In need of aluminum radiator

[GoldenGorilla]

Is it possible to recore the old one? Or are the plastic tanks part of the issue?

Typically the plastic tanks or joint of the plastic tank to the seam is the issue. A very small crack in the top tank is how my original died at 16-18 years of age. The core had no issues. Started to have some overheating issues and a slight sweet smell of coolant but had a hell of a time finding it.

I was fortunate to get a NOS Mopar replacement before they ran out of stock. This is going to be a problem for future me.

 

[lumberjacklloyd]

We keep doing this and will continue until it becomes less forgotten. The Denso ONLY works if you don't need a good radiator.

Well looking through all of what is available on RockAuto, I don't think there's a name I would trust more than a Denso. Spectre is the next closest thing?

What is the answer?

 

[Link]

Well looking through all of what is available on RockAuto, I don't think there's a name I would trust more than a Denso. Spectre is the next closest thing?

What is the answer?

Denso. I’d use a Spectre if I couldn’t get a Denso. You might find a OEM if you look hard enough and are willing to pay enough but I wouldn’t bother.

 

[mrblaine]

Well looking through all of what is available on RockAuto, I don't think there's a name I would trust more than a Denso. Spectre is the next closest thing?

What is the answer?

I don't know the answer. All I know is what this poor guy went through. If you read his story, all the bullshit involved and still want to run a Denso where it gets hot, that's on you. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/overheating-problem.79619/

 

[RubiTrux]

Mishimoto is known for their all aluminum radiators that can withstand the heat of the coolant exchanges in the engine (unlike the stock radiators with plastic that ware over time) plus they have a lifetime warranty so you can't go wrong with it! $500 is a small price to pay for a good reliable upgrade! https://www.mishimoto.com/jeep-wrangler-yj-tj-radiator-87-06.html

 

[jonny jeep]

I'll shortly be on 15 years with my Nissens rad. They are OEM for some brands so the quality is good. It was less than half the price of a Mopar rad when I bought it, and has lasted more years than the original rad did.

 

[Link]

@cb4017

From his post not long ago

“My original radiator blew it's top a few months ago. I ended up replacing it with a Denso radiator from Rock Auto.

My TJ is MT. Radiator was for an auto but still works fine. I did leave the plastic shipping plugs in the tranny cooling line ports.

No problem keeping my TJ cool this summer in the NV desert.”

 

[mrblaine]

@cb4017

From his post not long ago

“My original radiator blew it's top a few months ago. I ended up replacing it with a Denso radiator from Rock Auto.

My TJ is MT. Radiator was for an auto but still works fine. I did leave the plastic shipping plugs in the tranny cooling line ports.

No problem keeping my TJ cool this summer in the NV desert.”

I'm not sure where the confusion in all of this lies.
I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't sell radiators. I don't make a single dime one way or the other based on what radiator anyone runs. All I can do is report what we have found to work where it matters how well your cooling system works.

I've repeated this more times than is prudent, guys like Mac et al that live in the PNW don't need much of a radiator, other areas are similar. We do not live in one of those areas. We live where your cooling system has to be up to snuff and it is patently obvoius from the thread I linked that the Denso does not work here regardless of how much you want it to.

 

[Link]

I'm not sure where the confusion in all of this lies.
I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't sell radiators. I don't make a single dime one way or the other based on what radiator anyone runs. All I can do is report what we have found to work where it matters how well your cooling system works.

I've repeated this more times than is prudent, guys like Mac et al that live in the PNW don't need much of a radiator, other areas are similar. We do not live in one of those areas. We live where your cooling system has to be up to snuff and it is patently obvoius from the thread I linked that the Denso does not work here regardless of how much you want it to.

As I have said before, your sample size of one is statistically irrelevant. Plenty of Denso radiators working great in super hot areas. Every company puts out a defective product occasionally. Mopar puts out lots of defective junk too. The problem is, Mopar radiators are nearly impossible to find so alternatives are required. Denso makes good products and is an OE manufacturer for many parts as well as the aftermarket.

