Radiator replacement

LOU7484

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Original poster
Joined
Mar 27, 2019
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Location
NE Ohio
I'm getting ready to replace a leaky radiator (crack along the top. I've had bo overheating issues si I'm thinking of leaving the thermostat alone. My question is would it be a good idea to do a complete flush (reservoir, heater core and engine block) before I refill the new rad? Someone also suggested replacing water pump but I subscribe to if it ain't broke don't fix it. Would using s 'flush kit' simplify things? The last time I changed over a radiator was on my '56 Ford when I was a senior in high school in 1963 so I'm pretty much a novice. And this is my first jeep. I want to keep this as simple as possible as I have age, arthritis and various other issue working against me. Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated. My jeep is an '04 lj, auto and AC. Thanks.
 
Flush it out. Also, a water pump is basically a wear item. Those impeller vanes will wear over time and lose efficiency. If you have over 75k miles I would seriously think about it. Hoses too.
 
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All good tips. Thank you. After much thought and a lot of input from the better half I've decided to let our local Jeep 4x4 shop do the work. Budgetary constraints are going to force me to roll the dice on the water pump for now.
 
Water pumps don't seem to fail as often since serpentine belts came along. I don't replace them unless they leak.
 
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Yes, I've noticed that too. I think that is because the serpentine belt has a spring tensioner on it. With a regular v belt you can crank the snot out of the belt and apply a whole lotta side tension that the bearings and seals dont like.