92XJGuy

So I'm slightly overheating as of recently. I usually sit in the middle 212 line, sometimes even cooler, since I have hood vents installed. There was also a puddle of water under my XJ today. So I'm going with a bad thermo. But if you think it's something else, let me know. I'm going to look around for a replacement today and I was just wondering how the replacing is. Is it located in a pita spot? Easy fix?



180 or 195? I heard 180 is better for off roading and hot climates, but the Jeep is designed for 195. Thoughts? Is there also a brand I should avoid? Or anything I need to know?


Cheers

JeepDeep

195* OEM thermostat from Jeep. I think you have an open system so you should't have water under the Jeep. It would just go into your overflow. Check the weep hole for your water pump and all coolant hoses.

ZINGGG

I went with an OEM 195 thermostat. I always like replacing parts like that with what came from the factory. Sounds like you sprang a leak. I'd try to track that down. More than likely, it's an old, brittle hose that sprang a leak or your radiator that sprang a leak. Either the case, it's hard to say that a new thermostat will automatically fix your issue of getting to a higher temp, as there are other components in the cooling system as well.

92XJGuy

OK, I'll try and track down the leak. Could be the thermo hose too. I'll probably do a new thermo change regardless since I'm pretty sure it hasn't been done before. Is running a leak sealant frowned upon?


Thanks guys

RTorrez1

Where was the puddle located? Was it toward the front, drivers side or passenger side. Knowing this would give a little better idea where it may be coming from.

JeepDeep

Leak sealant is cheating! You'll end up with more headaches if you cut corners.

92XJGuy

Unfortunately I was not the one driving when this happened, but it was relayed unto me. I'll be going out tonight to find out for myself.

I figured as such. But if my radiator is leaking, isn't it pretty pricey to fix? Hoses I can understand, since I would assume it's an easy/cheap fix. If it is the rad, can I use sealant with the intention of replacing it in the near future? Or does that affect other parts of the system?


Cheers

purplegrocerygogetter

Could be your radiator cap too... Isnt there a thermostat in there too?

RTorrez1

You really don't want to any of those leak sealers. You can end up with more problems then you start out with, By causing a lot of plugging in the cooling system. If you absolutely have to use a sealer. Hopefully not for a prolong time. once you locate and repair the problem you need to completely flush the cooling system to get that crud out of there. Just let us know what you find.

tjwalker

Don't use leak sealers. If the radiator is leaking, replace it. An OEM style radiator is not much more than $100.

Many of those cooling system sealers clog heater cores and create other havoc on your system.

Don't be tempted. Find root cause of every cooling system leak and repair them. Every time. It's cheaper AND better in the long run.

djb383

What cooling system maintenance would u be "pretty sure" has been done?

ZINGGG

Silly.

Yeah don't do that. For the reasons listed above. You'll cause yourself way too many other problems if you do that

Radiator isn't expensive. It'll run you about $100-$150 depending on where you look. I like rockauto.com for OEM parts. It's pretty easy to fix too.
And no, DON'T use any stop leak. If you put it in your radiator, it'll end up in your heater core. And you don't want to have to tackle that repair unless it's completely necessary

92XJGuy

Honestly I'm going to assume everything is the way it was back when the Jeep came out in 92, since I don't really trust previous owners.



Well I replaced the thermostat with a 180 one. Temps dropped quite a bit (since I'm assuming I had an OEM 195 that was going bad/clogged). Quick, simple fix for those wondering. And I didn't notice any dripping when I arrived home.


Thanks a lot everyone!

96rokee

x2
i have a slight amount of water leaking from my ac which ive heard is normal. its got a hose for it and everything.

and if the message was just relayed to you from someone else, thenn idk if it were my car id wanna see it myself.

if you do decide to replace thermostat id go 180 for summer, but maybe switch back to 195 in winter so it can warm up faster.
but others might say different

oops didnt read last post..
oh well just my .02 cents anyways

djb383

A 195 stat won't make the motor warm up any faster to 180 than a 180 stat.