Hey yall, I bought an 88 Cherokee Laredo 4x4 the other day and took it wheeling for the first time today, the radiated tank stared hissing and spewing fluid, the temp got to 250 and I shut it off. I was stuck in a hole when that happend so running hot would be normal, but I didn't think doing what it did would be. Well the tank has about half an inch in the bottom now so I need to add fluid to that immmediatly, but I do not see where i add fluid directly into the radiator? I assume the tank is an overflow tank and not where all fluid goes... I just don't know if there's something wrong with the system or what
Help me out guys! Thanks a ton
-Adam

 

So you talking about the bottle/tank that mounted by the firewall on the passenger side correct?

 

Yessir

 

Ok. So the 84-90 Cherokees are closed loop cooling systems, so that is a pressure bottle not an overflow there is no rad cap it all goes through that bottle.
But to help you out with your problem, I would suggest tossing the cap that's on your pressure bottle and replace it with a Volvo pressure cap (Volvo part# 703-1396) it holds the pressure better then the stock cap so you won't have fluid spilling everywhere when you get to boiling point. It's super easy, I mean you unscrew the old cap screw on the new and bam done, and its cheap I did it last week (after procrastinating and not believing it would do anything) it only cost $7.99 here.

 

Awesome! Thanks! So was there anything unnormal about my jeep overheating when I was stuck in the hole? I just don't want there to be a problem and blow a head gasket or something

 

Start with the cap, the stock one is weak and releases pressure to soon that will cause the overheating. If it happens again you can check back in and let us know more. I wouldn't worry about blowing a head gasket to much, it is possible but not likely IMO, my 90' got hot enough that my jeep began misfiring and died I have ran it for 6 months since then no issues.

 

That sounds good! Thanks for the help!

 

My pleasure, I'm just here to help.