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Replacement radiator damaged....Dealer recommends self leak test
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
Take it back to the dealership and ask for an exchange for an undamaged one.
If they say no..then ask for a full refund...
if they say no..ask to speak to the General Manager or Owner
if all else fails, contact local news station...they hate car dealers..
What damage? are you 15? install it and delete this thread to save face.
We obviously have different standards. Or are you suggesting all new radiators have fins that are bent?
I understand the coolant tubes are not largely deflected. However, whatever causes the fin damage could affect the welds at the ends of the coolant tubes.
Last edited by MirageMobile; 04-03-2019 at 12:46 PM.
Take it back to the dealership and ask for an exchange for an undamaged one.
If they say no..then ask for a full refund...
if they say no..ask to speak to the General Manager or Owner
if all else fails, contact local news station...they hate car dealers..
You can buy hoses and bolts and 4 ring gear clamps to block the in and out flows. "Rent" a free tester from O'Reilly's. Fill it with water and use the tester to pressure test it. That costs more, but saves you from installing a potentially defective unit.
I have installed radiators with some deflected find without an issue long term. I would be upset or at least displeased paying dealer prices for O.E.M. with fins bent though.
You can buy hoses and bolts and 4 ring gear clamps to block the in and out flows. "Rent" a free tester from O'Reilly's. Fill it with water and use the tester to pressure test it. That costs more, but saves you from installing a potentially defective unit.
I have installed radiators with some deflected find without an issue long term. I would be upset or at least displeased paying dealer prices for O.E.M. with fins bent though.
Bolts may not be practical, but there is probably a copper plug in plumbing that would work well. I forgot how large the radiator's ports are. I was thinking of the heater core hoses...
Return for a full refund then go to O'Reilly and order one there. Their radiators are brass and copper, no plastic and have a lifetime warranty. I'm sure it will be far cheaper than the OEM from a stealership.
Last edited by sundy58; 04-08-2019 at 10:07 AM.
Reason: forgot price
I've pressure tested radiators with a hand bicycle tire pump with the radiator sunk in a swimming pool. 18 psi, no bubbles, good to go. My wife got upset about using the pool, but HEY, I maintain the pool!
You can get rubber plumbing test plugs at the hardware store. Problem is finding the right size.
Return for a full refund then go to O'Reilly and order one there. Their radiators are brass and copper, no plastic and have a lifetime warranty. I'm sure it will be far cheaper than the OEM from a stealership.
Originally Posted by dave1123
I've pressure tested radiators with a hand bicycle tire pump with the radiator sunk in a swimming pool. 18 psi, no bubbles, good to go. My wife got upset about using the pool, but HEY, I maintain the pool!
You can get rubber plumbing test plugs at the hardware store. Problem is finding the right size.
Thanks for the input and great use of your pool!
I ended up talking to the parts manager and he got me another radiator ordered and discounted the price.
I am satisfied, the radiator works great, and here’s to another 20 years of use. I’m glad I was able to find the radiator for the manual trans with the larger surface area for the engine coolant
04-03-2019, 11:25 AM
Replacement radiator damaged....Dealer recommends self leak test
