Hey everyone,

First post, I'm new to the board.

Let me point out that I'm a novice when it comes to automobiles, but I am a computer technician so I am technically able. I haven't done any serious work on my Jeep, but I did recently replace the starter motor on my own with little difficulty, so I'm not intimidated to perform repairs myself. I've replaced spark plugs and cleaned out my distributor cap and things like that, too. If a repair isn't too ridiculously complicated and will save me some money to perform myself, I'm willing to give it a try.

So, the story of the vehicle...

I purchased my '89 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L about 18 months ago, used on craigslist for $800. I know very, very little about the history of the vehicle, but the previous owner claimed that the engine had been replaced or rebuilt about 60,000 miles prior. I've added about 20,000 miles since. The vehicle as a whole has 300,000 miles on it. As it stands, I probably came out ahead on my investment to get 18 months out of it, but I'd like to keep the thing running if I can (without putting too much money into it)...

The vehicle was running pretty well when I purchased it, aside from a few electronic issues with power windows and such. It occasionally stalled out when I put it in reverse, an unusual problem that went away after about 1 month and never returned.

After about 9 months another issue developed, where the engine wasn't getting fuel if the tank was less than 1/4 full. If it had more than a 1/2 tank of gas, though, it would always start with ease. I used some fuel system cleaner and this problem eventually went away. After that, the vehicle was back to running at seemingly full strength. At this time I also cleaned out the distributor and replaced spark plugs.

In recent months I had to replace the front brakes and rotors as well as the starter motor. I had a shop do the brakes and rotors, I did the starter myself. I've done oil changes every 3,000-4,000 miles, and as recently as 500 miles ago.

Which brings me to my specific problem...

Over the last 3-4 days, I've felt the engine was idling fairly rough, noticeably moreso than normal, anyway. During this time I've only been driving to/from work, about 6 miles each way, though I do hop on the freeway and drive 70mph for a stretch.

Today on my way to work, about 1/2 mile from home, I was stopped at a stop sign and it seemed like the Jeep lost power, for only a brief second or two. I stepped on the gas and just didn't get any response. Pressed on the gas a bit harder, and it kicked on again. At the time I just shrugged my shoulders and drove on...

Then after driving a few miles on the freeway, I exited at my normal exit. As I was braking just off the exit, the vehicle completely lost power. When I tried to start it again, it wouldn't turn over. Electric was fine. Radio, lights, etc. all worked. Soon noticed white smoke coming up from the hood, though it was a small amount. It was pretty clear the vehicle was overheating. Put it in neutral and pushed it to the side of the road.

Checked the oil level, which was actually above the "full" mark (is this a problem?). Added water to the water/coolant tank, which was pretty close to dry. It should have been filled when I had my oil changed a bit over a month ago, though I did not verify this. I hadn't noticed any leaks under the vehicle, and I usually do check.

Anyway, after sitting for about 20 minutes I was able to start it again and drive it the final half mile to my work.

Let it sit a few hours after I got to work, no noticeable leaking of water/coolant when the Jeep was off. Decided to start it up and let it idle for awhile. After about 5-10 minutes, it was starting to overheat and the water/coolant was bubbling (perhaps even boiling?) in the overflow tank. It started leaking water/coolant from the hose connections at that point. Haven't started it since.

This is the first time I've had the engine overheat on me, prior problems had all been related to ignition and fuel systems. The engine had always performed admirably even on the hottest summer days. I'd be thrilled if it was just a cooling issue, but considering the vehicle was performing fine in hot weather as recently as a couple weeks ago and is now facing this problem in cold weather (and after only a few minutes), I'm suspecting a more serious issue. Obviously with this old a Jeep, a significant engine problem would probably mean the end of its life, as I'm not ready to invest more than perhaps $600 into this vehicle.

I should also note that this Jeep has always seemed to idle at high RPM since I purchased it 18 months ago.

So, if you're in my position, what do you do?

Thanks, and I apologize for my ignorance... I'm still learning.

