I just got back from Ace Hardware and basically got the parts to do something similar.
What did you do to your TJ today?
- Thread starter LJRubiconGuy
- Start date
I just got back from Ace Hardware and basically got the parts to do something similar.
Put my top back up and the 1/2 door uppers in, since it's supposed to rain tomorrow.
Pretty sure that I need a new radiator. This is the Jeep that sat in a garage for 3 years. I think there's too much rust on the inside that it is just a matter of time before this one goes out. I basically did this Thermocure flush and got clear water to drain out. I was about to do 4 flushes of distilled water, but I checked the top of the radiator knowing that there is nothing but water in there. And I found a rusted mess.
So, what does the hive mind think? Should I just go ahead and get a new radiator?
So, what does the hive mind think? Should I just go ahead and get a new radiator?
From that photo, I'm not convinced much of any liquid is passing through, certainly not with any efficiency...that core looks clogged.
Which would explain why it starts to overheat after about 40 minutes.
After flushing out the entire cooling system with tap water, I have done 4 flushes with distilled water. It is still coming out slightly brown. I'm guessing that the rusted out radiator is just continually leaching more rust. I will be doing 1 more fill with distilled water and then circulating it. After that, I'm not touching the cooling system until I get a new radiator installed. Then, I'll do 1-2 more distilled water flushes to get out the remaining rusty water. I'll put the thermostat back in, and fill it up with radiator flood at a 50/50 mix.
I would recommend getting anti-freeze in there now, rather than waiting until you're ready to replace the radiator. You want rust inhibitors in the system ASAP. I recently posted why in another thread:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/cooling-system-cleanliness.72024/post-1370893
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/cooling-system-cleanliness.72024/post-1370893
Kiwi TJ
I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Not sure if anybody else is torn like this where I know I need to work on my Jeep … but I will put up with the problem as I enjoy driving it too much I don’t want it off the road 
Anyway that being said I think I fixed my dash lights last night …..again …maybe lol
It was 32 F in my garage while I was working on it with numb fingers haha
Anyway that being said I think I fixed my dash lights last night …..again …maybe lol
It was 32 F in my garage while I was working on it with numb fingers haha
SeaJeep97
Member
My older friend sent me photos of his 427 parked in Bakersfield from right after he got it. He said that he added the roll bar soon after.
The car was stolen from a school parking lot while he was at the AF academy.
Not sure if anybody else is torn like this where I know I need to work on my Jeep … but I will put up with the problem as I enjoy driving it too much I don’t want it off the road
Anyway that being said I think I fixed my dash lights last night …..again …maybe lol
It was 32 F in my garage while I was working on it with numb fingers haha
View attachment 446622
I've had mine in the garage more than on or off road as I've built it. Almost there and then it will be my main ride. I love driving this tj.
Kiwi TJ
I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy every minute
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Replaced the fan clutch. 2791 this time.
What’s up with these things? Mine is 3 years old with maybe 10k miles. It was free spinning.
What’s up with these things? Mine is 3 years old with maybe 10k miles. It was free spinning.
I got anti freeze in there now. It is only a 40/60 ratio of antifreeze/distilled water, but it's better than nothing.
This should keep the rust at bay until I can replace the radiator. Which I sorely need to do because that rusty radiator is just leaching rust everywhere. I put the coolant in the radiator and while it was burping out the air bubbles, I could see the coolant already turning slightly rust colored.
Once I get the new radiator in, I may do the entire Prestone+Thermocure process again since then I won't have a dirty radiator contaminating the entire cleaning process.
Not sure if anybody else is torn like this where I know I need to work on my Jeep … but I will put up with the problem as I enjoy driving it too much I don’t want it off the road
Anyway that being said I think I fixed my dash lights last night …..again …maybe lol
It was 32 F in my garage while I was working on it with numb fingers haha
View attachment 446622
I was at the Ford dealer yesterday looking around while my van was getting some warranty work and I think I found your TJ's long lost brother.
