I have a recently acquired, stock 1999 sport classic.

I notice that the general water temp is running around 204-206+, but today, when i was climbing some hills in the Nevada outback, with an air temp around 85, the water temperature got up as high as 218-220.

This is pretty scary when you are 10 miles back on a lonely dirt track.

Is this OK or do I have a potential overheating problem.

TNX for you comments.

Rick

 

You should be fine but when was the last time the coolant system was serviced?

 

i had the same problem with my 87 cherokee, i could be your thermostat is shot

 

Don't worry about it. The 4.0 runs hot. I have put mine into the red (250 or so) pulling up long steep slick hills in 4 low. If it gets up that high let it cool off, but otherwise you are good.
If you are moving slow, on a trail for example, pop the hood while you drive for a bit of extra airflow, just make sure to close it before you drive on the road.

 

Don't know, since recently purchased.

What can I expect for normal water temps when driving down the road, driving in 4wd, or climbing hills, etc.

I am part way on my trip to remote parts of Nevada, and jeep parts are not readily available.

should I worry?

 

The electric fan should come on at 218* or so, OR if you have the AC on. It sounds like yours is doing OK.

 

this is what I was going to say...

 

Out of curiosity, how are those coolant temps being verified?