Topic: Jeep TJ Sport - Leaking Radiator's

[RunsinLight]

I read a used review of the Jeep TJ's and it said there are no glaring mechanical problems but leaking radiators are common with them. Is this something that could lead to a radiator replacement if not dealt with? Doing a bit of research on  vehicle a friend purchased.

[Trainman]

I read a used review of the Jeep TJ's and it said there are no glaring mechanical problems but leaking radiators are common with them. Is this something that could lead to a radiator replacement if not dealt with? Doing a bit of research on  vehicle a friend purchased.

I would think if not dealt with could lead to some major motor work.  I had a small leak in a Bronco II, resulted in warped heads.  Not one of those items you want to ignore.

[AVToller]

I read a used review of the Jeep TJ's and it said there are no glaring mechanical problems but leaking radiators are common with them. Is this something that could lead to a radiator replacement if not dealt with? Doing a bit of research on  vehicle a friend purchased.

I would think if not dealt with could lead to some major motor work.  I had a small leak in a Bronco II, resulted in warped heads.  Not one of those items you want to ignore.

Ah, that explains a lot! I still like you anyway. 

[barrie1]

If its leaking in the core area you will have to pull the rad out to have it repaired. If you can do this yourself it will save you some money and I would also suggest checking the anti-freeze at the same time as it will be a empty rad to start all over with again. Also check the stat or replace it if its more then 2-3 years old as it will be good for the engine. I agree with not waiting very long as you don't need to be overheating your engine at anytime. 

[Arthur Dent]

Definitely needs to be fixed/repaced. You won't be popular with the neighbors if coolant leaks on the driveway and their pets drink it. As well over heating an engine is not great.

Radiator replacement is quite easy in a rwd setup like the Jeep so if you are feeling handy its not too hard.

Trainman - those heads on the Bronco IIs could warp themselves even without overheating. I had an 88 that overheated constantly and warped its heads. Nice enough vehicle otherwise (well except in crosswinds  )

[Trainman]

Trainman - those heads on the Bronco IIs could warp themselves even without overheating. I had an 88 that overheated constantly and warped its heads. Nice enough vehicle otherwise (well except in crosswinds  )

Yep, as I found out after a miss-diagnoses of why it was losing coolant (was told I needed a new coolant recovery tank but turns out they did not pressure test the rad and that is where the leak was.  Not a good feeling to watch the temp gauge peg itself on a -20 degrees Feb morning.)  From someone who has been there: get that rad fixed as soon as it shows any sign of leakage.

And it was a good bush truck, nice and small, could go almost anywhere.

[articsteve]

Year of vehicle might be helpful 

If this vehicle has AC then the rad re&re procedure is a B*TCH.  Just install a bottle of Bars Leak.

[Trainman]

Year of vehicle might be helpful 

If this vehicle has AC then the rad re&re procedure is a B*TCH.  Just install a bottle of Bars Leak.

Do you have to purge the AC system, then re-charge it?  Or can the rad be removed independently?

I ask as my Pathy's rad really needs to be cleaned, but with all the layers of coils (AC, rad, AT cooler) it looks like a nightmare.

[barrie1]

If its just a cleaning I would suggest a box of Baking soda in the rad asnd drive it for a week after. Flush with plenty of cold water with the drain vent open after. The Baking Soda will clean all the guck and sludge out like a dream and you will see the temp gauge drop quite a bit after the procedure is done. This will not hurt the rad in any way and is the cheapest way of flushing it there is. 

[Trainman]

If its just a cleaning I would suggest a box of Baking soda in the rad asnd drive it for a week after. Flush with plenty of cold water with the drain vent open after. The Baking Soda will clean all the guck and sludge out like a dream and you will see the temp gauge drop quite a bit after the procedure is done. This will not hurt the rad in any way and is the cheapest way of flushing it there is. 

Ooopps, I was not very clear.  The fins need to be cleaned out (dirt, bugs, etc), and some of them are behind the AC rad.

[barrie1]

Usually a good powerwasher should do this work with some what ease if done right. I blow the dirt from the front towards the rear with as much of the rad visible as possible. You can't get it all but will get enough to help the rad out a lot.