Cracked Radiator

ayosick · 11-30-2011, 07:27 AM

I have a 2002 jeep liberty with the towing package that just had the plastic on the radiator cracked. I am looking for a replacement and was wondering what a good model/brand was.

jeepkj617 · 11-30-2011, 09:29 AM

MOPAR!!! go with the dealership. You dont need to have them install it. BUT BUY FROM THEM!!! Its so much more. but listen. I made the mistake. It's cost me hours of time, money, and frustration. I almost sold my jeep due to the issue.

ALSO!!! Use PINK coolant called HOAT coolant. Buy it from your local dodge / jeep / chrysler dealership. Mix it yourself 1 to 1. It should take the entire bottle they sell you.

jeepkj617 · 11-30-2011, 09:32 AM

The coolant should look like this before you dilute it with water.

tjkj2002 · 11-30-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepkj617

The coolant should look like this before you dilute it with water.

Unless you opt to use Zerex GO5(yellow) of Ford Gold coolant(also yellow) which both are HOAT coolants.

LibertyTC · 11-30-2011, 08:19 PM

Yup If your 2002 Kj lasted almost 10 years it did real good.
Certainly worth spending more to get a long lasting replacement.
While the rad is out may be a good time to do the thermostat & water pump if it is getting old as well.
I let my dealer do the rad flush and HOAT done with distilled water mix. Their flush machines are excellent.

jeepkj617 · 12-01-2011, 06:34 AM

Ford has it too? I didn't know that.. hah I never have to work on my truck. It doesn't break down (except those damn ball joints and CVs that ford designed like absolute crap that I blow out every 10k miles)

The dealership charges a lot to install the radiator. $85 an hour at 4 hours and mine wouldn't warranty their work more than 6 months. If anything, the stock radiator is the only one designed to run at the 18 ±2 psi you need. Dealer is best install, but you can save hundreds and do it yourself / go to another qualified repair shop that might give you a lifetime warranty on their work.

tjkj2002 · 12-01-2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepkj617

Ford has it too? I didn't know that.. hah I never have to work on my truck. It doesn't break down (except those damn ball joints and CVs that ford designed like absolute crap that I blow out every 10k miles)

The dealership charges a lot to install the radiator. $85 an hour at 4 hours and mine wouldn't warranty their work more than 6 months. If anything, the stock radiator is the only one designed to run at the 18 ±2 psi you need. Dealer is best install, but you can save hundreds and do it yourself / go to another qualified repair shop that might give you a lifetime warranty on their work.

Yes Ford has been running HOAT coolant since '01,before Chrysler switched to it.

Book time for the radiator install is 1.5 hours,and any dealership must warranty there work and part if they installed there own part for 12 months or 12,000 miles.Trying to find another shop to install a customers part is very rare these days and no shop will warranty labor on a customer suppled part.

jeepkj617 · 12-01-2011, 07:13 AM

Good to know. It should be almost time for new coolant and fluids in the truck. At 98,xxx miles on an 03.

Well the only dealerships I can drive to suck. I hate the jeep dealership. Anything I can't do I bring to ford or chevy (as far as dealerships). I also use a privately owned shop down the street from my house (which is of no use to anyone not in the boston area.. hah) that will warranty their work on any part I bring in that they approve (from a dealership or one of their vendors) and the nearest jeep to my house refuses anything over 6 months 6,000. None of them have a clue either and they charge way more than they should. $50 for them to take a look for 10 minutes and say they didn't know what it was. I believe I still have their quote typed up for the radiator at over $900 which states the short warranty period and $50 fee stating they found a problem but no solution (i told them the problem). If i can find it, I'll scan it and show you.

**95BadBoy** · 12-01-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayosick

I have a 2002 jeep liberty with the towing package that just had the plastic on the radiator cracked. I am looking for a replacement and was wondering what a good model/brand was.

Yes, stay with OEM for the rad. Check online for the discount Mopar Parts stores. Check several. Save a few bucks maybe.

Turbobearcat · 12-02-2011, 07:13 AM

Autozone had luck with their stuff, at $175 dollars that is kinda pricey and have fun installing it but it should take no more than 1.5 hours start to finish and save yourself some money.

Then again I paid over $200 to recore my Shelby Z but it was worth it!

WoodiE55 · 12-02-2011, 07:17 AM

You could always just pick up a new Liberty Radiator like this one for about $100.

Turbobearcat · 12-02-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodiE55

You could always just pick up a new Liberty Radiator like this one for about $100.

That would be great if you have a 2.4L :-)

jeepkj617 · 12-02-2011, 10:34 AM

I promise you. If you buy aftermarket for your liberty. You will hate it. Hate your jeep. Hate your life. Seriously. Don't do it.

The liberty runs at 18 psi. The 3.7 L aftermarket radiators are rated to a max of 15 psi. It won't say it on the box, but I called the manufacturer and they freaked out. They obviously didn't make the aftermarket to meet or exceed the specs specifically for the liberty.

Buy from the dealership. It will be so worth it in the end. Or just put a crap one in it and sell it as soon as the work is done. You MIGHT get 3 months out of the aftermarket.

Turbobearcat · 12-02-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepkj617

I promise you. If you buy aftermarket for your liberty. You will hate it. Hate your jeep. Hate your life. Seriously. Don't do it.

The liberty runs at 18 psi. The 3.7 L aftermarket radiators are rated to a max of 15 psi. It won't say it on the box, but I called the manufacturer and they freaked out. They obviously didn't make the aftermarket to meet or exceed the specs specifically for the liberty.

Buy from the dealership. It will be so worth it in the end. Or just put a crap one in it and sell it as soon as the work is done. You MIGHT get 3 months out of the aftermarket.

I have to call Bullsh*t on this one...the tanks are made from plastic and I had ZERO problems with mine..and it's been well over 3 months. No leaks or cracks or overheating has been found...buy what you want the chances are it will last just as long.

tjkj2002 · 12-02-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbobearcat

I have to call Bullsh*t on this one...the tanks are made from plastic and I had ZERO problems with mine..and it's been well over 3 months. No leaks or cracks or overheating has been found...buy what you want the chances are it will last just as long.

Well I can attest to how crappy aftermarket radiators are,went through 5 of them in 20,000 miles.One did not even make it over 1000 miles before leaking.One was a CSF brand,2 from radiator barn(the cheap $100 ones),1 from advance auto,and the last one was from performance radiators.All stamped "made in china",and found out all made in same plant in china,and all failed in the same spot which was the side tank gasket on the lower passenger side.