Opinions on CSF radiators

[Jamison C]

So when I bought my TJ the PO had mentioned that the radiator had been replaced because the original one developed a crack. It looks OEM but it’s actually a CSF 3244. It flows well; I sat in stop-and-go traffic for about two hours On Sunday in 85 degree weather and it didn’t overheat at all. I also did a couple of technical trails later that day and no issues there either.

My question is about reliability. Is this thing a ticking time bomb that should be replaced with a Mopar unit? Or do you think it’s sturdy enough to run? Reviews look good, but those are usually written right after install, and not after some use.

Thread relating to one of their copper/brass units.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/another-reason-why-you-should-always-use-the-oem-radiator.4248/

 

[L0jik]

"If it aint broke don't fix it"
This is a key mentality.
Having a couple bucks on hand in case the radiator fails might be a smart move, but like you said, its not overheating, so why mess with it?

 

[pagrey]

I'd keep it. Most of the horror stories are all aluminum or copper multi row creations. What you have is a stock style radiator which is probably fine. Truth is Jeep isn't going to make the factory part forever and all of us might have to run something like what you have in the future.

 

[Jamison C]

I'd keep it. Most of the horror stories are all aluminum or copper multi row creations. What you have is a stock style radiator which is probably fine. Truth is Jeep isn't going to make the factory part forever and all of us might have to run something like what you have in the future.

Well I'll keep you guys updated on how it holds up over the AZ summer! It looks well built, I would have never guessed it wasn't a Mopar unit. It's less than $100 most places, so it would be a nice option once factory production stops.

 

[Rubihara443]

I had great luck with CSF radiators in different XJs I have owned in the past. Would not be afraid to run one in an LJ/TJ.

 

[Jamison C]

I had great luck with CSF radiators in different XJs I have owned in the past. Would not be afraid to run one in an LJ/TJ.

Yeah I should clarify I’m not worried about cooling ability. It seemed to handle that just fine. I’m just thinking structural integrity and build quality.

Glad to hear someone with first-hand experience has good results.

 

[Gia]

Well I'll keep you guys updated on how it holds up over the AZ summer! It looks well built, I would have never guessed it wasn't a Mopar unit. It's less than $100 most places, so it would be a nice option once factory production stops.

Did it hold up long term? Looking at the CSF 3244 as potential replacement.

 

[Jamison C]

I’m still using CSF in my current Rubi. I’ve had it for three years now with no issues. I started having an overheating issue this summer but it ended up being a failed thermostat. Been fine since.

 

[macleanflood]

What thermostat did you use?

-Mac

 

[jjvw]

I’m still using CSF in my current Rubi. I’ve had it for three years now with no issues. I started having an overheating issue this summer but it ended up being a failed thermostat. Been fine since.

How many miles have you put on it?

 

[Jamison C]

What thermostat did you use?

-Mac

I think a Murray from O’Reillys because I needed one quick. But it was stamped Motorad, go figure. It’s working fine so far.

 

[Jamison C]

How many miles have you put on it?

No clue.

 

[JMT]

How many miles have you put on it?

I’ve got 1,800 miles on my CSF radiator. Works great. Highly recommended.

- Another helpful Amazon review

 

[TheBoogieman]

I’ve got 1,800 miles on my CSF radiator. Works great. Highly recommended.

- Another helpful Amazon review

That's less than 2 months of driving for me.

 

[Zorba]

Mine's been in place for one year with no issues. Big whoop. Ask me in 20...

 

[jjvw]

Mine's been in place for one year with no issues. Big whoop. Ask me in 20...

How many miles on it?

 

[Zorba]

How many miles on it?

About 3,000. As me when its 300,000!

 

[JMT]

The

How many miles on it?

I’ve got 2300 miles on mine!