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Cracked Radiator - What to do?

13K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  jiminmanjr 
#1 ·
Yesterday I took my 2003 Wrangler Sport in for an oil change. I have 112k miles on my Jeep.

The guys in the garage told me I have a small crack in my radiator, and showed it to me. It's on top, a hairline crack, and I was running low on coolant as a result.

The problem is I have a 600-ish mile round trip to make this week, with my Jeep. The guys said I should be okay, as long as I watch the temperature, pack a bottle of coolant and stop every hour or so for a bit.

They did not do a pressure test, to see if there are any other leaks.

So now I come to you all. Do you think I will be okay with their suggestions for my trip? Any recommendations for type of coolant? Should I do anything else to make sure I don't have any major issues? I fortunately have AAA, in case that is needed.

Also, any thoughts on the cost to repair/replace a radiator? I put about $1500 of work into tires and repairs last fall, and don't want to get into a money pit. I love my Jeep, and I know 112k means things will start needing replaced. But, if I am better off fixing the Jeep and selling it, I may need to consider that.

Hoping for solid answers and suggestions here...

Thanks all!
 
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#2 ·
Some will say differently but many will suggest an OEM replacement. You can get one at a good price from WeRMopar.com. Avoid the cheap ones from places like Autozone with their "lifetime warranty" unless you like replacing your radiator every couple of years. IMHO. And you don't need a fancy 3 or 4 row radiator. The single row aluminum core of the OEM cools our Jeeps just fine.
 
#3 ·
I'd put a $100 radiator in it on the quick and cheap before I'd risk driving it on a 600 mile trip with a known problem. Even a used radiator for $20 from the junkyard that doesn't leak is better than one that leaks.

I have an OE style, but all metal, replacement in mine that I am happy with. I'll leave that at that.
 
#4 ·
Also, any thoughts on the cost to repair/replace a radiator?
Easy to do yourself. $200 for a manual, $300 for an automatic (has trans cooler)
as suggested at Mopar Parts | Dodge Parts | Jeep Parts | Chrysler Parts | Ram Truck Parts | Wermopar


I love my Jeep, and I know 112k means things will start needing replaced. But, if I am better off fixing the Jeep and selling it, I may need to consider that.
112k miles is barely broken in for a well maintained TJ.
 
#7 ·
Checked my two local parts stores - neither has the radiator in stock. Plus, I am not as mechanically inclined as most of you guys, so I may be saving some time and hassle to try and do it myself.

I've emailed a buddy that is the district manager for the garage I go to, to see if he can work me in tomorrow morning. Hoping I can get things fixed quickly and be on the road by noon.
 
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