Hello, I am proud owner of a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport! I just had recently bought it. And i just noticed that there has been no coolant in the reservoir and i have been driving without none I'm guessing is this bad? My temperature has been in the 210 and sometimes the next line..I also notice that i have a leak at passenger side bottom corner of the radiator. The jeep has 182,000 miles and I'm almost super positive that it is the original radiator. While reading and researching I came to this radiator CSF Radiator - Natural, Metal core 3 row. And im wondering is this a Great radiator for my Jeep and Will it fit and hook up correctly with no problems.

 

Yes, get the CSF 3 Row radiator for your XJ.

http://www.radiatorbarn.com/

 

Yes, most times when your without coolant, it isn't the best of situations.

CSF is decent and will do you fine, and it's gonna be a 95% O.E fit. The only trouble spot is the lower trans cooler line (if applicable) on the lower driveside portion of the radiator. The new elbow they give you sticks out 1/4" too long, causing it to hit or rub on the inner fender/frame. Easiest way to avoid it, is first see where the line is close before you remove the old radiator, then with the old one removed, and before installing the new one, notch the corner of the body where it gets close. Did mine with 3 taps of an air hammer - no issues.

Almost every review I've read, there's an issue with that one spot. Outside of that, your fine.

 

Is Their a radiator that is all metal and 3 row where I do not have to do any modifications? I mean I Do not have a problem doing that, but would really like to try to avoid that if possible. Also what coolant do you use? and best way to flush the whole cooling system thanks=)

 

Best way to flush it would be to take it to a shop and have them run a flush machine on it, which is done at temperature so the thermostat is open, while running chemicals through the system, but get ready for the garden hose answer from a few people.

Running a 50/50 purified water/glycol ethylene mix will do fine, even in your climate. (Basically green coolant and purified water)

I'd be willing to bet there are radiators that are literally drop in, but I'd be also willing to bet they cost a pretty penny. My best guess for an O.E fitment would be to go Mopar through your local dealership. I'm sure someone here though has found an aftermarket company that works.

 

Best way is what Bustedknuckle suggested, have a shop do it with chemicals.

Cheapest way is the garden hose as also mentioned. Does the job, just not near as well.

50/50 unless your in a super cold place. Or super warm. If your in really cold climates use more coolant than water. If in hot climates, use more water than coolant.

 

Okay thanks a lot guys for the advice and suggestions very much appreciate it. So do they install the radiator and clean or do I fill the radiator and take it to them? Because i think it would be pointless for me to fill it up and take it to them for them just to empty it right out again.

 

Yep, using a garden hose is cheap/easy......usually works on a well maintained cooling system, seldom works a neglected system. Most rad shops laugh at chemical flushes...they do it right.....pull the tanks, and "rod out" the core.

 

Do it yourself, as stupid as it may sound. A radiator install in an XJ calls for something like 1.7 labor hours. Take that times whatever the shop labor rate is (i.e mine is $91/hr = $154 just to install).

A good shop should have a flush machine that tees into a radiator hose, then cycles out the old fluid, while pumping in fresh fluid, usually with additives to help lubricate the water pump, etc.


Lmao, die hard son!

 

Well seeing how the Radiator is most likely the Original one I'm pretty sure its not going to be a soothing site to see when flushing out. I think im going to replace the water pump, fan clutch, etc.. I think with 182,000 its time to anyhow

 

just recently put in a 2 core csf from radiatorbarn.com and used all stock hardware and it was basically just remove old and drop in new, it was only 130 bucks quick shipping, ordered it on a monday and was at my door wednesday, since then i have noticed a slight drop in temp in the gauge and its not all that hot under the hood anymore, i would def recommend at least the 2 core

 

Do it yourself if you can. Not a tough job, just take your time. Get a maintenance manual, it is the best money you can spend if you are going to work on your XJ.

How it is flushed depends on the condition of the cooling system. The color of the coolant tells a lot

While you are doing this, it makes absolute sense to replace your water pump, fan clutch, hoses, thermostat (195 degree) and radiator cap.

Dollar for dollar, cooling system maintenance is about the most important investment you can make.

Use conventional (green) 50-50 mix with distilled water for the final mixture. Verify with a hydrometer, which is also available at a parts store.

Good luck on your project!

 

Yep, couldn't agree more....the whole cooling system can be done for +/-$250, including rad.

 

bought my 3 row from radiator barn. took me 2 hours to get it all done and i'm a girl!! i did all new hoses too and thermostat. jeep had been creeping up to 220-230 before, but now it barely reaches 200. ever. it was not difficult to install. i have a 96 classic

 

Well now I'm Defiantly sure i can do it!I'm just kidding. But yeah i think im going to go with this radiator from what people have told me. And at 180 shipped not a bad price. Thanks again everyone!