What aftermarket radiator is best (2 core/3 core) what manu???

[Big Red]

What's the best aftermarket radiator out there for a replacement for an open system on my 91' xj? I have a 4.0L/aw4/231 with 35's and 4.56 gears. My radiator gave me problems yesterday when I was ready to wheel with my buds in the Sierra Chapter. The radiator cap and C bend pipe that goes into the raditor is lose to the point where I can pull the bent pipe/radiator cap lose of my radiator. It doesn't look like the pipe broke, just somehow worked its way lose.

Anyhow, what radiator is a good 1 to use (2 core/3 core)? I did hours of searching on this site and others and couldn't find a unanimous answer. What brand, part# etc? Lots of people say 3 core, but these have small passages I've been reading. Other say 2 core NAPA from Modine. Others GSI/CSF? My stock OEM radiator was working fine, but now with the pipe coming lose and no pressure, my system overheated. What should I get???
Please advise.
thanks...Troy

[Big Red]

What's the best aftermarket radiator out there for a replacement for an open system on my 91' xj? I have a 4.0L/aw4/231 with 35's and 4.56 gears. My radiator gave me problems yesterday when I was ready to wheel with my buds in the Sierra Chapter. The radiator cap and C bend pipe that goes into the raditor is lose to the point where I can pull the bent pipe/radiator cap lose of my radiator. It doesn't look like the pipe broke, just somehow worked its way lose.

Anyhow, what radiator is a good 1 to use (2 row/3 row)? I did hours of searching on this site and others and couldn't find a unanimous answer. What brand, part# etc? Lots of people say 3 core, but these have small passages I've been reading. Other say 2 row NAPA from Modine. Others GSI/CSF? My stock OEM radiator was working fine, but now with the pipe coming lose and no pressure, my system overheated. What should I get???
Please advise.
thanks...Troy

[RichP]

Save a lot of research, opinions, etc. If you want a good rad, one that fits, just go pickup a modine, don't get the one with plastic tanks, get the brass one, HD 2 core and you will be just fine...
If you have DEEP pockets then go look at those $500 aluminum one's..

[dyna]

I had put a GDI 3 row in my 95 a while ago. It was Ok, didnt cure anything as far as heating issues, kinda cheap lookin. If i had to do it again Id get the Modine also.

[Big Red]

How much does the Modine 2 row cost and can you get it at Napa Auto Parts? My OEM was working fine until the whole filler neck came out of my radiator. Also I've been reading that the 2 rows, like stock will be easier to fit like the OEM rather than the 3 rows that are pretty thick. I got a new xj auxillary fan too, but might get the 1 people talk about on ebay "Zolex" or something like that I think it's called. I think the 14" will fit and put out enough juice. You can easily hook up the aux fan to a toggle switch right?

Thanks Rich and Dyna for your quick response. I was already to wheel with my boys in the Sierra Chapter and I couldn't keep up to them with my xj overheating heading up into the Sierras.
Troy

[JBrobeck]

Modine all Brass HD 2 row is what I just put in mine, I have an 89 but have converted to an open system, and it has never cooled better, the radiator was about $150 from Napa and came with all the necessary fittings, looks to be built VERY well also.

Josh

[Big Red]

Modine all Brass HD 2 row is what I just put in mine, I have an 89 but have converted to an open system, and it has never cooled better, the radiator was about $150 from Napa and came with all the necessary fittings, looks to be built VERY well also.

Josh

I see some from RadiatorBarn for $113 for a 2 core, do you think it looks good:

http://www.radiatorbarn.com/s7.asp?ac=Y&year=1991&make=JEEP&model=CHEROKEE&submodel=ALL+MODELS&engine_size=L6%2C4.0L%2C242ci

So the Modine just dropped in? Are you guys getting new hoses from the Dealer when swapping in a new radiator? How much and how many hoses you need?
Troy

[RichP]

The advantage of the OEM hoses is that they come with a spring in the lower hose, both rad hoses also come with the external hose protectors already there. If you do the heater hoses at the same time the OEM one's also come with the clamps already on them...
Every modine I have ever used has always been a drop in fit with all the holes lining right up which is handy for the fan shroud. Did a gdi on our YJ and the shroud holes were way off and missing two...so much for saving $30, took me over an hour to rig that setup to work right....

[xtremewlr]

Modine all Brass HD 2 row is what I just put in mine, I have an 89 but have converted to an open system, and it has never cooled better, the radiator was about $150 from Napa and came with all the necessary fittings, looks to be built VERY well also.

Josh

Running the same setup here. Modine HD 2 row in my '89 with the open system conversion. I replaced all the hoses, water pump, overflow tank, t-stat housing and t-stat and some other things while I was at it. Best $450 (total price for everything) I ever spent. The radiator itself was around $150 from a local radiator shop.

[XJCasper]

Sorry for the stupid, non searching, question.

What is the difference between my stock and an "Open system"?

Thanks

[bigo]

some of the early radiators had no cap and you filled the radiator thru the recovery container. I put a 3 row in my 91 and got it thru www.radiators.com I had it shipped UPS next day and radiator and shipping and tax came to $122.00. I have had it in for about 2 years and 50K miles and no problems. I also pull my boat with the XJ and going to the 3 row stopped all of my overheating problems. It's a good radiator for a cheap price.
Big O

[herreraxto]

i just check whit napa and is about 200 the modine one unles is a different one does any one have the part number

[copperhead]

I got a quote of $135, from NAPA. The parts person told me that they only carried 1 type for the XJ, but now that I am thinking about it, he might of been refering to the closed system type raiator. I'll have to double check.

