Not leaking from any hoses up top, and a bunch of antifreeze drips onto the steering stabilizer when running. Thoughts?
Cracked radiator?
- Thread starter Cooper Smith
- Start date
Not leaking from any hoses up top, and a bunch of antifreeze drips onto the steering stabilizer when running. Thoughts?
Yes. That's not repairable (economically anyway).
It's easy if you're at all mechanically inclined.
Biggest hurdle is finding a decent replacement. You want oem and if not available then roll the dice on the aftermarket one with the best warranty.
Do you own a pressure tester? Or have an oreillys/autozone near by that may rent you one? That would tell you for sure where the leak was coming from
Do you own a pressure tester? Or have an oreillys/autozone near by that may rent you one? That would tell you for sure where the leak was coming from
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
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Probably one of the easiest radiators Ive ever replaced in a vehicle.
Other things to consider when replacing a radiator...
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/
-Mac
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/
-Mac
Mopar rads have become a bit scarce but there has been talk about Denso rads. Probably go in that direct myself eventually.
I will let everyone know about top tank replacement today, if my local radiator shop can get/has the top tank.
If they don't/can't get one.
Calling 1800radiator, we have had good luck with them on big truck radiators.
I would not bother trying to replace the tank, they'll never get it sealed well enough so it'll stay leak free. They're glued in place then crimped, they are not soldered. When my then-new '97 TJ radiator started leaking at the seal my dealer sent it to a local radiator shop for repair since replacement radiators were impossible to get due to so many having problems. They tried sealing it 2-3 times before I refused to allow them to try sealing it again. They finally installed a replacement radiator which worked fine.
And the last place I'd get a radiator from is 1800radiator. No doubt they'd ship you a cheap radiator that would fail sooner than you'd think acceptable, nor is it likely to cool even close to how well the Mopar radiator does. Avoid too the inexpensive all-aluminum radiators which don't cool worth a crap. They are constructed so shoddily that they all require a liquid epoxy coating be poured inside to stop the leaks and you know how well epoxy conducts heat... not worth a crap.
And the last place I'd get a radiator from is 1800radiator. No doubt they'd ship you a cheap radiator that would fail sooner than you'd think acceptable, nor is it likely to cool even close to how well the Mopar radiator does. Avoid too the inexpensive all-aluminum radiators which don't cool worth a crap. They are constructed so shoddily that they all require a liquid epoxy coating be poured inside to stop the leaks and you know how well epoxy conducts heat... not worth a crap.
Dang Jerry you are just a bright spot in my day
My Radiator shop is going to put me a top tank on mine, I called my rep from 1800radiator and they are sending me their top tier radiator.
We have had good luck with the ones for commercial trucks from them.
it will be my spare for those just incase moments.
I'd buy a Denso, slap it in...and spend the rest of your money on your fan clutch and water pump... maybe new hoses and making sure you still have constant tension clamps.
Maybe you'll get lucky. It's winter.
-Mac
Maybe you'll get lucky. It's winter.
-Mac
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