Overheating Issues

[waynehartwig]

I tried a large crescent wrench. And I tried hitting it with a hammer to get it going and it just turns everything attached to it. Ya, I think I'll try the $47 one and see if that does the trick. I didn't know the fan was supposed to be loud like it is in the morning. I haven't heard it kick on loud like that during the day for a long time.

It might not be super loud like in the morning, but you should hear it oscillate from loud to quiet when it's at that operating temp.

If you do replace the thermostat, replace it with a 180* unit and not the 195-205* stock unit. That's too hot for any motor. They only do it for emissions and it will still pass Utah's with the 180* in it. The 180* will also improve daily driveability.

 

[Cascadia]

So the jeep was finally cool enough this morning to check fluid. I checked everything yesterday but that cause it was too hot.

You'd think that when you take it somewhere to get flushed the would flush it and fill it back up. Not the case for me. My radiator took nearly a gallon of antifreeze. I just need to let it run again for a little while to check the temp to see if it overheats. For the last couple weeks my temp needle has been on the right side of half by about an 8th of an inch. Now that I put the fluid in it, it is staying on the left side of half by about an 8th of an inch...at least while I'm driving. We'll see once I let it sit. I'll also have to listen to see if I can hear the fan get a little louder.

 

[Bart]

Every 4.0 Jeep I've ever owned had a bubble spot after emptying the radiator. It usually took a good wheeling trip to get it out so I could top it off. Granted, a gallon is a bit extreme, but it's normal to have to check and fill after the first time.

 

[waynehartwig]

So the jeep was finally cool enough this morning to check fluid. I checked everything yesterday but that cause it was too hot.

You'd think that when you take it somewhere to get flushed the would flush it and fill it back up. Not the case for me. My radiator took nearly a gallon of antifreeze. I just need to let it run again for a little while to check the temp to see if it overheats. For the last couple weeks my temp needle has been on the right side of half by about an 8th of an inch. Now that I put the fluid in it, it is staying on the left side of half by about an 8th of an inch...at least while I'm driving. We'll see once I let it sit. I'll also have to listen to see if I can hear the fan get a little louder.

Lack of water can cause it, too...

Yeah, so drive it on the freeway for a bit to warm it up, then park it in the sun with the hood closed and leave it idling for a bit. See if the temps go up. Just don't have your heater on, because that will aid in cooling and could skew the results...

But if it were me, I'd return all of the stuff I bought and drive it. Chances are the gallon of water you added solved the issue.

 

[mbryson]

....If you do replace the thermostat, replace it with a 180* unit and not the 195-205* stock unit. That's too hot for any motor. They only do it for emissions and it will still pass Utah's with the 180* in it. The 180* will also improve daily driveability.

I don't think stock programming will run well with the incorrect thermostat. I've had better luck sticking with the stock replacement thermostat on computer controlled engines. Older stuff without timing management, I'm with you on.

 

[waynehartwig]

I don't think stock programming will run well with the incorrect thermostat. I've had better luck sticking with the stock replacement thermostat on computer controlled engines. Older stuff without timing management, I'm with you on.

It'l be fine. Anything over 160* the Jeep PCM recognizes as a fully warmed up rig.

I ran a 180* in mine for about 80k miles before I put the V8 in, which also has a 180* thermostat from the factory.

 

[Cascadia]

I did return all of the stuff I bought for the fix. So far today it hasn't overheated. It's stayed at middle on the temp gauge or below. Hopefully this will take care of the issue. That'd be sweet. I'll probably still do the 180* thermostat though just to keep temps down. Last time I went out wheeling the person in front of me shot a rock at me and shattered my headlight so instead of returning the fan clutch I just traded it for 2 new brighter headlights and already have them changed. The were a lot easier than a fan clutch. About 5 minutes a piece. I'm guessing the hi tube fenders made it easier to get my hand in there.

 

[Tan Comanche]

Good to hear that it is fixed! I have to agree that a 180 degree t-stat is the way to go. Also, I would suggest a taurus electric fan upgrade. In my rig it made quite a difference. In acceleration and all around. Then again, I've got the 2.5 L.