Buy it…don’t buy it….makes no difference to me. But LOTS of people have good experiences with Denso and will continue to do so despite your single bad experience you keep parroting like it’s gospel.

 

[mrblaine]

But LOTS of people have good experiences with Denso and will continue to do so despite your single bad experience.

If only that were true.

 

[JMT]

I replaced my ‘05 OEM radiator with a CSF classic style. No idea if it has longevity or lives up to hot weather. I think @Jamison C also has a CSF.

 

[lumberjacklloyd]

I don't know the answer. All I know is what this poor guy went through. If you read his story, all the bullshit involved and still want to run a Denso where it gets hot, that's on you. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/overheating-problem.79619/

I replaced my original radiator in 2014 with a genuine Mopar. I replaced the original water pump with a Mopar (metal impeller) last year. Replaced fan clutch with Hayden 2737 earlier this year. Block is as clean inside as this persons new engine; I have maintained it since 45k miles and original owner.

I cannot do so much as add grill inserts without highway engine temps increasing.

I was also sold that the Denso was a reliable option for when this Mopar needed to be replaced. dang

 

[Rygrego]

Are there any aluminum radiators that are decent that don’t require modifications for fitment snd shroud? 2006 Lj 4.0 auto

I installed a CSF 3 row from Rockauto over a year ago and couldn't be happier and no plastic tanks. It is a direct drop in with no issues. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8610232&cc=1386873&pt=2172&jsn=404

 

[Jamison C]

I replaced my ‘05 OEM radiator with a CSF classic style. No idea if it has longevity or lives up to hot weather. I think @Jamison C also has a CSF.

I have no dog in the fight here, but I have had a CSF radiator with the plastic tanks like OEM for four summers here with no issues. It gets 100°+ where I live. Can’t speak for longevity but I’m happy with my $80 radiator so far.

 

[John Cooper]

I to don't have a dog in this fight.

I had my top tank replaced when the OEM one split.

Had it done at a Qualified shop.

Still going strong.

 

[sam53]

I installed a mishimoio 9 years ago and it's been flawless

 

[GoldenGorilla]

I had my top tank replaced when the OEM one split.

Had it done at a Qualified shop.

More and more, I'm thinking this is the way - but where are the top tanks coming from in 10 years?

I think that's the hardest part. Years ago I read so many radiator threads when either looking at forced induction options or just needing to replace my radiator. Anytime an multi-row core came into the discussion, they all seemed to devolve into overheating on the trail or overheating on the highway. The thinking 10 years ago was that the lack of any aero coverage under the body to force an area of low pressure resulted in high pressure under the hood, which reduced the airflow flow through the radiator. You have probably seen your hood get floaty from time to time

I've had classic vehicles that were much older with more miles on their original radiators. Even an early 70s FIAT 850 spider that was still running it's original radiator at 30+ years of age. Put on some trick heads and 4 sidedraft webers to double the power - still fine.

I don't actually think the Mopar radiator is a good quality radiator. 15 years is OK, but not good service life. The fact we can't find a reliable replacement today is an embarassment with all the progress we've made in materials and manufacturing capabilities. Building a reliable radiator has been table stakes for 75 years.

 

[Daryl]

More and more, I'm thinking this is the way - but where are the top tanks coming from in 10 years?

https://www.thermprocesses.com/product_info.php?products_id=264

 

[TheBoogieman]

I to don't have a dog in this fight.

I had my top tank replaced when the OEM one split.

Had it done at a Qualified shop.

Still going strong.

Price?

 

[TheBoogieman]

Mishimoto is known for their all aluminum radiators that can withstand the heat of the coolant exchanges in the engine (unlike the stock radiators with plastic that ware over time) plus they have a lifetime warranty so you can't go wrong with it! $500 is a small price to pay for a good reliable upgrade!

Autozone Duralast radiators have a lifetime warranty too, so I wouldn't read too much into that.