Running hot: Denso radiator problems? Next best alternative?

[B.E. Coyote]

I just did a complete swap of the cooling system on my new to me jeep and it is running really hot. 2003 4.0 auto 103k

Mopar wp, denso radiator, gates hoses, belts and new tensioner and idler. Hayden HD fan clutch

Burped completely, zerex o5. did a pressure test and a block test.

Currently doing a 2nd flush with thermocure and considering swapping out the brand new denso radiator for something different. I have read a few instances of others having a similiar experience.

It will idle at 212 per the torque app with the heat on but climbs up to 230 with the AC on, maybe higher but I don't let it. This is in temps in the high 70's low 80's.
Same temps with the thermostat pulled.

Any suggestions?

 

[TheBoogieman]

considering swapping out the brand new denso radiator for something different.
Any suggestions?

Never had any issues with Denso radiators in Va. WVA is just like VA, but with much fewer teeth.
p.s. Free shipping to Va?

 

[B.E. Coyote]

Never had any issues with Denso radiators in Va. WVA is just like VA, but with much fewer teeth.
p.s. Free shipping to Va?

I'm actually in Va. Beach but my camp is in Franklin WV about an hour and half West of you. Trying to get it road and trail ready for it to go there and stay. Just kind of stumped as to what is going on, doesn't seem right at all.

 

[noodles93]

That doesn’t seem too crazy? In low speed with ac on I’m sitting around 220/230 and around that 200-215 range otherwise.

 

[mrblaine]

I just did a complete swap of the cooling system on my new to me jeep and it is running really hot. 2003 4.0 auto 103k

Mopar wp, denso radiator, gates hoses, belts and new tensioner and idler. Hayden HD fan clutch

Burped completely, zerex o5. did a pressure test and a block test.

Currently doing a 2nd flush with thermocure and considering swapping out the brand new denso radiator for something different. I have read a few instances of others having a similiar experience.

It will idle at 212 per the torque app with the heat on but climbs up to 230 with the AC on, maybe higher but I don't let it. This is in temps in the high 70's low 80's.
Same temps with the thermostat pulled.

Any suggestions?

The problem with live data scanners and apps is you have no idea what the actual parameters are supposed to be and when to panic. What does the gauge on the dash say?

 

[B.E. Coyote]

That doesn’t seem too crazy? In low speed with ac on I’m sitting around 220/230 and around that 200-215 range otherwise.

Are those temps measured via BT OBD or by the gauge? I'm seeing the gauge be at 210 for temps from 190 to 220. New here so maybe I don't really have a problem but if it is that hot now, wouldn't it be much hotter if off-roading? I see other talking about their jeeps running below 200.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

The problem with live data scanners and apps is you have no idea what the actual parameters are supposed to be and when to panic. What does the gauge on the dash say?

210 or a tick over. Mrblaine, I think I saw a comment somewhere from you saying that maybe Denso rads were not the best choice?

 

[TheBoogieman]

210 or a tick over. Mrblaine, I think I saw a comment somewhere from you saying that maybe Denso rads were not the best choice?

In hot climates. You don't live in one.

 

[mrblaine]

210 or a tick over. Mrblaine, I think I saw a comment somewhere from you saying that maybe Denso rads were not the best choice?

Radiator is fine and the Denso issues are localized in places around here that need a radiator to work.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

The problem with live data scanners and apps is you have no idea what the actual parameters are supposed to be and when to panic. What does the gauge on the dash say?

Radiator is fine and the Denso issues are localized in places around here that need a radiator to work.

So quit worrying and drive? Is there anything I should be looking for as a warning. I am planning to drive this 250 miles to my camp and leave it there. At my camp, tools and parts are hard to come by and a tow out of the woods would be a problem.

Just doing everything I can to make sure it is safe and reliable.

Thanks!

 

[TheBoogieman]

So quit worrying and drive? Is there anything I should be looking for as a warning. I am planning to drive this 250 miles to my camp and leave it there. At my camp, tools and parts are hard to come by and a tow out of the woods would be a problem.

Just doing everything I can to make sure it is safe and reliable.

Thanks!

They put a gauge on the dash for a reason. When/if it hits above normal temps, pull over and find/fix the issue. Just my opinion. For me 210 is normal, 220 concerns me, 240 makes me stop my Jeep.

 

[B.E. Coyote]

They put a gauge on the dash for a reason. When/if it hits above normal temps, pull over and find/fix the issue. Just my opinion. For me 210 is normal, 220 concerns me, 240 makes me stop my Jeep.

240 being it hitting red on the analog gauge?

 

[noodles93]

Are those temps measured via BT OBD or by the gauge? I'm seeing the gauge be at 210 for temps from 190 to 220. New here so maybe I don't really have a problem but if it is that hot now, wouldn't it be much hotter if off-roading? I see other talking about their jeeps running below 200.

