Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: Delk on March 27, 2015, 09:42:37 AM

Title: Radiator options
Post by: Delk on March 27, 2015, 09:42:37 AM
This is another small project that turned into a big mess.

I noticed that my mechanical fan center bearing was falling apart to I changed back to an electric fan that I used to have on my Jeep. This morning there was a large clatter followed by steam. I was close to work so didn’t look until I got in but it appears on blade has a bent tip and this put a small hole in the radiator.

The Jeep has a Griffin aluminium radiator and I will look at repairing it. But I have never been overly happy with it to start with. It cools fine especially when I used to live in hot climates but the cooling fins are really close together. It gets clogged with mud really easily and is a PIA to clean out.

I see some cheap options on the Bay but they have plastic tanks like the OEM one. Are these any good or are there any other options? Just looking for now and I still need to get home.

It all started when I installed a new cam position sensor. At least it runs well now but I ended up with other issues.  It was really cold with the top off but it goes really well and could pull three digits without a problem. 
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: bigjeepzj on March 27, 2015, 12:06:32 PM
It would find a local rad place and get a custom one built. Brass with copper core and large grill.
that's what I did. works better than a mass produced  Aly one.
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: wildwood on March 27, 2015, 01:37:40 PM
Got plastic res and alloy core job off eBay and it's been on for a year and no probs.

As I was LHD it cost £90 ......the RHD one was a wait job and £150 :jpshakehead:

I am guessing you are LHD?
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: IrishCJ6 on March 27, 2015, 01:52:45 PM
I have a Champion Ali rad from the US in mine, has been great and no issues whatsoever with heating. Well made as well. I also have the Ford V6 twin fan setup as well
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: Delk on March 27, 2015, 02:19:30 PM
My Jeep is a standard US model with left hand drive so that makes it a bit easier.

Even running a stroker in hot climates I didnt have a heating issue and only change the radiator because the tanks started leaking.

Its now sitting outside work with its own puddle.
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: Delk on March 27, 2015, 04:31:56 PM
It looks like Bulldog drove my Jeep home.

Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: Dave69 on March 27, 2015, 08:02:59 PM
It would find a local rad place and get a custom one built. Brass with copper core and large grill.
that's what I did. works better than a mass produced  Aly one.

these are designed for road use, after a period of time and off road abuse the copper tube and fin goes brittle and splits. you have more chance of welding ice with a blow lamp than fixing. (tried to get a rad for a cherokee fixed and the radiator builds took it as a challenge which they failed after an hour of trying)

Ally rad is more robust and if designed well will keep the coolant cool. Stainless is better but will cost you a fortune to make. Had one but basically gave it away due to having no use.

The plastic end caps are pressed on with normal bend over tabs to secure into place
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: Dutch on March 28, 2015, 11:51:47 AM
It looks like Bulldog drove my Jeep home.

Slight difference ........ you got home ........ under your own steam (excuse the pun)  :003:
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: Jonny Jeep on March 28, 2015, 07:41:27 PM
I have a Nissens rad in my TJ, plastic tank with ally core. I went with them as they are OEM for many brands so quality is good. I got mine from a local car spares place. There are LHD ones on ebay for £110.37.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JEEP-WRANGLER-Radiator-60993-4-ltr-08-1999-12-2001-/390477747330?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5aea499482
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: xr6jeeper on March 28, 2015, 10:43:54 PM
Any good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-3-ROW-ALL-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-1987-2006-JEEP-WRANGLER-YJ-TJ-2-4L-4-2L-/191540485454?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c98b3dd4e
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: willo on March 31, 2015, 06:04:23 PM
rad tec mate :)
Title: Re: Radiator options
Post by: Bulldog67 on March 31, 2015, 09:23:34 PM
It looks like Bulldog drove my Jeep home.

 :wave-fingersmiely: Cheeky swine  :hysterical: :hysterical: