The core of a radiator are the bars that run horizontly right? so if there are 3 sets of bars running horizontly then it is a 3 core radiator? Thanks

 

Not exactly, the core is the area with the fins and tubes between the 2 tanks. The tubes can be either horizontal or verticle. A rad has 1 core but the core will consist of one or more rows (of tubes).

 

Ours run horizontal :-)

 

So whats a 3 core rad?

 

A misused term meaning 3 row.

 

Saying a rad is a 3 core is simply a incorrect statement......it's a 3 row rad, but only 1 core.

 

^^^^^^^^ $

 

Ohhhh, ok. Thanks

 

One misconception regarding XJ rads is that a 3 row aftermarket rad sounds like it's 3X as thick as a 1 row factory OE style rad. Actually, a 3 row aftermarket rad is about 1/2" thicker than the 1 1/4" thick OE 1 row.....not 3X thicker.

For the past 20 years, auto mfgs. have been going to 1 (maybe 2) very wide tube (row) aluminum core rads with plastic tanks. Copper/brass 2, 3, 4, 5 row rads are almost non-existent in OE factory installs. OE style rads with plastic tanks, aluminum cores are lighter, stronger, more efficient at dissipating heat.....that's why auto mfgs. have gone that way.

 

Sweet that means i scored a 3 row radiator over a 1 row. I have been having overheating issues due to what i belive was a plugged rad or bad thermostat. On my way home from work last night lower corner of my stock rad blew out. I took the one out of my parts jeep and its a 3 row. I also switched to a 160 thermostat hoping all is cured. I also had improper tension on serpintine belt. Thanks for the clarification.

 

X2 newer 1 and 2 rows are much more efficient then older
3 and 4 rows. Computer aided design and testing has really improved things.

 

If your XJ is OBD-II ('96 up), a 160 t-stat could trip a CEL.

 

Its a 95. And i did not know that thanks for the heads up.