Teejtyguy

My names TJ, I have a bone stock, clean 1997 jeep XJ, Automatic transmission, the passenger side of my radiator is slowly leaking at the top corner, is that a common issue with XJ’s? What would be the best replacement radiator for me?

jordan96xj

Just based on the trends in posts here over the last 2 years, I would say it is not especially common. But since a radiator has no moving parts, when one fails it is usually because it is either plugged up or leaking. So leaking in general is not that uncommon. But I don't that particular location for the leak is a common theme. Just make sure to inspect and be sure that it wasn't contacted by something like the mechanical fan (doubtful). You would hate to replace it, and find out that was the cause, and have to do it again.

By the way, with a name like TJ, things could get confusing round here. People might give you the wrong part numbers. lol. (lame Jeep joke).

Teejtyguy

Thanks for the feedback Jordan, and that was a great joke.�� do you recommend any specific place to get a replacement, brand, etc?

PatHenry

You can't go wrong with Mopar if you want to pay a premium price.

I can only say that I had a lot of problems with my 00 TJ (the Wrangler, not the OP) replacement from Autozone. However it was lifetime warrantied, so I just replaced it under warranty.

jordan96xj

Unfortunately not, I have't had to replace mine yet. I'm as curious as you are. I've tracked a few discussions about it here, and more often then not they tend to lean towards Mopar. But I think there were some others that people liked as well, but I don't recall them off the top of my head. If anyone chimes in on this, I'll pay attention this time...I swear. (otherwise I'll just search...like a good citizen).

Martlor13

honestly, more times then not, the oem replacement from AutoZone is the recommend option. Under $100 with a lifetime warrant and good reviews on here. Can't beat that imo.

PatHenry

I think that confirms that the radiators don't go bad that often and if you have a leak you need to pay close attention to any externalities that may have caused the failure.

investinwaffles

I have a Spectra that's been installed for a few years now, I would recommend it. Got it on Rock Auto for like $80 with a new Stant 16 psi radiator cap

Make sure you flush the system thoroughly before installing it, definitely back flush the heater core too.
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I was dumb and didn't check my anti freeze mixture before the winter. It was real cold out (like 10*F) and it ended up cracking. The plastic end tanks aren't the most robust but you might want to do a cooling system overhaul just because it's a good idea. Water pump, thermostat, Hoses, radiator, fan clutch... Parts shouldn't be more than $200

fijicorey25

Been running the Spectra/AutoZone rad for about 1.5 years and haven't had issues. I live in Florida so it gets hot here in the summer and I've only ever seen it get to about 213 (reading thru OBDII data).

Replacing the clutch fan while you're in there is also a good idea. The part is about $40 pretty much anywhere.

00t444e

You can put a clutch fan from a 4.0 ZJ in for more airflow.

diskman

I ran the Spectra cheapie in my 1992 XJ for 9 years now. Sold the XJ to a buddy and still no problems. Unless Spectra cheaped out since 2009..

mschi772

My Spectra is 2-years strong (got it for $80 on Amazon). I've used a BTR, and it started leaking within 2 years. CSF strikes me as highly overrated, and I don't ever plan to go there after lots of research.

Teejtyguy

Anyone know what brand NAPA stocks and has anyone had any luck? If not I might just go mopar. Also thanks for all the feedback fellow jeepers!

robertj

I had the same leak as the OP, and went with the Spectra. It's a bit early to tell, but so far it's rock solid on controlling my temps. I think Napa parts are grossly overrated for the most part these days. In my opinion their reputation is from the parts they sold 30 years ago versus now. Currently running $69 on Amazon:



Easy installation and fit just like the stock one. I replaced the fan clutch, water pump, and hoses while I was at it.

5-Speed

I went with the cheapest one I could find on Ebay. I think it was $52 shipped. Over a year and 8000 miles still going strong. No over heating issues even when its 110° out with the ac blasting. I am sure most of the China radiators come out of the same plant and then get boxed differently for different brands.