I'm getting tired of this...

[CreeperSleeper]

Okay, here is my problem. My 97 FZJ80 (12x,xxx mi) will overheat when going uphill in snow or long, steep climbs at around 20 mph. I have no problems on the street or with it idling through rock gardens. I have replaced the fan clutch (again) and flushed the coolant. I’m not blowing bubbles or have any white smoke. The rig has had shady maint until I got it a year ago and I wheel it hard. My question is, based on your experiences, is my problem more likely sludge in the radiator or a head gasket starting to fail. I can’t afford to replace them both (though I’d like to), so I would like to take care of the “most likely” suspect first. Also, am I overlooking something that it could be? The rig does use oil (about 1qt every 1500 miles) and it has seen time in both the red on the temp gauge and bouncing off the rev limiter, just not at the same time… TIA

 

[cruiserdan]

Radiator first.


In the red is not good either.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

May I ask how much the brass rad is?

 

[cruiserdan]

List $552.31, net $414.24 plus the ride.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

*sigh* I'll call you in April... Thanks Dan, your the best!

 

[NorCalDoug]

I'm experiencing the same symptoms, but not quite as dramatic as you seem to be.

I haven't swapped mine yet, but I did place the order with CDan and have a nice brass radiator waiting for me to find a dry weekend to replace and flush.

Plus...you'll have a spare radiator...if you ever need one.

Just do it and stop worrying about it...that's all I have to say abou that...

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Hey Doug... can I borrow your radiator?

 

[e9999]

if it's been in the red, fixing this would seem rather imperative...
definitely not normal I assume.
You could have the rad pressure cleaned if it has sludge. Can you see or collect anything?

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I had the coolant power flushed and it was dirty, but I can't look into the rad and see crap...

 

[Cattledog]

You might want to have the rad cap tested or replaced. I doubt that it is the issue but is a cheap possiblity.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

That's a good idea...

 

[Mike S]

List $552.31, net $414.24 plus the ride.

Dan this is a drop in swap for the late FZJ80's? I like the idea of an all brass radiator in th e80.

M

 

[cruiserdan]

Dan this is a drop in swap for the late FZJ80's? I like the idea of an all brass radiator in th e80.

M

Yes, total drop-in. No modifications of any kind.

 

[Rich]

...I like the idea of an all brass radiator in th e80.
M

The tanks are plastic.

 

[DuManchu]

Why not try and find a Griffin or equivalent aluminum radiator? Is it prohibitively expensive or just a pain or both?

One would think the aluminum option might be a "better" way to go.

-Andrew

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Why not try and find a Griffin or equivalent aluminum radiator? Is it prohibitively expensive or just a pain or both?

One would think the aluminum option might be a "better" way to go.

-Andrew

Well, considering how well my current aluminum radiator is working out... (j/k). The common idea is that the brass one does just as well as an aftermarket alum one for less money.

 

[MTNRAT]

I switched for the brass baby. Works exellent with a supercharger and heavy mountain towing.
Sean

 

[Junk]

I'm experiencing the same symptoms, but not quite as dramatic as you seem to be.

I haven't swapped mine yet, but I did place the order with CDan and have a nice brass radiator waiting for me to find a dry weekend to replace and flush.

Plus...you'll have a spare radiator...if you ever need one.

Just do it and stop worrying about it...that's all I have to say abou that...

Don't worry. I've sent you some junk-karma

 

[RavenTai]

just an internet observation but several have had had overheating problems with "racing" style radiators, I do not think they are well suited to a slow moving high load vehicle.