A little radiator help.

[PhattyX]

I'm having some cooling problems and am looking into what to start doing. Basically, when running in 4wd or having the A/C on, the Jeep gets real hot, real quick. I'm looking into an electric fan, but would also like to address the radiator itself. Is there any way I can tell what radiator I have? It is a center fill, but is it only a 2-Row?

Since my motor came from a Wagoneer, I'm guessing that the radiator wouldn't fit and I still have a 2-Row factory radiator. Would a radiator from a 304 be a 3-Row or the same 2-Row? Does anyone have experience with 4-Row aftermarket radiators? I've found some "CJ Heavy Duty 4-Row" radiators for $160 - $190. Is that reasonable? My brother had his radiator "converted" to a 4-Row in his Challenger years back. Is that something that's still done?

Any other suggestions to upgrade the cooling system?

Any and all help is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

-X

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Putting in a larger capacity/increased flow radiator is only a bandaid fix for your real problem. I'd find out why it's overheating besides looking for a radiator upgrade.

Radiator shops are still rebuilding radiators with more rows than stock, but sometimes it's cheaper to buy new. I'd find out what jeep had a 3-core and order one from www.radiatorbarn.com .

 

[88Wrangles]

That's true Bounty, but the radiator could easily be the problem.

I'd first take it to a radiator shop and have them pressure test it (and the cap) and see if it's just dirty or plugged. Also check the thermostat...since they're so simple and cheap anyways.

 

[wrangler4meplease]

Radiator, I'm having the same problem

 

[LBR]

AT Tires

Putting in a larger capacity/increased flow radiator is only a bandaid fix for your real problem. I'd find out why it's overheating besides looking for a radiator upgrade.

Amen! Has this problem always been there, did it happen all at once or has it creeped up slowly? Sounds like this isn't a stocker beings it has a different engine in it. Could be several common things besides the radiator being plugged....thermostat partially closed, lower hose delaminated internally, lack of a shroud, slipping fan belt, bad clutch fan. More abstract things that are unlikely are steam pockets in cooling passages or a head gasket blown between the cylinder and a coolant passage can attribute to the Jeep and owner both having a rising temperature! Runs OK thru the RPM ranges? A restricted exaust system (crushed pipe, muffler collapsed internally) or excessively retarded timing can cause overheating too, but the rig will also run like crap. All are easy to troubleshoot before buying a new radiator just to find out that the purchase wasn't necessary. Hope this helps as I've experienced all of these at one time or another. LBR

 

[ndnatty]

RE: Re: New wheels

I had the same problem on my 304. Figured it was the radiator, but I also didn't have the fan shroud on it, and the thermostat needed replacing. Since I had the money I just replaced it all and now it cools too well! I think the fan shroud made a world of difference in cooling the engine. All that I replaced was still cheaper than buying a new electric fan. I still have the old radiator though if you need one...

 

[wrangler4meplease]

RE: Re: RE: A little radiator help.

did it happen all at once or has it creeped up slowly?

My Brother & myself were up wheeling in the mud & snow when he just happened to glance over & see that the temp was getting scary, I immediately flicked on the heater & after a few mins shut her down. There's alot of corrosion in there, I've flushed it a few times but it needs replaced. 1st I thought it was the clutch fan (replaced that along with the thermostat).
So yeah I'm just hoping this one will last until I can afford a new one. I live in the sticks so I can't have it down while it's in a radiator shop.
Anyway, good luck I hope you get it[/i]

 

[LVRockCrawler]

when i moved out to vegas from Orlando my 91 had the same prob.... went and took it to a rad. shop to have the whole system cleaned, the rad. rodded and cored, new thermostat/hoses... (lived in an apt. then so i couldnt work on it much myself) - $125 later never had another problem... even in 115 deg. heat running the compressor....

 

[PhattyX]

RE: Re: RE: Aging Jeep- For 2000 and up jeep owners

Thanks for all the replies, guys. It looks like I already have a three row radiator in it. I just replaced the thermostat. The first time I checked to see if it worked, it did. Friday night, however, when I checked, it didn't. So, I'm thinking that was my problem, but I haven't had a good chance to put it under load. I also don't have a shroud on it at all. I scored a Taurus fan for $15 from a yard, so I'm going to wait until that's in and see how the shroud fits to determine whether to mess with it.

-X