Hi all.

I've noticed a drop in coolant in the reservoir bottle over the last 4 weeks. Probably about a couple of inches.

Oil and coolant look good. No milkshake under oil filler cap. Radiator itself is full and green. Doesn't drip onto the ground. No visible leaks around hoses, water pump or thermostat housing. Drives perfect.

However, I've noticed what appears to be a faint 'cloud' of evaporation around the passenger side plastic tank, facing the engine, together with tiny surface 'fractures' where the plastic and metal are crimped together. Not clear enough to photo, but definitely there if you look hard enough. There's also a thin line of white 'crust' along the passenger side fender, which I'm guessing might be evaporated coolant.

I'm suspecting that there might be a slow leak at the seam of the radiator, which if true, will mean that myself and the PO have had to replace the same part THREE TIMES in 3 years, all for seepage at the seam.

It's not some 'el-cheapo' aftermarket radiator either - its always a genuine Mopar one from the dealership.

Is it normal for these Mopar radiators to crack so frequently at the seam? Will begin to despair a bit, if that's actually the case, as I can only get Mopar radiators over here.

Cheers for any input.

Ash

 

Generally the OEM radiators hold up pretty well, many go 10 years or more. But yes, the seams are definitely the weak link over time.

That being said, having to replace 3 of them in 3 years is very unusual. I'd double check the installation to be sure something isn't rubbing somewhere.

 

^^^^What the man said. Has the front end ever been hit/tweaked any? Definitely sounds like a fitment/installation issue.

 

Gents - thanks for your replies.

As far as I'm aware, the vehicle has never been damaged at the front end.

As for installation, the mechanics at Jeep (who I've now got to know on first name terms...what does that tell you?) who've done the previous radiator replacements have never let on about any installation difficulties or issues. Usually they're pretty quick to advise if there's a problem with work they're doing, just to 'cover' themselves.

I was talking to an old timer yesterday with a '97 Grand Cherokee. He reckons from personal experience that the two maintenance items we're guaranteed to get through over here at a rate of knots are batteries and radiators. Just don't seem to last. Seeing as I've had to replace both more than once in the couple of years I've owned the vehicle, I'm thinking he might be right.

Just got out of the vehicle and could smell coolant from the front on the passenger side. Can't do anything about it right now, but hopefully will get it pressure tested (I think that's what I should be doing first, right?) at the weekend. I'll just restrict my driving and hopefully nothing 'catastrophic' will happen until then.

Cheers again for your valued input.

Ash