XJ Radiator from Radiator Barn

MaskedMallard · 12-05-2009, 03:36 PM

Hi all,

I just installed a 3 Row Radiator from Radiator Barn. I had a hair line crack in the Plastic Tank on the OEM Radiator. The brand of Radiator they sent me was a CSF. I'd say I had an average experience.

Here are the down sides to the install.

The Radiator I installed has the Internal Trans Cooler, kind of point less for a 5spd. The OEM Radiator was not set up for the Internal Trans Cooler. I'm not sure if I gained any cooling benfit or not. Considering how I HAD "X" amout of volume in the Factory Radiator, & now with the CSF Radiator, I have a dead space of where the Trans Cooler is.

I had a left over part. The CSF Radiator incorparated the Radiator header Panel in the new Radiator.

The plus side. Easy Install, showed in in a couple / few days. Good price.

I'd buy from them again, based on price & fast shipping.

**USMC_XJ** · 12-05-2009, 04:40 PM

I have heard a lot of good reviews of the CSF 3 core. It's an all metal one, correct?

Don't worry about the place for the trans cooler. It only takes up a minimal space. Plus, all of the engines that have an auto run the same temp as you so you will be fine...

drprunty · 12-05-2009, 05:16 PM

They make radiators that way cause its easier to include plugs for the trans cooler inlet and outlet ports for the manual trannys. Saves on money to the consumer and manufacturing costs.

MaskedMallard · 12-05-2009, 10:05 PM

Yes, its an all metal 3 row radiator.

It would be nice if they ( CSF ) offer a non internal transmission cooler Radiator. Personally, if I had an Auto Jeep Transmission, I'd want an external trans cooler.

BTW, no plugs or caps were in the box to seal off the un-used portion of the internal trans cooler in the Radiator.

**Jeepxj5209** · 12-05-2009, 10:08 PM

Link?
i have a leak in my radiator, plus its NASTY brown and there was "goop" in where you would fill the radiator(if you stuck your finger in it).

i plan on replacing the radiator and flushing my motor

MaskedMallard · 12-05-2009, 10:25 PM

Radiators, automotive radiators, condenser, oem radiators, truck radiators for the link.

**medicmandan** · 12-05-2009, 10:37 PM

I just ordered one on Friday. I have the same problem you had with the hairline crack in the plastic tank.

I'm also installing a new B&M trans cooler when I do the radiator. I have one on there now but it's pretty beat up.

carnuck · 12-05-2009, 11:35 PM

I buy from them and 1-800-radiator Put the '91 rad with cap in my '88 MJ so I have a cap and got rid of the stupid bottle

88XJSport · 12-06-2009, 10:22 AM

I suggest replacing the plastic drainplug in that CSF radiator with a real bolt and a rubber washer..... That plastic drain plug will eventually rot at the threads and come back to bite you in about 3 years. Ask me how I know.

MaskedMallard · 12-06-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88XJSport

I suggest replacing the plastic drainplug in that CSF radiator with a real bolt and a rubber washer..... That plastic drain plug will eventually rot at the threads and come back to bite you in about 3 years. Ask me how I know.

Hmmmm, I didn't notice a drain plug in mine. Do you recall if it was on the Right or Left side of the Radiator. I'll have to go dig around & look.

madfire · 12-06-2009, 02:12 PM

Drain plug is on px side on lower side of radiator. Just put one in yesterday with new motor. Only prob I had was the quick connect for lower tranny line wouldn't lock up. Cut off quick connect and just clamped it. Also ran larger external tranny cooler.

Highway 4x4 · 12-06-2009, 02:57 PM

Could you put the power stear through the ATF ports on the radiator?

MaskedMallard · 12-07-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highway 4x4

Could you put the power stear through the ATF ports on the radiator?

I guess you could, but I THINK the Power Steering fluid would get HOTTER than it gets now.

MaskedMallard · 12-14-2009, 12:24 AM

After driving the 2000 XJ, with a 5spd. I've noticed that the temperture guage now reads pretty close to 195*F. When installing the new 3 row CSF Radiator, from Radiator Barn, I'd also installed a New Waterpump from NAPA & a Thermostat (195*) & Gasket from the dealer.

The Jeep used to run at 210* F, the needle was always on the 210*F mark, or just less than a hair to the right of the 210*F mark.

tenesu · 01-05-2010, 06:09 PM

I am looking to replace a 98 XJ OEM radiator appears to be all metal brass/copperl single row with over 150,000 miles ..., however the radiator may have lost some it's efficiency over the years and is is not the hd OE radiator which may be required for towing, off-road terrain, low rpms , high ambient temperatures, etc.

Some of Jeep XJ's came with an optional OEM HD radiator (perhaps included with Jeep's towing and off-road options) ... listed as an Aluminum core radiator for "Max cooling", unsure how many cores for these OEM alum. rads. Jeep and Mopar OE part dealers often do not carry part specifications, unless listed in their catalogs. Some of the aftermarket vendors use the same Mopar / Chrysler part number and list it as a HD radiator, however ones looked at are made of plastic and alum.

Radiator Barn's 3 row all metal copper/brass appears to be a good choice however, each row of a rediator can loose efficiency after the first, the second being less efficient than the first, third being less efficient than the 1st and second, etc.

Proliance Ready Rad 436020 appears to be an all metal copper/brass 2 row ... iis listed as a "Heat Buster" ... (Napa i think carries Proliance radiators)

There is also a CSF Radiator 2 row tor that is listed application is for "Max Cooling" (believe this is also an all metal brass/copper) .....

perhaps these are Modine style 2 row rads? ??? with larger tubes than the 3 row rads?

Other radiators are listed as Proliance GDI vs Proliance Ready Rad. are these the Modine type rads?

Not much in the way of specifications, such as type of construction, fins per inch, etc.

Others found ...

Omix-Ada 2 core radiator

Active Performance Aluminum Radiator ... this is an all aluminum two row with inch in cores, price is around $500.00 with a limited one year warranty ... (one person reported the one he purchased, split a short time after the warranty period was up, of course most can be repaired by a radiator shop)

I think a good HD radiator should have good cooling efficiency and not have any tendency give up on you, spit, break, etc. if properly maintained ... should not require any special liquids other than H2o and anti-freeze. ...

12-05-2009, 05:16 PM	#3
drprunty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 31 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	They make radiators that way cause its easier to include plugs for the trans cooler inlet and outlet ports for the manual trannys. Saves on money to the consumer and manufacturing costs.