replace radiator?

[rcolman]

I am having some overheating issues on my 1999 Cherokee Sport Classic.

My mechanic says he is measuring a 40 degree temperature difference, top to bottom, on the radiator, using a pyrometer.

He says that it may be partially clogged, with overheating may be caused by restricted flow through the radiator.

Should I replace it, and with what?

TNX.

 

[45shutr]

I had the same issue a few years ago and replaced my radiator with a 3 row brass and copper radiator. It is way to cool in the winter and my gas mileage suffers, therefore when it gets cold I tape off the vents in the grill to restrict airflow and increase temp. It is nice to have in the dead of summer. If I had to do it all over again I would have put in a 2 row and bought an adjustable fan switch. Or run a 1 row radiator and installed vents in my hood. Just my 2 cents.

 

[birchlakeXJ]

Replace it. With a 2 or 3 row all metal radiator.

While you are doing that, consider replacing the water pump. And fan clutch if it's been a while. Pop on a new 16 pound radiator cap and new hoses if necessary and you have a rebuilt cooling system.

This stuff wears out.

 

[cj5wagomando]

I put a new stock replacement radiator in my 87 wagoneer limited last summer after a blown head gasket/cracked head from not wanting to spend the money on a radiator.... so I got to buy a new head as well. My elec fan does not even work and I cannot get the engine over 200 degrees. A new radiator will definately be an improvement even without any other changes but if you have the time and money....do the pump at least at the same time.

dave

 

[solomon7]

Yes. Absolutely.
One of these. The 2 row unless you wheel hard or in the heat.
http://radiatorbarn.com/search.php?product=radiator

Hard to find a good price on CSFs nowadays but these guys have great prices. I"m rockin the 2 row. It's built considerably better than the stock i.e. no plastic; just copper and brass.

 

[Original_MudButt]

Do it right... These guys know a lot about cooling down the XJ.... Here in Ca. we don't need to worry about over-cooling. They're great to deal with as well...


http://dpgoffroad.com/products/csf-hd-radiator-jeep-wrangler-97-06-2/

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

Replace it. With a 2 or 3 row all metal radiator.

While you are doing that, consider replacing the water pump. And fan clutch if it's been a while. Pop on a new 16 pound radiator cap and new hoses if necessary and you have a rebuilt cooling system.

This stuff wears out.

Don't forget the thermostat while you're in there as well!

 

[GREGLADA]

Do it right... These guys know a lot about cooling down the XJ.... Here in Ca. we don't need to worry about over-cooling. They're great to deal with as well...


http://dpgoffroad.com/products/csf-hd-radiator-jeep-wrangler-97-06-2/

I put in a three row CSF from http://dpgoff-road.com/ (Dirk is a great guy to deal with) I have heard several people say they need to cover the front of the radiator in the winter to get it hot but mine works great all year round. Even in the worst weather it runs at normal temp after only a couple miles. keeps it cool on the hottest days as well.

 

[birchlakeXJ]

Don't forget the thermostat while you're in there as well!

Excellent point. I missed one of the most critical components. Fresh thermostat is a must. 195 is the best for most stock applications. I like stats purchased from Jeep and also like the Stant SuperStat.