Radiator Cracked

[polish85]

It's been a while since I've been able to work on my jeep (April 2016) but finally got back on it this weekend and when I went to crank it I noticed I had a cracked radiator. A buddy of mine told me to look for one with an electric fan but after doing some research I don't think I need it but that's where all you experts come in. Do I truly need an electric fan? Or can I just buy a radiator that is an upgrade from the stock one the PO put in. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg upgrading but don't want another stock one. I found a radiator at radiator express for about $189(SKU : 218424) but not sure its what I need.

What are the pros/cons of getting electric fan on the radiator?

I have a AMC 232 i6 I6 , 3 speed. If anyone has purchased a radiator they would 100% recommend to someone please let me know.

Thanks in advance!
Mike

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You see where I live-I still run a stock fan, never overheats.
Do you have a fan shroud? You should--
Can you post a picture of where the crack is located?
May just be able to solder it up.
When was the last time a 'rod-out' was done to your radiator??
When you remove the rad. cap. What do the passages that you can see, look like?
LG

 

[mriplaybass]

I bought this one on eBay over a year ago for a 79 CJ7 AMC 304 , and have been very happy with it.
1973 - 1986 Jeep CJ Aluminum Radiator

 

[mstar]

I replaced a stock radiator in my late model jeep with a radiator express part and it lasted about a year.top plate started leaking.replaced with a champion and weld leaking near bottom outlet.Stop leak took care of that.
Aside from those problems the aluminum radiator was a a huge upgrade as far as cooling goes. Don't see a reason for electric fan. mike

 

[slomo]

The cheapest, most worry free fan is the stock one. It will darn near, never fail on you leaving you stranded. It's already installed so no busted knuckles. Very easy on the wallet.

Electric fans are great. Drawbacks are the wiring, switches and relays you need. More load on the alternator. Now you are looking at fan motor failures, wiring and so on. All those extra parts to fail on you. Do I want one, yes. Do I need one, no. Pros are they free up HP and ........

slomo