Mean Gene

So I recently purchased a 1991 XJ with relatively low miles. It has been modified by a previous owner for off-roading which is what it is going to be used for by me. I've only done a few trails with it but I've noticed that it seems to run hotter than it should. It will make it to the third hash mark on the temp gauge and a bit beyond it so 235 ish. I've read that the 4.0 does run hot but this seems to be too high, am I right in my thinking? And if so should I start looking to replace the radiator the clutch on the mechanical fan seems to be fine and the E fan is on a toggle switch so I'm able to turn it on whenever it starts to get close to 210. Is there anything else I should be looking out for with the cooling system.

fb97xj1

Flush the cooling system, for starters. Normal operating temp for the 4.0L is 210 +/- a couple degrees. The 4.0L does run hot, but 235 is a bit much. Point an IR thermometer around the temp sender at the back of the cylinder head to make sure the gauge is reading correctly.

Rough_Cherokee2002

Normal operating temp for most XJs is around 210 - 220 (my 97 averages around 215 when its hot out,) 235 is a a bit hot.