radiator to sprinkler in one easy step...

[indiemo]

got home last night after a trip to the carwash and the grocery store. parked and noticed a whole lot of steam coming out of the hood. popped the hood and low and behold anti-freeze was spraying out of the back of my radiator and all over the engine. took a look behind the fan shroud and the backside of my radiator and the fins and everything were all rotted out. front side looked fine. so question one is: should my radiator be that corroded for only being 7 years old. question two: how much would a shop charge to put a new radiator in a 97 TJ. question three: should I consider doing this myself? i'm decent with a wrench, but I'm questioning if the mess and hassle will be worth it with limited tools and workspace.

 

[L33TJ33P]

Alright I need a Checklist.

I have replaced a Radiator on an 85 camaro. the Jeep can't be harder than that. and if you have something to catch the Anti-freeze then you shouldn't make too much of a mess. Just don't let the Dog or Cat come lick it up.

 

[Joopin]

Swapping in a new radiator is cake, go for it! It shouldn't take more than an hour on a nice day. Like L33T said, just catch that stuff with something... and go bury it in the woods... oops did I type that outloud?

 

[RAVEN13xxx]

I got a new radiator for my 97 TJ (and a free T-shirt) from www.radiatorbarn.com for about $169 for an all metal 4 core (none of this plastic stuff). The installation only took about 45mins with simply hand tools. I also replaced the water pump, t-stat (with a 180) and the hoses. Total cost was right around $250 not including my labor which was about 2 hours altogether.

 

[K_K_PSI_GUY]

Do it yourself. It is not that hard and you will save yourself at lease $100.-al

 

[indiemo]

thanks for the advice guys. just ordered my radiator from radiator warehouse...$160. should be here by Thursday. looking forward to having a project this weekend. any helpful hints to prevent mess or headaches?

 

[Snitty]

thats something i have to do before summer gets here

 

[skyjeeper]

i had to replace my radiator a litle while back. when i had it out i noticed the back side had these red patches. when i touched it the metal turned to a fine powder and floated into the air. i always thought that was wierd. had anyone else seen that?

 

[K_K_PSI_GUY]

Off topic, what I have been up to this winter!

thanks for the advice guys. just ordered my radiator from radiator warehouse...$160. should be here by Thursday. looking forward to having a project this weekend. any helpful hints to prevent mess or headaches?

While you are in there, change out the thermostat and add a good antifreeze.You will be fine. Oh, and BTW, don't forget to catch the old antifreeze in a container. Don't want your neighbors dog to drink that up.(Or do you? )-al

 

[nkdskls1978]

Im going to be doing my ratiator as soon as taxes come in.. i got a 97 tj and it leaks around the top seal like crazy... WHAT DOES THE 180 THERMO DO? ... right now it runs about 210 on my gauge.. Is that BAD?