Radiator shot, which one to replace with?
#11
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Well I decided on the Spectra Rad, it should arrive Monday. I also got a new radiator cap and I will also install a new thermostat as well. Not going to short cut it.
#12
Super Moderator
Has anyone tried this CSF, all aluminum radiator?
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6218_07.htm
Also, it does look like the 3.6L, uses the same radiator as the 3.8L
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51212_0000_07.htm
I wonder if that has anything to do with the 2012+ with the 3.6L engine seeming to have more lower mileage OEM radiator failures?
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6218_07.htm
Also, it does look like the 3.6L, uses the same radiator as the 3.8L
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51212_0000_07.htm
I wonder if that has anything to do with the 2012+ with the 3.6L engine seeming to have more lower mileage OEM radiator failures?
#14
Super Moderator
CSF OEM replacement
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6217_07.htm
and I have no idea what the differences are between these 2 aluminum CSF replacements, aside one costs much more than the other???
$482 CSF Aluminum
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6224_07.htm
$315 CSF Aluminum
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6218_07.htm
Last edited by Rednroll; 02-26-2018 at 06:23 AM.
#15
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Well I swapped out the radiator yesterday and it took me some time. Approx. 5.5 to 6 hrs I'd say. I was being careful with the new one and did as someone suggested and started the screws in every hole so the threads would already be there. I'd probably have paid to have it done looking back on it now, man it was rough on an ole man like me. LOL
#16
Super Moderator
That's about how long it took me when I did mine. I'm definitely no speed demon, when it comes to working on my JK. I typically multiply times 4 of what someone states the install time should take. However, I do tend to take a lot of breaks and I work on some side jobs when I have things taken apart. I always look at taking parts off, as an opportunity which opens up some space to clean up things that are typically hard to get at. So my front axle, upper control arms and frame rails got a nice new layer of rust reformer and fresh paint on them when I had the radiator and fan assembly pulled out.
#17
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
That's about how long it took me when I did mine. I'm definitely no speed demon, when it comes to working on my JK. I typically multiply times 4 of what someone states the install time should take. However, I do tend to take a lot of breaks and I work on some side jobs when I have things taken apart. I always look at taking parts off, as an opportunity which opens up some space to clean up things that are typically hard to get at. So my front axle, upper control arms and frame rails got a nice new layer of rust reformer and fresh paint on them when I had the radiator and fan assembly pulled out.
#18
Thanks!!! Just want to make sure, since it looks like CSF makes multiple replacement options. Was it one of the aluminum tank ones? And which aluminum tank one if it was?
CSF OEM replacement
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6217_07.htm
and I have no idea what the differences are between these 2 aluminum CSF replacements, aside one costs much more than the other???
$482 CSF Aluminum
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6224_07.htm
$315 CSF Aluminum
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6218_07.htm
CSF OEM replacement
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6217_07.htm
and I have no idea what the differences are between these 2 aluminum CSF replacements, aside one costs much more than the other???
$482 CSF Aluminum
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6224_07.htm
$315 CSF Aluminum
https://www.quadratec.com/products/51210_6218_07.htm
#19
Super Moderator
Sorry just saw this. It was the fist one. I called Quadratec and they are sending a new one out free of charge. I asked if this was an issue and they said no. I did see a review of another customer having a leak in theirs. I expected it to last longer and now I have to spend a good part of my day off replacing it. Still blows! Especially, when you check labor prices to have it done...twice! I guess my labor is free.
I don't know what the challenges are of manufacturing a radiator, or developing a test to ensure they're up to snuff before leaving the factory but it sure seems like no one has it quite figured out for our JKs.
Last edited by Rednroll; 03-05-2018 at 05:21 AM.
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catahoula (03-05-2018)
#20
JK Jedi
It sure seems like the newer radiators aren't quite as good as the older ones. You guys with later models sure report getting some really good life out of your factory rads. I'd seen so many newer ones failing really early, seems mainly like '14-'15s I've seen going with under 50k miles which seems redonk....maybe they just had a bad batch during that time period?? I constantly suspect my '13 with 72k miles, but can't find a leak. I've replaced thermostat/housing, and get the typical smell and loss of coolant in the res tank over time.
I just don't think anyone makes a great aftermarket rad. When it comes time, I'll probably just go with another factory unit for lack of a better option.
I just don't think anyone makes a great aftermarket rad. When it comes time, I'll probably just go with another factory unit for lack of a better option.
$300+ radiators aren't in my budget at the moment, so I guess it's OEM or OEM knock off. Almost tempted to try to the Spectra to save $90. Steering clear of the even cheaper CSL.