Copperhead

[herreraxto]

or unless that the prices change on the internet, i search it for a 91 xj

[Big Red]

So the 2 row does just fine? I heard that the 3 row is a bit wider causing a problem sometimes with fitting it and the fans. Also the internal tubing in the radiator will be a little smaller causing it to clog easier. I like an easy install, so even if the Modine is a bit more than I can find on the internet with free shipping, I think I will go with it. How much do you guys remember it costing to replace the OEM radiator hoses from the dealer? I want to do those too when I'm in there and get a new 195 t-stat. Thanks for all the feedback guys, you all rock.
Troy

[Starboard M]

I have the 3 row CSF from dpgoffroad.com. It fits fine and does not have a problem with hitting the fan or anything. It dropped right in and I think it cured my overheating problems.

[Atl XJ]

I just wanted the throw in another plug for the Modine 2 rows. Mine went in very easily, is very well built, and gave me a noticeable improvement over my stock single row with only 67K on it. The stock one's cooling was fine but I've noticed a big increase in cooling efficiency with the Modine 2 row. Oh yeah, mine is all brass as well.

[RichP]

Well, when I bought the hoses I got a bunch of other stuff too, plugs, wires, cap and rotors for both TJ's 4 bangers, complete hoses for my 98XJ 4.0, new idlers, serpentine belts for both tj's. I think the hoses, tstat and pressure cap came to somewhere around $75 for all of them from the local dodge dealer [they can order jeep parts with your vin number], Upper and lower rad hoses, two heater hoses, tstat and cap, maybe 3 caps, I think I bought 3 to do the TJ's too. It is not unresonable for what you get...
Tip: when removing the old heater hoses move the clamp off the heater core bungs and use a sharp razor knife to slit them off the bungs, don't pull them or twist them off, you might break the bung and then have a real nitemare on your hands.
Also if you plan on doing a cooling flush install the prestone T fitting on the old hoses before you start the cooling system R&R, use the 7 hour prestone flush to clean it all out. Then install all the new stuff...
I use Mopar coolant from the dealer and I also use distilled water to make up my mix..

[Gridikal]

can easily hook up the aux fan to a toggle switch right?heres a thread I had on that a while back
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34742
hth

[Big Red]

Thanks for all the tips Rich. I heard about breaking off the heater bungs. Really sucks. Where are they located anyways? I'll go to Napa and get the Modine 2 row like you said. My bro things that Napa will have/could get the OEM radiator hoses. Is that true or do you need to get them from the dealer? So there are 2 radiator hoses and 2 heater hoses that I need to get from the dealer?
Troy

[Big Red]

heres a thread I had on that a while back
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34742
hth

thanks.. The aux fan just kicks on and kicks on and then kicks off. I want a fan that I can also run when I turn the engine off, but leave the key forward to run everything but turn on the starter. Is it bad to be under 200-210 for the 4.0L? I heard that 160 or so will mean your vehicle is in the start up/warm up mode and you will run rich. Is there any benefit to not running a t-stat to stay cool? I removed mine when I was overheating and it ran at about a 1/4 guage 150 F or so on the highway and when I slowed down to residentual streets, the temp climbed fast with the loss of fluid/leak in the radiator.
Troy

[Gridikal]

yeah I have it wired so that I can turn the fan on without having to have the engine running. Makes it nice to be able to keep air on the engine after a hard climb while you take a break.

[Fergie]

My vote is for the CSF 3-row from www.dpgoffroad.com

When I received mine, the filler neck was bent out of round, and Dirk sent me out a new one the same day without any hassle.

The rad has been doing awesome and I wouldnt go with another one.

Just remember to replace your fan clutch, thermostat, hoses, and all that other jazz. Maybe add a trans cooler at the same time.

Fergie

[Big Red]

My vote is for the CSF 3-row from www.dpgoffroad.com

When I received mine, the filler neck was bent out of round, and Dirk sent me out a new one the same day without any hassle.

The rad has been doing awesome and I wouldnt go with another one.

Just remember to replace your fan clutch, thermostat, hoses, and all that other jazz. Maybe add a trans cooler at the same time.

Fergie

How easy/hard was the install? Is the 3 row thick and is it hard to fit the 2 fans? Does this radiator come with a trans cooler? Do the stock radiators come with the trans cooler integrated into the radiator or are they seperate?

[Fergie]

How easy/hard was the install? Is the 3 row thick and is it hard to fit the 2 fans? Does this radiator come with a trans cooler? Do the stock radiators come with the trans cooler integrated into the radiator or are they seperate?

Install was easy as I removed the whole front clip. Yes, that takes a bit more time, but makes it much easier.

The CSF is thicker, so make sure your motor mounts are good so you dont trash a new radiator. Also, make sure you get the fan clutch from the dealer if you use a CSF. The ones from NAPA are bigger and you may contact the rad.

It has the integrated trasn cooler like the stock rad, but you can run an aux cooler by splicing it in after the rad.

Make sure your fans and shrouds are in before you put the new rad in, that way you wont damage the fins of the rad trying to squeeze it in.

Fergie

[Big Red]

Thanks Fergie for the advice and others like Rich etc. You guys are really helpful. :) I just ordered the CSF 3 row from DPG for $155 plus $17 shipping. I talked to Dirk and he walked me through stuff as have you guys.
Troy