and then found the discontinued part for me at another dealership. It cost extra to have the part shipped to them before shipping to me however, I was pretty chuffed to get the correct part.

I'll check into that. Thanks, @Daz7 for the tip!

 

[Gambaholic]

FWIW I used JeepsAreUs.com for a recent purchase, as part of the ordering process they checked the part no. against my Vin number.

They suggested the part required was discontinued and then found the discontinued part for me at another dealership. It cost extra to have the part shipped to them before shipping to me however, I was pretty chuffed to get the correct part.

Thx! I’ll be looking into this as well. The only one I’ve been able to find is $380 after shipping. I’m getting so tired of searching I’m actually considering paying it!

 

[Gambaholic]

I'm actually going to delve a little deeper into this. I just tripped across a number of sites that might have just what we're looking for. As soon as I find anything out, I'll be sure and let you know. And should I have no choice but to buy the Crown, I'll let you know if it's copper, or not. The pics I saw showed copper, and it was the only question asked ("Is this copper?") on another site. I want copper or brass, not aluminum. I'd even consider having the original re-cored at a radiator shop, if I have to. I'll keep you posted, friend.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress also. If I find a source I’ll let you know straight away.

 

[Mike_H]

Have you guys tried Davey's Jeeps? It would be a salvage but its Definitely OEM

 

[Gambaholic]

Have you guys tried Davey's Jeeps? It would be a salvage but its Definitely OEM

That looks like a really useful parts source. Thanks for sharing!

 

[KCsTJ]

Thx! I’ll be looking into this as well. The only one I’ve been able to find is $380 after shipping. I’m getting so tired of searching I’m actually considering paying it!

No no hang in there Gamba, there's too many excellent researchers on the forum... My rad is weeping but I'm holding out for the right 1 - and it's my daily driver...yikes

 

[TJ4Jim]

Hi,
I recently bought a 97 tj (6cyl 4.0) and am currently going through the process of finding and fixing all the little issues that came with my purchase. Well it seems one of the previous owners has bypassed the heater core which probably means it’s leaking. The Mopar OEM heater cores (Part 4874045) for the 1997 tj are no longer available anywhere. Does a quality aftermarket replacement even exist?

Thx,
John

Don't assume the core is NG and rip out the dash on an assumption, possibly it was clogged ? I would do a simple air test on the core to at least confirm it's bad,

 

[LonestarTJ]

Same boat as you guys. My core seems to be leaking also as I smell hot coolant every time I run the heat. Can’t find any signs of leaking though, yet.

 

[Squatch]

Same boat as you guys. My core seems to be leaking also as I smell hot coolant every time I run the heat. Can’t find any signs of leaking though, yet.

Guess we all should be researching and sharing our findings with one another, as this appears to be a common issue, to some degree.

 

[KCsTJ]

Guess we all should be researching and sharing our findings with one another, as this appears to be a common issue, to some degree.

Heck, we should be able to qualify for a volume discount ...

 

[LonestarTJ]

Here is a link to the heater cores on RockAuto. They show to have the OEM Mopar in stock for an A/C equipped TJ. I'm not sure what the difference is between A/C equipped and non-a/c. Maybe it has an Evap core attached to it?

Is the OEM core made of copper?

All the other brands they have are made of aluminum. Why is the general opinion that an aluminum heater core is bad? I'd love to have an all aluminum radiator, so stands to reason an alum heater would be ok... I think.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...1777,heat+&+air+conditioning,heater+core,6864

NOTE: I have used Rock Auto for several years and have been very happy with prices and shipping. Never an issue with getting the wrong part.

 

[KCsTJ]

Hey thanks Lone star, that helps!
I think the only difference are the AT line connections/fittings according to Jerry n others so that's no biggie..

 

[Squatch]

Here is a link to the heater cores on RockAuto. They show to have the OEM Mopar in stock for an A/C equipped TJ. I'm not sure what the difference is between A/C equipped and non-a/c. Maybe it has an Evap core attached to it?

Is the OEM core made of copper?

All the other brands they have are made of aluminum. Why is the general opinion that an aluminum heater core is bad? I'd love to have an all aluminum radiator, so stands to reason an alum heater would be ok... I think.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...1777,heat+&+air+conditioning,heater+core,6864

NOTE: I have used Rock Auto for several years and have been very happy with prices and shipping. Never an issue with getting the wrong part.

I, too, am a huge fan of Rock Auto. They are my go-to resource for virtually all of my automotive parts, save for some of the really vintage stuff. I've yet to see prices lower anywhere else, and that includes Amazon. Excellent establishment, to be sure!

As for the heater core being aluminum, I am just not a fan. I will take copper or brass any day over aluminum. Having said that, I don't know if the TJ's heater core was aluminum from the factory, or not. If it was, then so be it. I'll use it again. But if I can find a better (in my opinion) option, I'll go that route. Just personal preference.

 

[CodaMan]

Does the '97 and '00 use the same heater core? Sorry, but I haven't looked it up. I have one for a 2000 that has never been used that needs maybe a $20 repair and it'll be like new. I just haven't got around to getting the thing repaired.

Edit: It's a Mopar