Replacing Radiator Myself -- Questions

[mwilk012]

The in line reservoir design does a good job of getting the air out. I didn’t bleed mine at all.

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[Big AL 471]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Performance wise, do you notice that it cools better than the stock unit as they claim on their website?

As of now it's up in the air.. (hahaha) I live in south dakota where it's been anywhere from 25 down to -7 degrees so I'm not sure if it's the radiator or the air temp,But I'll update if it ever warms the hell up. As of now it seems to be running around 186 consistently.

 

[mwilk012]

As of now it's up in the air.. (hahaha) I live in south dakota where it's been anywhere from 25 down to -7 degrees so I'm not sure if it's the radiator or the air temp,But I'll update if it ever warms the hell up. As of now it seems to be running around 186 consistently.

186 is below thermostat regulating temperature. You won’t see the benefits of a higher Thermal power capacity radiator until it is so hot out that the thermostat never closes.

 

[Membrain]

I have the radiator leak issue going on. Warranty expired this year, so I'm just going to replace on my own. I've noticed there is no real write-up or video regarding the replacement on these JL's. I figure there will be more of us needing this information as us early adopters hit the 4+ year mark.

Anyone have any advice, hints, tricks on replacing the radiator (before I get started)?

I've come across this helpful statement from another thread:

"The only things that get disconnected for the removal are the intake air system, fan and hoses to radiator. Nothing else gets removed ."

I'm not one for making YouTube videos or doing extensive write-ups, or otherwise I would do that here in the next week or so. I will add to this thread though with things I experience along the way.

Make sure you get the right coolant to replace when you refill.
I swapped a radiator on my 2014 JKURX when it started leaking and it was easy enough.

Pro-tip(s):
You might also want to replace the hoses, thermostat and plastic housing at this time - these are also known to eventually fail.

OEM or Third party radiator? I went with a full aluminum Mishimoto replacement and their compatible coolant, and there are other radiator sources available. The OEM will still eventually have the leak issue due to its components.

 

[mbspark]

OEM or Third party radiator? I went with a full aluminum Mishimoto replacement and their compatible coolant, and there are other radiator sources available. The OEM will still eventually have the leak issue due to its components.

Is there a full aluminum mishimoto replacement for theJL, though? Earlier on this thread it was mentioned only the OEM is available.

 

[mwilk012]

Is there a full aluminum mishimoto replacement for theJL, though? Earlier on this thread it was mentioned only the OEM is available.

It’s always the “sort of fits” types that are available this early.

 

[Fuel Fire Desire]

Old thread, and stupid question……. But since there’s no radiator core cap, how do we refill the system after changing the radiator? Just through the surge tank cap?

 

[mwilk012]

Old thread, and stupid question……. But since there’s no radiator core cap, how do we refill the system after changing the radiator? Just through the surge tank cap?

Yep. It works great.

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