I just got back to Iowa from Silverton, CO. I pulled my little trailer on what amounted to 2500 miles of flat and mountain highways there and back. The Wrangler currently has 117,000 miles on the clock.
Even with A/C off I struggled with high heat 230+ and had to slow down frequently to 50MPH or so to get things cooled down.
On the trip out apparently the plastic petcock in the radiator gave up so it was dripping. I replaced that in Denver and refilled things with new 50/50 antifreeze. By the time I got to Silverton it was clear there was more to the problem as after every stop on the drive fluid would blow out into the reservoir which would vaporize the fluid in the reservoir and puke out all over the inside of the hood and the driver's side fender. We tested the radiator cap and it appeared to be part of the problem so a new one was purchased. This solved my issues while at altitude.
The trip from Silverton back to Denver was without problem. Temps were below 212F for the whole trip. Stops in Gunnison had no steam or issues. However, as soon as I pulled off the highway in Denver (temp was 210) and drove 3 blocks to a burger joint the temp spiked and the upper radiator hose blew (or the hose blew and the temp spiked). So a new upper hose and another $40 of 50/50 and I got back on the road the next morning.
From Denver to Ames, IA I drove at various speeds, typically well below the speed limit to keep the temp at 230 or slightly below. When I slowed down and pulled into gas stations the temp quickly dropped to near 200 and there were zero steam/blow out issues. As we got back down to below 1000ft and the night/evening temps dropped I was able to get back up to 70mph while keeping the temps at 212 or below.
So...I was thinking spiffy all aluminum $$$ radiator with connections for the auto trans cooler and the A/C condenser. Before ordering I hop on here and see a lot of respected folks saying stick with the OEM radiator. It appears that maybe there is a newer OEM model than what I have?
http://ift.tt/1Syqmqw shows that there isn't even an OEM model for my model year available. What OEM model is suggested?
What is the consensus on next steps? Clearly what I have in there now isn't getting the job done. I really want to be able to pull my 500lb trailer with A/C at interstate speeds. I've been thinking that a new thermostat might be worthwhile. The water pump isn't expensive.
Some of my issues may be attributable to 17+ year old parts (petcock, hoses, etc) and if this is the case I likely should be proactively replacing a serpentine belt, the other rad hoses, etc. Old parts doesn't explain the high temps I'm getting, however. If the OEM rad is the best and mine isn't leaking does it maybe need cleaned out somehow?
Any reasonable help appreciated.
Even with A/C off I struggled with high heat 230+ and had to slow down frequently to 50MPH or so to get things cooled down.
On the trip out apparently the plastic petcock in the radiator gave up so it was dripping. I replaced that in Denver and refilled things with new 50/50 antifreeze. By the time I got to Silverton it was clear there was more to the problem as after every stop on the drive fluid would blow out into the reservoir which would vaporize the fluid in the reservoir and puke out all over the inside of the hood and the driver's side fender. We tested the radiator cap and it appeared to be part of the problem so a new one was purchased. This solved my issues while at altitude.
The trip from Silverton back to Denver was without problem. Temps were below 212F for the whole trip. Stops in Gunnison had no steam or issues. However, as soon as I pulled off the highway in Denver (temp was 210) and drove 3 blocks to a burger joint the temp spiked and the upper radiator hose blew (or the hose blew and the temp spiked). So a new upper hose and another $40 of 50/50 and I got back on the road the next morning.
From Denver to Ames, IA I drove at various speeds, typically well below the speed limit to keep the temp at 230 or slightly below. When I slowed down and pulled into gas stations the temp quickly dropped to near 200 and there were zero steam/blow out issues. As we got back down to below 1000ft and the night/evening temps dropped I was able to get back up to 70mph while keeping the temps at 212 or below.
So...I was thinking spiffy all aluminum $$$ radiator with connections for the auto trans cooler and the A/C condenser. Before ordering I hop on here and see a lot of respected folks saying stick with the OEM radiator. It appears that maybe there is a newer OEM model than what I have?
http://ift.tt/1Syqmqw shows that there isn't even an OEM model for my model year available. What OEM model is suggested?
What is the consensus on next steps? Clearly what I have in there now isn't getting the job done. I really want to be able to pull my 500lb trailer with A/C at interstate speeds. I've been thinking that a new thermostat might be worthwhile. The water pump isn't expensive.
Some of my issues may be attributable to 17+ year old parts (petcock, hoses, etc) and if this is the case I likely should be proactively replacing a serpentine belt, the other rad hoses, etc. Old parts doesn't explain the high temps I'm getting, however. If the OEM rad is the best and mine isn't leaking does it maybe need cleaned out somehow?
Any reasonable help appreciated.
98 radiator (sorry, another thread)
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