I own a 2005 jeep wrangler TJ. I am not great at mechanics, but have followed you tube videos before and have successfully replaced the starter on this Jeep which was pretty difficult and recently the vapor canister purge valve which was pretty easy. From these pictures, I have a few questions. As anyone can see there is a hole in the radiator, so I know that it needs to be replaced. Wondering what everyone suggest as the best brand to trust when it comes to ordering a radiator for this Jeep. In one of these pictures is a hose that sits behind the radiator and to the right. It is not hooked to anything. Should it be?? Last question is the third picture. There is a cord with a plug at the end. It is near the canister purge valve and is also not connected to anything?? We had the engine replaced on this Jeep around 2012. My husband and I at the time were completely ignorant when it came to our cars. The engine that was installed was a new Chevy engine. The company that installed it went out of business very soon after. Anyway, I am looking for some answers because I have just moved back to St Augustine, FL after my husband passed away last October and I don’t know who to trust as far as finding a good mechanic here!!
Radiator help
- Thread starter Granma Mechanic Wannabe
- Start date
Probably Denso.
The hose with the white end is the front differential vent hose. Yours is missing the end cap.
These will work as replacements for those breather caps...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XHBY38X?tag=wranglerorg-20
I'd second the Denso vote.
You might want to refresh the entire cooling system...
Nothing terribly hard to do here...if you've done a starter and evap solenoid this will be more involved but doable. I don't trust mechanics. I think the hardest part for me was getting the thermostat housing sealed back up...the block and new housing needed sanded/filed flat.
-Mac
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XHBY38X?tag=wranglerorg-20
I'd second the Denso vote.
You might want to refresh the entire cooling system...
Nothing terribly hard to do here...if you've done a starter and evap solenoid this will be more involved but doable. I don't trust mechanics. I think the hardest part for me was getting the thermostat housing sealed back up...the block and new housing needed sanded/filed flat.
-Mac
KennethS
TJ Addict
I bought a Murray radiator with a lifetime warranty from the local O’Reilly auto parts store. I figured if anything goes wrong with it, the parts store is nearby so I will be able to get a replacement easily.Been working fine for several years in the Phoenix 110 degree summers.
I was forced to get one in Moab a few years ago. Also still working fine.
A new Chevy engine? Looks like a Jeep 2.4 to me.
Radiator is easy but no idea your skill level or what tools you possess. Is it a manual or automatic? If manual, you probably won’t be able to find a manual radiator. But, that’s ok…you just install it and don’t worry about the transmission cooler lines.
When my radiator crapped out, I went with a Denso. Working great. Flush the entire system with distilled water several times and then when you refill, use a 50/50 mix of Zerex GO5 coolant.
Radiator is easy but no idea your skill level or what tools you possess. Is it a manual or automatic? If manual, you probably won’t be able to find a manual radiator. But, that’s ok…you just install it and don’t worry about the transmission cooler lines.
When my radiator crapped out, I went with a Denso. Working great. Flush the entire system with distilled water several times and then when you refill, use a 50/50 mix of Zerex GO5 coolant.
These will work as replacements for those breather caps...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XHBY38X?tag=wranglerorg-20
I'd second the Denso vote.
You might want to refresh the entire cooling system...
Nothing terribly hard to do here...if you've done a starter and evap solenoid this will be more involved but doable. I don't trust mechanics. I think the hardest part for me was getting the thermostat housing sealed back up...the block and new housing needed sanded/filed flat.
-Mac
I thank you for all of this incredible advise. I am going to challenge myself and take your advise on refreshing the entire cooling system.
It's a manual. We were told that its a chevy engine, but again, the company we used went out of business within the month after we picked it up. I don't know my skill level either. I will try anything as long as I find a good video and follow it step by step. Sometimes I surprise myself and sometimes I have to get a professional to clean up what I've messed up. LOL I would love to find a mechanics class for beginners here in St. Augustine.
There are Chevy engine conversions that were done to Jeep TJs so that’s why I asked. Wasn’t sure if that was a typo or what.
You won’t be able to find a new manual radiator (most likely) but don’t sweat it. You just install an auto radiator and don’t use the trans cooler.
A total pic of the engine bay will help us know what you got. Based on your pics I am pretty sure you have the 2.4 Jeep engine but an overall pic will confirm or deny it.
It's a 2.4. You can tell from the timing belt inspection cover. 2.4 for sure.
That’s what I think too but I don’t own a 2.4 so am not as familiar with that engine so didn’t want to make an absolute statement and end up steering the OP wrong. Also the pic of the brake master cylinder appears to show the intake manifold of a 2.4
These will work as replacements for those breather caps...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XHBY38X?tag=wranglerorg-20
I'd second the Denso vote.
You might want to refresh the entire cooling system...
Nothing terribly hard to do here...if you've done a starter and evap solenoid this will be more involved but doable. I don't trust mechanics. I think the hardest part for me was getting the thermostat housing sealed back up...the block and new housing needed sanded/filed flat.
-Mac
The part in the Amazon link is what I used when I needed to replace some vents. That vent in the OPs pic is the front differential vent. I used zip ties to keep it on.
Where can you find a Denso Radiator and tranny cooler for $135? Thas a great price from what i can find.
8 months ago, the OEM radiator (in my 2006 2.4L) finally died after 18+ years in the surface-of-the-sun heat of South Florida. Surprised it lasted that long — regular flushings and TLC always helps extend the life.
Install was a piece of cake — flawless from beginning to end — guaranteed my first without SOME issue. None. Did 98% of the work myself — a friend helped me lower it into position. Dropped in like a glove — perfect fit. Mount holes plus the holes for the fan shroud, perfectly lined up. Brass petcock. New hoses top and bottom. (since I was moving to New Mexico, I performed some preventative maintenance and replaced the stock fan with a SPAL 16" 2,500 cfm puller — added the Champion aluminum shroud — huge difference)
My son-in-law has had two Champions for years — his CJ and '48 Ford pickup — zero issues.
Champion Cooling Systems is based in Lake Elsinore, California — they're highly regarded — known for producing high-performance, all-aluminum radiators for various vehicles, including race/muscle cars and classic trucks.
Champion 2-Row - https://www.championradiators.com/Jeep-Wrangler-radiators-1987-2006
SPAL 16" 2,500 cfm puller - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spu-ix-30102113#overview
Great thanks, I found one at the local NAPA ($278) and they price match. Just need to bring in a printout form Rock Auto ($105). Exact same part number from Denso.
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