Bad radiator?

[Homeward_Bound]

By the looks of it, I think my radiator has gone bad. But the staining is in front on the ac condenser so I am not fully sure. Either way I am missing coolant from my reservoir and radiator.

Coming up on 90k miles, I going with that the radiator is leaking, or at least weeping, and ordered a new one.

I also ordered a new water pump along with the HD fan and clutch since I will already have to remove a lot of things. This is being done as preemptive maintenance. Anything else I am missing?

 

[LibertyTC]

Best to pressure test existing system to locate leak locations.
New mopar thermostat along with new hoses is a good idea too.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Best to pressure test existing system to locate leak locations.
New mopar thermostat along with new hoses is a good idea too.

Skipped right over that trouble shooting step. Going to auto zone in the am to rent the pressure test kit.

 

[rotary_powered]

I would throw in a new thermostat and flush the heater core while you have it all apart. Keep an eye on your water pump replacement, I replaced mine when I changed my radiator, and the aftermarket replacement started weeping on me, when the OEM one hadn't given me any issues yet

 

[Homeward_Bound]

I would throw in a new thermostat and flush the heater core while you have it all apart. Keep an eye on your water pump replacement, I replaced mine when I changed my radiator, and the aftermarket replacement started weeping on me, when the OEM one hadn't given me any issues yet

Ordered a new thermostat, should be here when everything else arrives.

Plan is to back flush the heater core by itself then the block with freshwater, then both plus the new radiator with distilled water before adding coolant.

I went with GMB water pump because they had a metal impeller option.

 

[rotary_powered]

Ordered a new thermostat, should be here when everything else arrives.

Plan is to back flush the heater core by itself then the block with freshwater, then both plus the new radiator with distilled water before adding coolant.

I went with GMB water pump because they had a metal impeller option.

That's what I did as well. Not a hard job once you pull the fan shroud out the way. I also find it easiest to remove the battery and air intake to gain easier access to the bolts

 

[Homeward_Bound]

That's what I did as well. Not a hard job once you pull the fan shroud out the way. I also find it easiest to remove the battery and air intake to gain easier access to the bolts

I'll keep that in mind when the time comes. Thanks

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Got the test kit, now to wait until after my shift to let it cool off.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Yup, got a leak, couldn't hold pressure. I couldn't pump fast enough to get to 18 psi as indicated on the radiator cap. Going to double check in the AM.

 

[DadOSix]

On my 04, the radiator developed a stress crack in the plastic tank. Top left side (drivers side) directly in front of the hose attachment.
Noticed when I went to fuel up and checked the oil before sending my kid off to college. His trip got delayed a few days while I waited on the parts.

fairly easy job. Some of those hidden bolts though.. there is a good walk thru here and a decent w part you tube.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

On my 04, the radiator developed a stress crack in the plastic tank. Top left side (drivers side) directly in front of the hose attachment.
Noticed when I went to fuel up and checked the oil before sending my kid off to college. His trip got delayed a few days while I waited on the parts.

fairly easy job. Some of those hidden bolts though.. there is a good walk thru here and a decent w part you tube.

Thats where the discoloration is on my radiator. Parts should be in by next week, reviewing youtube for now.

 

[DadOSix]

Mine was easy to spot with the truck hot. Cold cant tell

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Mine was easy to spot with the truck hot. Cold cant tell

I had a feeling with the lack of coolant and discoloration. The pressure test and subsequent listening confirmed it.

 

[uss2defiant]

i'd also pressure test the radiator cap too.
did you buy HOAT already?

Does cutting a notch on the HD fan shroud also apply to the KK like the KJ?

 

[Homeward_Bound]

i'd also pressure test the radiator cap too.
did you buy HOAT already?

Does cutting a notch on the HD fan shroud also apply to the KK like the KJ?

Haven't bought the HOAT yet.

Radiator cap has a bad seal as well.

Cutting a notch in the HD fan shroud?

 

[uss2defiant]

on the KJ, you can cut a small notch on the bottom of the HD shroud so it'll provide some clearance from the clutch fan which would allow one to remove the shroud without removing the clutch fan.

couldn't find past pictures on the forum.

 

[DadOSix]

on the KJ, you can cut a small notch on the bottom of the HD shroud so it'll provide some clearance from the clutch fan which would allow one to remove the shroud without removing the clutch fan.

couldn't find past pictures on the forum.

The forum search engine ***** for stuff like this because most pics are not tagged

https://www.jeepkj.com/media/fan-shroud-trimmed.6089/

https://www.jeepkj.com/media/fan-shroud.6088/#media

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Radiator update. New one is in with a new water pump, thermostat, and added HD cooling fan.

Still have to put the headlights back in and put the skids back on after a fresh coat of paint. Also added in the radiator skid. What a pain in the ass to get the nutzerts installed...

But looking closer behind the grill, I might also have a trans cooler leak... A weep leak, nothing spitting. Once I get evrything back together going to try and regularly check the fluid level to confirm. Then everything gets to come out again...

 

[Homeward_Bound]

on the KJ, you can cut a small notch on the bottom of the HD shroud so it'll provide some clearance from the clutch fan which would allow one to remove the shroud without removing the clutch fan.

couldn't find past pictures on the forum.

Was able to reinsert the e-fan with the clutch fan already installed.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Finally got around to test drive the Jeep. All systems normal with the new pump, clutch fan, thermostat, and radiator.