Radiator leak

[Travis05Rubi]

Pretty sure this is a pinhole leak in my radiator. I dont have any symptoms aside from a needle that hovers just at/above 210. Probably not enough of a loss to notice even. I only found it when removing my shroud during a body lift install.

Before I buy a radiator can I get another set of eyes on it to confirm?

Also, I would think Mopar radiator would be the wise choice?

 

[Travis05Rubi]

Seems Mopar replacement is discontinued? Suggested alternatives?

 

[bigjeffb]

Major consensus on the interwebs is that Denso is the best for aftermarket. Some have even said Denso were the Mopar manufacturers.

 

[06GEEP]

I recently replaced mine with a Denso. It is a very good brand and recommended on here by quite a few people. Mine fit perfectly and works great.

 

[Zorba]

I put a CSF in mine, back when THAT was the recommendation. Its fine so far, but ask me again in 20 years.

 

[KennethS]

Its fine so far, but ask me again in 20 years.

My original MOPAR radiator didn’t last that long.

 

[Zorba]

My original MOPAR radiator didn’t last that long.

Neither did mine - I'm not particularly impressed with Jeep radiators.

 

[KennethS]

Neither did mine - I'm not particularly impressed with Jeep radiators.

Not just Jeeps. All manufacturers are similar - plastic end tanks were a stupid design to start with.

 

[Irun]

I've installed numerous radiators and my picks are Koyo first, Denso 2nd. FWIW, the Koyo warranty on Rockauto is now 18 months and not lifetime. However, the Denso warranty is only 12 months.

Post in thread 'It just happened!'

May 21, 2025

Those of you that are paying attention here, I'll let you determine where this goes. Over the last 12 months I've been looking at the options for a replacement radiator, given the Mopar version is discontinued.

Below is a quick market snapshot of the most dependable 2003 TJ radiators now in RockAuto’s catalog (plus a few heavy-duty all-aluminum choices). These observations are based on multiple installs.

OE‑Fit Favorite
CSF 3244 OE‑Style Radiator

$115.76
RV and Auto Parts

OE Supplier
Denso 221‑9039 Radiator

$171.25
FR SPORT

Heavy Duty
CSF 2578...

• Irun

• 
• 

 

[Zorba]

Not just Jeeps. All manufacturers are similar - plastic end tanks were a stupid design to start with.

As I've pointed out before, I changed out my 36 year old Behr in the old MBZ because I thought it might be clogged, its plastic and never leaked. Now Blaine says that that's largely because the diesel engine just doesn't stress the thing, and I'm sure he's right - BUT - I really do think it should be possible to make a radiator for a TJ that doesn't crap out after 15 years. Nobody does apparently. I'd rather pay $1K for a radiator that I'd never have to worry about again, rather than waiting for a $200 radiator to crack at the most inconvenient time possible.

 

[ColoJeep]

Not just Jeeps. All manufacturers are similar - plastic end tanks were a stupid design to start with.

That said my 2004 Tacoma still has it's original radiator.

 

[Link]

We all love our Jeeps but Mopar isn’t known for quality. Buy a Denso radiator and move on with life.

 

[mrblaine]

As I've pointed out before, I changed out my 36 year old Behr in the old MBZ because I thought it might be clogged, its plastic and never leaked. Now Blaine says that that's largely because the diesel engine just doesn't stress the thing, and I'm sure he's right - BUT - I really do think it should be possible to make a radiator for a TJ that doesn't crap out after 15 years. Nobody does apparently. I'd rather pay $1K for a radiator that I'd never have to worry about again, rather than waiting for a $200 radiator to crack at the most inconvenient time possible.

You are being slightly disingenuous. I've got a guy about 15 miles from me that will build you that 1000 dollar radiator. Since he builds stupidly reliable radiators for all manner of offroad desert race vehicles, he has the durability side of it figured out very well and has for a very long time.

Let me know when you're ready to put your money where your mouth is and I post up his number.

 

[mrblaine]

We all love our Jeeps but Mopar isn’t known for quality. Buy a Denso radiator and move on with life.

Unless you live where we do. Not sure why we have to keep doing this, but I'll stay after it until you stop blanketly recommending that non cooling piece of shit.

 

[Link]

Unless you live where we do. Not sure why we have to keep doing this, but I'll stay after it until you stop blanketly recommending that non cooling piece of shit.

Your sample size of one is irrelevant.

 

[mrblaine]

Your sample size of one is irrelevant.

Not when it involved the Koyorad and the Denso and then I solved it by giving him a used Mopar.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/overheating-problem.79619/

And, I have solved every single TJ overheating or running hot problem over the last 15 years with generally nothing but Mopar parts, parts which by the way, have never failed a single time. There are a few outliers where we have tried other parts with some successes and a lot of failures.

What you missed as well is I have several friends who work on the TJ at mechanic shops. We network, we do our best to keep each other out of trouble and their experiences mirror mine perfectly. So no, I do not have an irrelevant sample size of one, I have a very long history and lots of work on the TJ cooling system which is also backed up with a lot of similar experiences from several others.

I derive zero benefit from any of this except to prevent precisely what you read in that 10+ page thread.

 

[Zorba]

You are being slightly disingenuous. I've got a guy about 15 miles from me that will build you that 1000 dollar radiator. Since he builds stupidly reliable radiators for all manner of offroad desert race vehicles, he has the durability side of it figured out very well and has for a very long time.

Let me know when you're ready to put your money where your mouth is and I post up his number.

Since I replaced the damn thing already, I'll wait. But when it blows again, I'll definitely be talking to you. I hate buying things over and over again.

 

[mrblaine]

I hate buying things over and over again.

Yeah, me too. Damn grocery stores suck having to go there more than once in a lifetime. And the cooking, oh my god, why can't we just do it once and be done with it? Don't even get me started on those damned gas stations.

 

[Zorba]

Yeah, me too. Damn grocery stores suck having to go there more than once in a lifetime. And the cooking, oh my god, why can't we just do it once and be done with it? Don't even get me started on those damned gas stations.

Yea - and I keep on having to henna my hair, die my beard, and wash my clothes!

 

[Travis05Rubi]

Opinions on hose clamps. Us the original or change for new? And if new brand/type suggestions.

Side question, what the actual name foe this type of clamp?