Best replacement radiator / heater core?

Camhabib

TJ Enthusiast
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Boston, MA
So I started heading down the highway this morning and all of a sudden my coolant gauge spiked. Pulled right over and looked underneath and it was squirting coolant out the bottom. Got it towed back home, threw it on a lift and pressure tested the system. There was a steady stream coming from the bottom right of the radiator itself, and coolant was shooting out of the heater core outlet, with the passenger floor inside soaking. Radiator is aftermarket, hoses look new too (both from PO), and no idea about the core, but the dash doesn’t look like it’s ever been off so I’m assuming original.

I managed to get the entire dash off without a problem, and I’m about to pull the radiator and heater core, but before I do, I’d like to pick up a replacement. Wondering what people recommend and where I can pick it up from? I wasn’t budgeting for a new cooling system, so while I’d like to try to keep it cheep, I don’t want to have to go through this again next year. Thanks everyone!

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The best replacements are OE Mopar. There is no which way around that.

If you’re looking to cheap out on the radiator and heater core, be prepared to do them again within a few years.

By comparison, and OE radiator will last 10+ years easily.

This is NOT something to cheap out on. Read around and you’ll see there is simply no substitute for the OE radiator.
 
OE Mopar, I'd run nothing but that. Store brand and online brands of radiators are a joke, they don't cool nearly as well and they are prone to leaking prematurely. Plus it would take a darned expensive aftermarket radiator to cool as well as the Mopar does. Check sites like www.wermopar.com for it, that's a good source of discounted Mopar parts.
 
So you are saying that the heater core and radiator both went at the exact same time?

If so, make sure you replace the radiator cap along with the other parts.

Sounds like you might have had excessive pressure in the system.
 
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So you are saying that the heater core and radiator both went at the exact same time?

If so, make sure you replace the radiator cap along with the other parts.

Sounds like you might have had excessive pressure in the system.
Up until the coolant let go on the side of the highway it was producing heat. But as I said, when I pressure tested it a bit ago there was coolant leaking out of the radiator itself, as well as shooting out the core box outlet. There is rust all in the radiator which makes me think this was run with the wrong coolant and maybe just ate through both.

That Wermopar site doesn’t seem to have the core or radiator in stock. Any other good places to check aside from the stealership?
 
For radiator - OEM Mopar. Use aftermarket only if you are willing to accept slightly less cooling performance and shorter service life in exchange for lower cost.

For heater core - Mopar if you can afford it and if the Mopar heater core is still available for your model year. If not, decent aftermarket heater cores are available here: https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22874_22876&product_id=8045 or https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22859_22861&product_id=7818 depending upon your model year. (The company is also a good source for aftermarket radiators if that is the direction you are going.}
 
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For radiator - OEM Mopar. Use aftermarket only if you are willing to accept slightly less cooling performance and shorter service life in exchange for lower cost.

For heater core - Mopar if you can afford it and if the Mopar heater core is still available for your model year. If not, decent aftermarket heater cores are available here: https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22874_22876&product_id=8045 or https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22859_22861&product_id=7818 depending upon your model year. (The company is also a good source for aftermarket radiators if that is the direction you are going.}

Just ordered OE Mopar and new clamps for the radiator but apparently the heater core is completely discontinued. Any aftermarket ones better than others? I REALLY don’t want to pull this dash out ever again.

Additionally, replace water pump too or just leave that for now / until it fails?
 
Additionally, replace water pump too or just leave that for now / until it fails?

I’d change it. My water pump started leaking a couple days after changing the radiator. Especially if you don’t know the history of it. Don’t overlook the metal pipe on the water pump too. They have been known to corrode and leak. Might as well replace it too if you do the pump. The pipe can’t be replaced with the pump on the engine.

Id also change the thermostat too with a OEM or Stant.
 
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Mr. Bills said:
For heater core - Mopar if you can afford it and if the Mopar heater core is still available for your model year. If not, decent aftermarket heater cores are available here: https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22874_22876&product_id=8045 or https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22859_22861&product_id=7818 depending upon your model year. . . .

[1]. . . Any aftermarket [heater cores] better than others. . . ?

[2]. . . replace water pump . . . or just leave it . . . until it fails?

1. My recommendation for aftermarket heater cores is linked in the post you quoted.

2. Two schools of thought: (a) Easier and less total labor time if replaced at the same time as the radiator and prudent if the water pump is high mileage or the cooling system is in poor condition; or (b) replace it if/when it fails. Based upon the facts as presented I would suggest the first option.
 
1. My recommendation for aftermarket heater cores is linked in the post you quoted.

2. Two schools of thought: (a) Easier and less total labor time if replaced at the same time as the radiator and prudent if the water pump is high mileage or the cooling system is in poor condition; or (b) replace it if/when it fails. Based upon the facts as presented I would suggest the first option.
Much appreciated! How did you come across that radiator company? I tried looking up some reviews but had a hard time finding any, let alone compared to the Spectre.
 
. . . How did you come across that radiator company? I tried looking up some reviews but had a hard time finding any, let alone compared to the Spectre.

Performance Radiator markets to the trade, not directly to the consumer. It was the heater core recommended by the radiator shop that did my heater core replacement. I was already familiar with the company from years past and recently confirmed with my insurance company that Performance Radiator is on its approved list of parts suppliers which means that my insurer stands behind and will warranty Performance Radiator products and the labor to install them if used in a collision repair. That was good enough for me.
 
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Couple more questions while I wait for all the parts to come in.

I’d like to replace the foam, around the new core, around the stems going through the firewall, and on the opening of the vents. Any suggestions on what to use? Found something on amazing meant for window ac units, but not sure how it would hold up to the heat. Thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07477J8KL/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
Thanks for all the advice here. The only remaining leak on my Jeep is a small leak at the bottom of the radiator. So, I will pick up and OEM radiator and water pump as well as hoses and clamps. I will most likely also replace the thermostat and housing just so I know the status of everything. All this for a Jeep that racks up an amazing 1-2k miles per year :rolleyes: Thankfully I do not have a heater core or cylinder head problem...yet.
 
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I’d suggest using the constant tension hose clamps like the factory uses. I made the mistake of using worm gear clamps and I have leaks at different hoses when the temps change from fall to winter and winter to spring. When I redo my cooling system I’m going back to the constant tension clamps.
 
One (hopefully) last question. Got all the parts in and went to put the HVAC box back together and can’t for the life of me figure out where this piece goes. It almost looks like a bracket to keep the heater core in place but can’t seem to find it on the parts diagram or in any pictures of the box.

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How "hard" or complicated is it to remove the dash?

My heater core is leaking (little steam coming thru vents), and replacing it is on the to-do list.
 
How "hard" or complicated is it to remove the dash?

My heater core is leaking (little steam coming thru vents), and replacing it is on the to-do list.
Not hard at all but pretty involved. There are a number of different sized screws, bolts, and connectors that need to be taken off to get the dash fully apart. Steering column took a little pulling to get off, and you need a set of quick disconnect clamps for the AC lines. No real wrenching experience required I’d say, but it’s going to take at least a day, if not more.
 
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One (hopefully) last question. Got all the parts in and went to put the HVAC box back together and can’t for the life of me figure out where this piece goes. It almost looks like a bracket to keep the heater core in place but can’t seem to find it on the parts diagram or in any pictures of the box.

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What year is your Jeep? I don’t recall anything like that when I changed the heater core on my 2006 LJ.