Radiator Question

[Never Old]

I know I haven't really been active on the forums since the engine in my jeep died, but I recently got a replacement engine (151 L4) and was wondering if I could put a larger radiator in it , specifically this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C7QHYY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER. The mechanic that is helping me suggested that I take the old radiator to a shop to check if it still works correctly, which it happens to be full of holes, and I would hate to buy a radiator that won't fit the existing bolt holes.
Thanks in advance, Cody

 

[PoliceMonkey161]

Cody,

Yes, that radiator will fit in your grill assembley. Will it work (cool effiecently), yes. However, you may have a plumbing can of worms. I'm personally not that experienced with the 151 CJ's? You would need to consider the discharge and suction I.D. hose size of your pump vs. the bigger radiator. Not to mention routing the hoses if the return bulkhead is in a different location. Make no mistake, it can be done, its a matter of how much fab work do you want to do?

Have you search any salvage yards in your area for a replacement radiator? When you say your exisiting radiator has holes, what are we talking about? Like holes punched in it? Or have the seems started to leak or pin holes (both easily repairable by a good shop) ? Having your radiator re-soldered/brazed would likely be more cost effective than a replacement.

 

[Never Old]

Seeing as the engine is new I would rather buy a new radiator than risk grabbing one from a salvage yard that might have problems. The current radiator has a lot of holes that have appeared because of rust and it would cost more to repair than to buy a replacement. The current radiator can and will work for test runs but as for driving it back to my house (20 miles), it will most likely overheat.

 

[jfrabat]

I put a V8 radiator on my I4 engine... When mudding, radiators get clogged up fairly easily, so you need extra cooling capacity so that even half the radiator has enough cooling capacity to keep the engine running (even so, I have had to turn the heater on to help on occasions). But the plumbing part you need to figure out (make sure that the hoses fit and run properly).