I have a 97 xj that is still overheating. It does fine at highway speeds but stop and go traffic along with the AC on makes it overheat. I've replaced everything new water pump, thermostat and housing (I've burped it) new cylinder head old was cracked, along with all new gaskets. Then I thought the fan clutch was bad but I tested it and it was fine. It barely spins when you try to turn it when it's been sitting for awhile. I'm out of ideas, I drive this everyday and need to fix it asap thanks.

 

Are you going by the factory temp gauge or do you have symptoms of overheating? How about your radiator,auxilary fan,fan shroud? Reckon you did a good engine flush when you replaced the head?

 

Yes fan the shroud etc. is good. And yes I'm usin the factory temp gauge and when it overheats you can hear it bubbling in the overflow

 

Plugged radiator (if you haven't replace that), bad radiator cap or you have a leaking heater core that won't let you build pressure on the system (pressure test would be the easiest to check this one)
If the fan clutch is original, replace it. They can be deceptive and pass the spin test and still not hold up under load.
Did you use a good brand thermostat? There has been 2 threads recently where a brand new thermostat failed/wouldn't open all the way and I've had my share of bad experiences with cheap thermostats. Napa superstats are the only thing I trust now.

 

find a fan clutch from a WJ at the junkyard. That won't solve your problem but it will alleviate the symptoms temporarily, and once you fix the underlying problem you'll have a *****in' cooling system.

 

What's the difference between the Xj and the Wj clutches? More solid? kick in at a lower temp? Always learning something new here!

 

Figure he's meaning this one:
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Re...0038%2b2038004


I've got one on mine but I believe I could have gotten by with OEM one. These are a bit loud and could also effect mpg a bit.

 

One does not need the ZJ fan clutch on a properly working XJ coming system. Is good for its purposes though.

OP, you've only done half the proper maintenance or seems. After you the original owner. What kind of coolant did you use when you change stat. And like mentioned, radiator cap, new fan clutch. Is worth spending the money to change these things if you don't know when they were actually done. Overheating at crawling speeds is def a fan clutch or radiator issue it seems.

Plus, is you aux fan not turning on?

 

That is the way my 53 ****** sounds, One would think you could just throw it in neutral and rev it up to pull you down the road It was always the very unique sound of Jeeps in the WWII movies and MASH But fuel mileage was not an issue back then.

 

Yeah it's not completely necessary but will help a little bit. They're designed to be engaged for like 30% more of the time than the stock XJ clutch. A WJ/ZJ fan clutch is to cooling system problems as a steering stabilizer is to death wobble.

 

If your referring to the NAPA #272310 fan it's an OEM for these vehicles. See post #14

 

It's OEM for ZJs not XJs.

 

Such a good way to put it lol

 

NAPA lists these as OEM replacements on the ZJ depending whether the vehicle has max cool or not.
TEM 272314
TEM 272306


Found it:
#272310:
Jeep Cherokee 2.5 L 150 CID L4 AMC Design 1994 - 2000
Jeep TJ 4.0 L 242 CID L6 1997 - 1999
Jeep Wrangler 4.0 L 242 CID L6 1991 - 1995
Jeep Wrangler 4.0 L 242 CID L6 1997 - 1999
Jeep YJ 4.0 L 242 CID L6 1991 - 1995