XJ Radiators - pitfalls of radiator sourcing

[Brendan]

Extreme caution should be taken when sourcing a new radiator for your XJ if you intend on installing a 2 or 3 core radiator.  If you review other forums and seek out technical support you will quickly find that many owners have unintentionally purchased modine part number 1193 instead of CFS part number 2671 and installed the radiators with no improvement in cooling system heat dissipation.  This situation occurs because 1193 is interchangeable with 2671 as well as the hard to find 2188.  I will now give a brief description of each to help you in the event that you are in this situation. 1193 is a stock single core replacement radiator, and as of this writing, available via multiple manufacturers.  2188 may still be available and is a great option for the cost conscious off roader.  The 2188 is the postal spec radiator and often referenced as right hand drive via the manufacturers technical support hotline.  The 2188 offers a thicker core to promote greater heat dissipation over the 1193 at reasonable increase in cost.  Acquisition cost of this averages in the 100.00 range.  Dont let the "Right Hand Drive" terminology of he 2188 scare you as this is simply used to designate it as a postal spec. radiator.  The CFS 2671 is a true 3 core radiator and although this part number directly interchanges with both the 1193 and 2188 they are not the same.  You cannot purchase a true 3 core radiator for 100.00 so if you get prices like that you are being quoted an 1193 or possibly a 2188.  good luck with your radiator upgrades and be careful when ordering.
   

[(Tattoo) Jack]

   Thanks Brendan! This couldn't have come at a better time, I owe ya. This probably explains why I've been having cooling problems all these years. The stock Rad was replaced just before I started modifying it for off-roading, but it was done at my local garage (before I starting doing most of the wrenching, as I do now). This is just what I'm working on now...

    Tattoo