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Stock JK TechBulletin board forum regarding issues with OE (original equipment) components of the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) such as factory suspension parts, engine, transmission, body parts, interior fixtures and the on-board computer.
Well I found the source of the antifreeze smell (See photo) now which radiator to buy. Is the CSF radiators any good? I looked at the company and seems there pretty big as far as business's go I guess but has anyone used one?
My OEM radiator was good for 185,000 miles, and the only reason I had it replaced was because I had a bad intake manifold gasket, so coolant was being replaced anyway, and I was headed for the Arctic Circle and didn't want to risk the radiator failing up there. Later on, with the new radiator I'd find some coolant on the fins (not as much as you picture, though) and thought the new radiator was bad. Turned out to be coolant leaking at the thermostat housing, then blowing around and ending up on the radiator.
It sure seems like the newer radiators aren't quite as good as the older ones. You guys with later models sure report getting some really good life out of your factory rads. I'd seen so many newer ones failing really early, seems mainly like '14-'15s I've seen going with under 50k miles which seems redonk....maybe they just had a bad batch during that time period?? I constantly suspect my '13 with 72k miles, but can't find a leak. I've replaced thermostat/housing, and get the typical smell and loss of coolant in the res tank over time.
I just don't think anyone makes a great aftermarket rad. When it comes time, I'll probably just go with another factory unit for lack of a better option.
The radiator on the 3.6 Jeeps have frequent failures. Totally different conversation for the 3.8 guys.
I replaced mine with the Omix-Ada at about 40k. I'm about 75k now with no odor or signs of leaks. Time will tell though.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046LSZJW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=pda0ea-20
It sure seems like the newer radiators aren't quite as good as the older ones. You guys with later models sure report getting some really good life out of your factory rads. I'd seen so many newer ones failing really early, seems mainly like '14-'15s I've seen going with under 50k miles which seems redonk....maybe they just had a bad batch during that time period?? I constantly suspect my '13 with 72k miles, but can't find a leak. I've replaced thermostat/housing, and get the typical smell and loss of coolant in the res tank over time.
I just don't think anyone makes a great aftermarket rad. When it comes time, I'll probably just go with another factory unit for lack of a better option.
Did you reuse the factory constant pressure spring clamp, or a common hose clamp? The common hose clamp will leak no matter what you do, and eventually damage your radiator hose.
Did you reuse the factory constant pressure spring clamp, or a common hose clamp? The common hose clamp will leak no matter what you do, and eventually damage your radiator hose.
It sure seems like the newer radiators aren't quite as good as the older ones. You guys with later models sure report getting some really good life out of your factory rads. I'd seen so many newer ones failing really early, seems mainly like '14-'15s I've seen going with under 50k miles which seems redonk....maybe they just had a bad batch during that time period?? I constantly suspect my '13 with 72k miles, but can't find a leak. I've replaced thermostat/housing, and get the typical smell and loss of coolant in the res tank over time.
I just don't think anyone makes a great aftermarket rad. When it comes time, I'll probably just go with another factory unit for lack of a better option.
I only got 120K miles out of my OEM radiator on my '09. :( I did the wild goose chase of looking for something that seemed to be better from aftermarket. The ONLY thing I could find in the better category was the Griffin radiators, but that was a $650 option. For myself, It basically boiled down to OEM or OEM design knock-offs, where I went with an OEM replacement, and am crossing my fingers I'll get more than 120K miles out of it this time around.
Does anyone know....do the 2012+ with those hot rod 3.6L Pentastar engines use the same radiator as those of us with the Minivan 3.8L?
Last edited by Rednroll; Feb 20, 2018 at 11:05 AM.
Radiator shot, which one to replace with?