 

upgrade to the cooling system on the 94 years get rid of the pressure bottle on firewall

 

look under fabrication renix radiator up grade

 

I'm looking over that post right now, but are you sure it isn't something more serious like a blown head gasket? If the water/coolant is boiling over after idling only running 5-10 minutes...?

You'd definitely know more than me, I just want to understand how you're confident that it is the radiator fluid system at fault?

 

im not but the cooling system on our years sucks let me read your post again

 

it's the '89 Jeep Cherokee Limited model, automatic, 4.0L, 4WD... if it makes a difference.

 

ok is your oil gray in color that indicates water in the oil. You stated it was low on water those pressure bottles alway leak they never hold pressure youve got to check it every week or more does it still run good . No misses or jumpie idle.

 

I'm not an expert, but the oil looks OK to me. Doesn't appear gray.

I agree that those pressure bottles are terrible, I've noticed it dry on many occasions, but never had this kind of issue with the Jeep stalling out completely on me, or getting this hot...

It has always idled kind of high, but recently it seems a bit more erratic. I guess "jumpy" would be the best way to describe it. More vibration than normal.

Today it stalled out on me after driving about 5-6 minutes only. White smoke (small amount) came from the hood and when I pulled over the overflow tank was completely dry. After I filled it and waited about 20 minutes for the car to cool down, I was able to drive it a few blocks to a parking lot.

A few hours later I started it up and let it idle. At first it seemed fine (though still rough idle), but after about 10 minutes the water/coolant began boiling/bubbling and leaking a bit around the hoses. That whole overflow tank was shaking pretty violently. I haven't started the car since.

Not sure if the water/coolant had been dry for awhile and it had been slowly destroying the engine or what... but it never seemed like it was overheating before this, even when I drove it longer distances (40+ miles) as recently as a week ago.

 

sounds like you have air pockets in the cooling system you need to burp the system i have a 90 limited and when i put my new rad in it took close to 3 gal of coolant to be full

 

Do you think that'd cause the engine to overheat and die after just 5-6 minutes of driving? Or to cause the violent bubbling/boiling of the coolant after just 10 minutes idling? That it overheated so quickly makes me concerned it is something far more serious... that and the rough idling. May I have burned out my engine by not keeping a closer eye on the cooling system over the last few months? Or am I overreacting to a more simple problem?

I suppose I won't know for sure until I try... any guide how to properly "burp" the cooling system?

 

get the front end higher than the rear put in first gallon or 2 then start while its running continue to add more till no more bubbles are presents when did mine i ran the heat on high also just to make sure i got all the air out

 

Cool, I'll give that a shot. Thanks.

The overflow tank was dry this morning, but it only took about 1 gallon to fill it. I guess that suggests the system wasn't completely dry (as you said it took you about 3 gallons)? That would give me a little hope that I didn't burn out my engine completely...

 

Change your oil,as your draining it keep track of how much you have, get yourself an 8 quart bucket or something similar, so you can make sure you have only roughly six quarts in the pan, and not more.Otherwise its mixing with your coolant,and then you either have a bad head ,or bad head gasket. This would be just a quick test to see. Your oil wont be gray mine still looked just like oil just I had about 10 quarts in my pan lol.Also dont forget whats in the filter.

 

Where are you located?
I have an 89 Limited and went through years of this same thing, PITA.
Make sure you have a good fan shroud. Most important damn $25 piece of plastic.
Convert over to a 3 row radiator with the radiator cap. You'll have to convert the water bottle and the heater valve. There used to be a website called Cherokee America that had a good article on this. The fan switch is different from the old radiator to the new radiator. Jeep solutions in Long Beach has a supplier for a metal 3 row radiator with the older huge fan switch. PM me and I'll PM you back with my phone number if you want to talk. Like I said, I went through years of over heating. I did a lot of work upgrading, now my temp never goes over 220. I also installed some vents from
http://raceace.com/jeeps.html

 

yeah, the dip stick was definitely showing above the FULL level, so I am concerned about that. Unless the shop I had the oil change done at screwed up... so it won't always look gray if it is mixing? Bummer.