Water pump time

[OCJeepGirl]

2002 Wrangler X I6 manual. 120K miles
Don't hear this much but my Jeep is running cool. Actually running great, just about 20* cooler than usual. Also hearing intermittent slight hum on highway.
Figure water pump and thermostat likely stuck open. Making to do list of things to get done while I have cooling system apart.
Hoses are new (1 year) and thermostat and radiator are probably 10 years old after a failure and repair with what was available in the parking lot where it happened. Guess if you have to break down do it next to a Pep Boys.

Thinking:
Water pump Mopar
Thermostat 195* taking brand suggestions
Upgrade to all aluminum radiator
Fan clutch Have to take it off anyway
Idler pully
Tensioner pully
Serpentine belt

Anything I am missing?? Any items to skip?

As always thank you to this knowledgeable and supportive community
J

 

[taylormade73]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/

 

[OCJeepGirl]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/

Was just reading that. Very helpful. Wish more of the parts were still available. Getting tough to have an old Jeep.

 

[macleanflood]

Go with a Flowkooler sourced Robert Shaw thermostat. I went through two part store brands that didn't function new in the box.

Be prepared for a fight with the thermostat neck. It'll probably need sanded flat and the block might need a big file to smooth itself out. You need thread sealant and good RTV like Right Stuff.

-Mac

 

[Zorba]

Gates water pump is fine if you have problems sourcing OEM. Most here do not consider an aluminum radiator an "upgrade" - I have no opinion myself but I trust these guys. Denso is the currently recomended brand - I used a CSF when I replaced mine as THAT was the recommendation at the time - no problems as yet. Seems that most/all replacement water necks have coplanarity issues - Permatex is your friend.

 

[Woodrow]

...Most here do not consider an aluminum radiator an "upgrade" - I have no opinion myself but I trust these guys. Denso is the currently recomended brand...

Ditto. Although I don't completely understand this. It seems there are 2 issues with radiators:

1) durability. Plastic tanks as stock would seem a liability and in fact I have had multiple other Chrysler products with that style of radiator fail either at the plastic tank/core interface or because of the tank itself cracking.
2) heat exchange. This, on the surface doesn't seem too complicated. A aluminum core with similar size, fin count/spacing and should work. Being a relatively low output motor the 4.0 shouldn't tax a cooling system much.

All of this is a long way of saying I don't see why a well built, appropriately sized aluminum radiator shouldn't function correctly for a long time. I'll also note that the no name replacement radiator with plastic tanks in my '97 has been trouble free for 5 years despite a stroker that makes 25% more power than the stock 4.0.

 

[Zorba]

Ditto. Although I don't completely understand this. It seems there are 2 issues with radiators:

1) durability. Plastic tanks as stock would seem a liability and in fact I have had multiple other Chrysler products with that style of radiator fail either at the plastic tank/core interface or because of the tank itself cracking.
2) heat exchange. This, on the surface doesn't seem too complicated. A aluminum core with similar size, fin count/spacing and should work. Being a relatively low output motor the 4.0 shouldn't tax a cooling system much.

All of this is a long way of saying I don't see why a well built, appropriately sized aluminum radiator shouldn't function correctly for a long time. I'll also note that the no name replacement radiator with plastic tanks in my '97 has been trouble free for 5 years despite a stroker that makes 25% more power than the stock 4.0.

As far as I'm concerned, ALL common TJ radiators are both undersized and underbuilt. Apparently, there is a ~$1K custom builder whose products will actually go the distance. When mine craps out "next time", I'll be looking at that.

 

[Cossa]

Gates water pump is fine if you have problems sourcing OEM. Most here do not consider an aluminum radiator an "upgrade" - I have no opinion myself but I trust these guys. Denso is the currently recomended brand - I used a CSF when I replaced mine as THAT was the recommendation at the time - no problems as yet. Seems that most/all replacement water necks have coplanarity issues - Permatex is your friend.

FWIW... I agree with the Gates water pump. The new Mopars cost twice as much and are much inferior to the Gates. If you could find a NOS Mopar it might be worth the money IMHO.

 

[KennethS]

Maybe it's just because I'm cheap and lazy, but I would replace the thermostat and call it done.

 

[Moglocker]

Maybe it's just because I'm cheap and lazy, but I would replace the thermostat and call it done.

That’s all it needs.

 

[Harold&Cat]

After my radiator exploded , I've decided to change my radiator every 10 years whether it needs it or not . I went with the Koyorad radiator and Flowcooler thermostat and so far all is good .
I believe Mr Blaine recommended Northern Radiator if OEM cannot be found .

 

[OCJeepGirl]

Did I stumble on a good deal from an unexpected source:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/US-Moto...g-Fan-Clutch-22160/308010397#see-more-details

Also, I would happily pay 7$ not to fight!!
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12787349&cc=1386873&pt=13635&jsn=336

 

[KennethS]

Verify the shipping charge on Rock Auto as sometimes that negates the lower item price and brings the total in line with your local auto parts store.

Also, RA is a network of warehouses and if you buy multiple items they may ship from different locations, each with its own shipping charge. Sometimes you can select a different a brand so all the parts ship from the same warehouse to save on shipping charges.

 

[Harold&Cat]

That's funny , I bought my fan clutch from Home Depot ...lol

 

[TJ4Jim]

Gates water pump is fine if you have problems sourcing OEM. Most here do not consider an aluminum radiator an "upgrade" - I have no opinion myself but I trust these guys. Denso is the currently recomended brand - I used a CSF when I replaced mine as THAT was the recommendation at the time - no problems as yet. Seems that most/all replacement water necks have coplanarity issues - Permatex is your friend.

My gates hit 10 years last August.