Will upgrading from a stock single row radiator to a 3 row improve my running temp enough to justify the install? When my a/CIA running currently my temp stays at 210. Will the addition of a three row improve the running temp again enough to justify the new radiator before I buy and install. Thanks for any input.

 

This has been discussed hundreds of times.. But I can say 95% of people out there say to just stick with a stock radiator replacement.

 

210 is where the engine runs best. A 3 row can help with additional fans if you run at low speed heavy load often.

 

I'm going to recommend a 1-2 core radiator.

At 3 cores, you start to get really thick. So thick, that the limited airflow really doesn't do anything. I've read lots of negative things about 3 rows because the air just can't penetrate.

I just ordered a CSF all-metal 2 core radiator. Everyone everywhere is saying they're the best OEM-style drop-in aftermarket radiators you can buy.

 

3 row radiator, high flow water pumps/thermostats are all a waste of money. If your cooling system is working properly you won't overheat on a stock system unless you are heavily wheeling and then hood louvers are a cheaper and better investment. My personal experience anyways

 

Well, I forgot to mention that when I am sitting idle at a stop light or something like that in traffic the temp rises over 210. Is that normal or is there another issue I need to look at?

 

Anything below 215 without hood louvers ac on in hot weather is normal from my experience with my jeep. Engine bay likes to trap all the heat. Our jeeps are designed to run around 210. What's why the aux fan doesn't kick in until 212 degrees unless you have the ac on

 

With a proper functioning cooling system a stock radiator like from AutoZone <$100 will function great. What you might consider is to install a new water pump, fan clutch, hoses. belts, thermostat when doing the radiator.


Before you pull the radiator clean and flush the cooling system along with the heater core. With all that completed you should be good for another 10-15 yrs. other than new coolant and a flush.

 

you can't go wrong with a stock $70 plastic tank radiator. Your jeep seems to be at normal temperature be glad your not overheating. As many of us already know the temp rises on our jeeps when sitting at idle. A better idea would be to just go stock radiator, hood vents, and an overide switch for the aux fan. That way you can turn the fan on when sitting in traffic.

 

^^^
This. If you do all this you should have no problems keeping it cool. Ive done all this to my xj and it runs at 210 all day long even on our hot South Carolina days. It also helps that my ac condenser is gone to free up some airflow to the radiator.