So, newbie here, it's been 7 months since I bought this second owner XJ, I've always loved them and this is my 2nd XJ, last one had to go... Anyway, I've been doing a lot of improvements since I got it but it's giving me a really hard time to make it run OK. Today my second radiator blew up while on a stop light, last one did the same and exactly in the same spot (right plastic cover) since the last one was replaced I took the thermostat off and travelled with it no problems for a couple of months, it was running smooth, temp gauge (new from Autozone) marked right in the middle between 100 and 210 all the time, and even at 100 when going thru the highway (cus of the stat missing).
Ordered a new aluminum rad but I'm afraid the cooling system is building too much pressure; should I do a compression test first? Also, my Cherokee has 2 electrical fans that work at the same time when the motor is hot. Should I go back to a clutch fan? Or should I put a switch to manually turn on the electrical fan? What do you guys suggest? I am a little bit desperate here it is the second time the radiator blows :'(
TIA!

 

By the way, the temp sensor never showed to be overheating until it was too late, the check gauges light turned on and all of the sudden the temo needle was at the top, next second the radiator pop with a big withe cloud and coolant all over the place.

 

The radiator cap can be tested.
If you suspect exhaust gasses in the cooling system, you can borrow a tester from the parts stores.

 

I would go with a factory style replacement radiator with a lifetime warranty, put the clutch fan back in, new thermostat and new radiator cap.

 

Most people on here will recommend sticking with the OEM cooling system. Cheap aluminum radiators are notorious for developing leaks in a short amount of time, and more people report problems with electric fan conversions than I see success.

Keys to keeping the OEM system happy:
-Clutch fan in proper operating condition.
-Intact fan shroud (this is often overlooked but is very important).
-Flush the system (including the heater core) to get crap out (run only distilled water/proper coolant after flushing. No tap water).

No aftermarket radiators, no high performance water pumps. Run the OEM spec thermostat and radiator cap. A well maintained OEM system is best 9 times out of 10.

 

Quote:
The radiator cap can be tested.
If you suspect exhaust gasses in the cooling system, you can borrow a tester from the parts stores.
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Haven't thought about this, thank you!

 

Quote:
I would go with a factory style replacement radiator with a lifetime warranty, put the clutch fan back in, new thermostat and new radiator cap.
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This is what I was thinking, unfortunately yesterday at the heat of the moment I ordered an aluminium style rad so I'll have to stick to it and pray for no leaks, but definitely will do the clutch fan, new stat and rad cap. Thanks

 

Dang, never thought about the leaks from aluminum rads, thank you for the heads up, I already bought one yesterday cause of the heat of the moment :/
Yes, I agree with the electric fans, unless you have a switch directly and turn it on all the time while driving, I don't see the point to it

Clutch fan is definitely on the list.
Fan shroud included
Taking it to a specialist I unfortunately don't have enough space to do this job at home

My rad is a DNA Motoring, never have bought any of them but I thought to give em a chance, not sure if it's gonna be a good decision
I'll throw back in the spec stat and radiator cap and hope for the best.

With all of this in place, there shouldn't be any problem soon right?

 

you could call and cancel/change the order if it hasn't shipped yet. check details.. sometimes things say shipped but they have only printed the label and are waiting for it to be picked up

 

Too late, the package is already in transit I'll give it a try with the clutch fan back in.

Does anyone know if I can use the blades from a clutch fan from a Grand Cherokee 4.0L?

 

you could return when you get it. just say you measured again and it wont fit.. then they know there is nothing wrong with it.. might take a couple days to get your money or if they have the right one, get a store credit maybe and order the right one..

 

lie lie lie. just lie to get through life, right? No good.

 

I've always used a Napa NR2802 from my local store. No issues.