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Aluminum radiator for XJ - BEWARE!!!

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Old May 13, 2009 | 12:08 PM
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Default Aluminum radiator for XJ - BEWARE!!!

Last Fall I bought one of those brand new Active Performance all-aluminum radiators for the XJ that are in the Quadratec catalog. I knew heat was always an issue with the XJ, and I thought it would work great to keep the engine nice & cool. I have an aluminum unit in my CJ that's made by an outfit called Be-Cool, and it works perfect.

All through the Winter it worked fine with no problems. Well, now... less than 8 months since initial install (and professional install, too) I have to replace it because the entire side weld seam blew out and it is leaking like the Titanic!!!!!! And of course it is past their 90 day factory warranty period, so I have to take it in the shorts! WOW!! Nothing like flushing $500 down the stool!!

And now of all times, as I lost my job 2 weeks ago when Chrysler shut down until... whenever. Crap. Anyhow, I opted to replace it with a genuine MOPAR stock unit. At least I know that will hold up. Maybe later I can look into one of those cowl induction hoods as an alternative way to help keep the mill cool. *SIGH*

Buyers beware!!! Your mileage may vary, but please keep my misfortune in mind if you're contemplating buying one of these things.

Last edited by Dirty Harry; May 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 12:16 PM
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90 day warranty? thats terrible. my CSF 3-row has a lifetime warrantly and cost less than $200.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 01:16 PM
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The factory cooling system works fine to keep these things cool if everything is in working order...I don't understand spending so much to get an alternative radiator anyway.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 01:54 PM
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The CSF 3-row can be had for $150-$175, so little to no incremental cost over stock replacement.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Definitely a CFS 3 row is the way to go. Call DPG offroad and talk to them they sell em and as others said lifetime warranty.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 02:26 PM
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X 4 on a CFS 3 core radiator. The 4.0 liter XJs all should have come OEM with a 3 row radiator.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by robertj
The factory cooling system works fine to keep these things cool if everything is in working order...I don't understand spending so much to get an alternative radiator anyway.
At least on the Renix, he becomes an issue if you push your XJ a lot during the summer. I have noticed a lot when pulling or playing . I think those are rough because the vehicle isn't moving very fast, but much higher revs.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 03:31 PM
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What's the average running temp with the CFS 3 row? My wife and I want to take our XJ from ohio to Moab and the Grand canyon. Cooling is a major concern for me.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by okcjeeper
Definitely a CFS 3 row is the way to go. Call DPG offroad and talk to them they sell em and as others said lifetime warranty.
this is what i will be getting as soon as i can afford to do it they are a very high quality unit and work very well
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Old May 13, 2009 | 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Aweber5
What's the average running temp with the CFS 3 row? My wife and I want to take our XJ from ohio to Moab and the Grand canyon. Cooling is a major concern for me.
My jeep a 91 open system runs below 210 consistently..When I replaced the motor I replaced all the cooling parts ie water pump, t-stat-t-stat housing, temp sensor, temp sendor, clutch fan, hoses...Only hose I did not replace was the heater hose from the t-stat housing to heater valve and ones from heater core to heater valve. Always ran cool except when I was in say a drive thru with exhaust running up my nose it would creep to about 215 but never higher..I was pissed as hell since everything was new.. Well I decided to replace the heater hose from t-stat housing to heater valve...Low and bhold the heater valve fitting snapped when trying to wiggle hose off..So I replaced the valve and what do ya know my mild heat issue went completely away and I never get over 200..

Anyways moral of the story if you are having heat issues and have replaced everything look at the heater valve. Mechanic told me if it's not working properly it could be a restriction in proper coolant flow through out the entire system. Bottom line to eliminate heat issues you have to address the entire system not just the common parts.

I know that's a touch off-topic but someone mentioned heating issues somewhere I think..

Oh and the CFS is definitely the way to go it will provide more surface area for cooling and heat disipation. Really a no brainer IMHO. Also IMHO the Jeep's from the factory should have had better radiators.
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Old May 13, 2009 | 04:56 PM
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Heres the specs/dimensions for the 3 row HD..... most local radiator shops can get one of these for under $200.

http://www.hescosc.com/shop.asp?acti...924&catId=9388
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Old May 13, 2009 | 05:29 PM
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anyone have a link to these CFS 3-row rads? are they a direct fit with no cutting or modding required?
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Old May 13, 2009 | 05:32 PM
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I googled DPG Offroad and copied this link.

http://www.dpgoff-road.com/site/radiators.htm
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Old May 13, 2009 | 05:35 PM
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175 not bad...........
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Old May 13, 2009 | 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 98 JeepJeep
are they a direct fit with no cutting or modding required?
Yep.
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