Dash gauge but when using my computer the temps were similar at least idle at temp + ac.

 

[WVJeep304]

I've been running a denso for around 5 years now, and I know of at least 2 others that are on 3+ years with no issues. If there's a problem with them, it must be something with newer batches. But as others have said, your temps seem fine. I doubt you'll have an issue, but the jeep will let you know if you do.

I have a friend with a 98 that panics anytime his dash guage even slightly slips past 210. He's mentioned replacing his (perfectly fine and functional) radiator with an aluminum unit, getting a higher flowing water pump, lower temp thermostat, and converting to e-fans. I've continued to point out that his temps are perfectly normal along with all of the numerous flaws in his plan, but he still thinks it's a problem. I also point out that he's continued to drive it in this condition with no issues and he will drop the subject--For a while, then we go through the whole discussion all over again.

 

[mrblaine]

I've been running a denso for around 5 years now, and I know of at least 2 others that are on 3+ years with no issues. If there's a problem with them, it must be something with newer batches. But as others have said, your temps seem fine. I doubt you'll have an issue, but the jeep will let you know if you do.

I have a friend with a 98 that panics anytime his dash guage even slightly slips past 210. He's mentioned replacing his (perfectly fine and functional) radiator with an aluminum unit, getting a higher flowing water pump, lower temp thermostat, and converting to e-fans. I've continued to point out that his temps are perfectly normal along with all of the numerous flaws in his plan, but he still thinks it's a problem. I also point out that he's continued to drive it in this condition with no issues and he will drop the subject--For a while, then we go through the whole discussion all over again.

Reminds of a gent who was quite proud of replacing his "plastic" radiator and then removed his metal fan blade and replaced it with a plastic one.

 

[User4574]

I would say say swap it out if you've had cooler temps prior. I am working on my engine rebuild and am getting rid of my Denso in the process. Ran hotter (10-20) than any other radiator I have had in it including standard Advance Auto replacements. Sure it works, but hotter consistent temps long term don't help longevity and I believe it may not have caused but did contribute to my current engine situation. Everything was fine until, like you OP, swapped out all the refresh items at the same time.

I have had a lot of good experience with other Denso products is why in part I went with the radiator. I still think they are good, I just won't buy or recommend one of their radiators again.

It has always been in central NC area. Climates shouldn't be part of the discussion though. Who wants to buy a product (other than an emergency patch) that would only work in certain areas or certain times of the year? If I wanted to road trip south or out west I shouldn't have to worry that the parts I am running are not up to the local conditions for basic stuff...like driving.

 

[mrblaine]

Climates shouldn't be part of the discussion though.

They absolutely should be part of the discussion so you absolutely know that a part can work everywhere. There's lots of folks in the cooler areas that recommend radiators of a particular brand. The problem is even a shit product works in those areas. I've dealt with that first hand several times when folks with zero cooling system issues move down here and can't drive when it is warm out without the heater on full blast after dark.

 

[06GEEP]

+1 on the Denso with no problems. Mine actually runs cooler off of the road.

 

[User4574]

They absolutely should be part of the discussion so you absolutely know that a part can work everywhere. There's lots of folks in the cooler areas that recommend radiators of a particular brand. The problem is even a shit product works in those areas. I've dealt with that first hand several times when folks with zero cooling system issues move down here and can't drive when it is warm out without the heater on full blast after dark.

That is basically what I meant, as the rest of that statement you quoted went on to explain. It shouldn't be a part of the conversation if a product works. The fact that it is says the product has flaws. Could be production changes, materials, simply a bad batch, etc. I do not feel the brand is the issue as much as this particular product from them.

"If you live here and use it here you'll be fine" is pretty weak if not explained that there are reliable reported experience problems when in other areas. A Jeep that you can't take anywhere defies the nature of Jeep, so considering that why would a product be recommended that cannot meet that? Personally I have had a number of products that have worked long after reports of failures and defects. That doesn't make my product better, it just makes me lucky.

Yes you absolutely need to know it works everywhere. Either a product should work everywhere or it is buyer beware.

 

[mrblaine]

That is basically what I meant, as the rest of that statement you quoted went on to explain. It shouldn't be a part of the conversation if a product works. The fact that it is says the product has flaws. Could be production changes, materials, simply a bad batch, etc. I do not feel the brand is the issue as much as this particular product from them.

"If you live here and use it here you'll be fine" is pretty weak if not explained that there are reliable reported experience problems when in other areas. A Jeep that you can't take anywhere defies the nature of Jeep, so considering that why would a product be recommended that cannot meet that? Personally I have had a number of products that have worked long after reports of failures and defects. That doesn't make my product better, it just makes me lucky.

Yes you absolutely need to know it works everywhere. Either a product should work everywhere or it is buyer beware.

You are asking folks to be smart and intuitive about their recommendations and that simply doesn't happen and hasn't.