I have a 1996 XJ with the 4.0. I've only had it about a week, and I seem to notice something not right with the temperature of the engine and the heater. The engine usually will not get above the first 1/4 mark on the gauge. The other day, it got to 210 but it was hot out and I was in traffic. If I drive it at night when it's cooler, it doesn't get near that hot. The other night, it barely got off the lowest mark on the gauge!

Does this sound like a bad thermostat that is stuck open? It looks like the truck has a new radiator and water pump. Or maybe the previous owner removed the thermostat when the radiator and water pump were replaced?

I want my Jee to run at the normal operating temps. It's going to get real cold here soon and I would like to have good working heat, which is of course affected by engine temp.

Thatnks in advance for any tips I receive!

 

ya sounds like the took it out its onln a couple a bucks and helps a lot with the winter cold so you will get some heat

 

Sounds like a t-stat issue. If you did get up to 210 one day then I would suspect the one you have is getting stuck. Run up to your parts store and get a new one and some RTV. it is a pretty simple fix and cheap.

If you need it I am pretty sure there are some write ups in the tech section of the forum

Chuck

 

Not a Jeep specific question, but my extra truck, which is a '94 Silverado does something like this. The water temp guage reading 100-120 and my heat doesn't work.
Could it be something stupid like the thermostat?
I did replace the thermostat when I replaced the motor about two years ago...

 

your jeep is running right were it should be. in 150-195 all day it was 49 the other day and i had plenty of heat . KEEP IT KOOL