[snobrdrdan2]

So I have my 2004 and it's got 63k miles, and I plan on replacing LOTS of parts as preventative maintenance and the fact that even though it has low miles....it's still a 18+ year old car.

I already plan on replacing the upper & lower radiator hoses along with the timing belt, both accessory belts, the water pump, thermostat, radiator cap, and the coolant itself....since rubber doesn't age well.

The radiator isn't leaking or anything, but should I change that out too?
Can they really go bad, or just leave the stock one?


If I was going to replace it, I was just going to get a OE replacement. I wanted a Koyo (as an old thread said they made them for Mopar/Dodge), but they're not in stock at the moment and the only options left are some off the wall aftermarket ones (brand I've never heard of) for under $100.

 

[AlmightyFork]

OEM is just fine. A well maintained coolant system can last a very long time.

 

[adecanmin]

If you're going to replace the upper and lower hoses, you should replace them all. The heater hoses, the water lines going to the turbo. The lines going to the the oil cooler, the hoses going to the water pump underneath the intake manifold. If you're replacing the radiator you can access those hoses without taking off the manifold. The one I had the most trouble with was the water line going into the block from the turbo. It was hard to get a wrench in there to loosen the nut. Good luck

 

[fixit]

og, replaced mine 3yrs ago w/220k..
if any of the fins are corroded or loose it will fail

its cheaper than a head gasket, don't forget to do the water pump too (make sure it the plastic impeller )

ditto on hoses, oil cooler, under intake (2x), and the one under the exhaust manifold

 

[AlmightyFork]

og, replaced mine 3yrs ago w/220k..
if any of the fins are corroded or loose it will fail

its cheaper than a head gasket, don't forget to do the water pump too (make sure it the plastic impeller )

ditto on hoses, oil cooler, under intake (2x), and the one under the exhaust manifold

Timing belt is listed as a maintenance item at 102,000 miles. I would always do the water pump at the same time as the timing belt. Without significant contamination, I wouldn't replace any hoses that do not show signs of deterioration or dry rot. A lot of fittings are made of plastic and not worth the risk of breaking to save yourself a leak that doesn't exist yet.

Start with an inspection.
Identify any issues and fix those.
Consider upgrades and preventative maintenance (these guys are right, even though my opinion dissents).
Don't 'fix' anything else.

I thought I remember reading some threads a long time ago that basically said to stick with the OEM radiator because no discernible improvement was gained with any aftermarket option. Though, some people did have fitment/leaking issues after making the change.

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

 

[RTShadow]

My first coolant replacement was at 15 years, so not exactly up to par (80k miles roughly). I did have to replace my radiator cap, because I never took it off, and when I finally did it wouldn't hold pressure after I put it back in. I bought a factory cap after getting an Orielly's special and having it not work so great.

My radiator looks great, nothing leaking, unfortunately my AC condenser fins are NOT so great. I'd spend a few hours straightening them out if it were easier to get to.

I know when I do the timing belt, I'll probably do water pump and a few other items at the same time.

 

[adecanmin]

My first coolant replacement was at 15 years, so not exactly up to par (80k miles roughly). I did have to replace my radiator cap, because I never took it off, and when I finally did it wouldn't hold pressure after I put it back in. I bought a factory cap after getting an Orielly's special and having it not work so great.

My radiator looks great, nothing leaking, unfortunately my AC condenser fins are NOT so great. I'd spend a few hours straightening them out if it were easier to get to.

I know when I do the timing belt, I'll probably do water pump and a few other items at the same time.

Original timing belt?

 

[RTShadow]

Original timing belt?

Yep

 

[snobrdrdan2]

If you're going to replace the upper and lower hoses, you should replace them all. The heater hoses, the water lines going to the turbo. The lines going to the the oil cooler, the hoses going to the water pump underneath the intake manifold. If you're replacing the radiator you can access those hoses without taking off the manifold. The one I had the most trouble with was the water line going into the block from the turbo. It was hard to get a wrench in there to loosen the nut. Good luck

Oh man....I guess there was more stuff I didn't even know about, lol

Maybe AlmightyFork is right.....if it ain't broke, don't (try) fix(ing) it!


I definitely do plan on getting the timing belt (and water pump) done though, since even though the car is low on the mileage (for service)...that rubber belt is still 18+ years old.

 

[snobrdrdan2]

don't forget to do the water pump too (make sure it the plastic impeller )

I was going to go with the Mopar OEM water pump

 

[adecanmin]

you can still get the mopar?

 

[AlmightyFork]

Modern has em

 

[toasteroven]

Yep, Mopar OEM is the way to go with most things on the car if you are not doing power adding. Especially sensors.

Another vote to replace all the hoses here, and do anything else you feel like replacing while you have things apart. We're already at the point where a lot of the important OE stuff is discontinued, and it's only going to get worse as we progress through the years forward. If I was replacing hoses today, I'd probably do the radiator as well just for the hell of it. Then keep the original as a backup.

I'm slowly building a stockpile of OEM parts for myself; not hoarding per se, but definitely keeping at least 1 of key stuff on-hand, seeing as I have 3x 2.4s to maintain. My pile of "used" components slowly grows...

 

[adecanmin]

Definitely a good idea to save those old hoses. The heater hoses were the tough ones getting off. I had to cut them ever so slightly and gently pull them off. The heater core ends are plastic and if I pulled too hard they would of broke. I was able to get Mopar axles just before they discounted them. Unfortunately they weren't selling new ones anymore and I had to get remains. I saved the old ones. I bought a used transmission years ago. It was damaged unknown to me. I took it apart and salvaged what I could. Fortunately the shift selector is good as well as the input shaft and third gear as well. I thought about buying some shift cables but boy are they expensive and it rough shape if you can find them. The ends are plastic and I'm sure eventually they will fail. When that happens I'll have to be creative with a repair solution.

 

[AlmightyFork]

Save everything you can is something I definitely agree with!

 

[snobrdrdan2]

you can still get the mopar?

Water pump?

Yes....I ordered it from Modern Performance the other day and my dealer shows it's still available too:

OEM Mopar Water Pump For 2003-2009 Mopar - Part# 4884159AE | Suburban Auto Parts

Save On OEM Water Pump For 2003-2009 Mopar. Genuine Mopar Part# 4884159AE. Great Prices, Fast Shipping, Order Now!

www.suburbanautoparts.com

 

[adecanmin]

water pump

 

[Midnight Rider]

Replaced the radiator and all associated hoses (minus the upper radiator hose as it was already discontinued) several years back while I was at thepowertowin's dealership in Missouri All OEM parts. Still looking for an OEM Mopar upper hose.

 

[snobrdrdan2]

So I've amassed a bunch of replacement parts for my car, but I still haven't found a radiator though....since I'm going to be replacing everything else (hoses, pump and what not).

From an old thread, the Koyorad A2794 seemed to be the best replacement for the OEM (if not the OEM one)....but it's been out of stock for months.
And I wasn't really looking for a aluminum replacement one (like Mishimoto or the Koyo).

The current options on RockAuto are: TYC, OSC, & APDI/PRO


Thoughts or recommendations?

 

[snobrdrdan2]

okay.....

Final option/idea here.....I found a DENSO one (at least a pretty reputable name there):

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/dnp-221-9180/make/dodge/model/neon/year/2004

Just go with that?