Brown coolant
#1
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Brown coolant
Driving home today I blew the upper hose on the radiator off as I overheated. Good thing I was near a convenience mart to fill with water and let it cool down.
Around 2 years ago I replaced the radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat and coolant. What came out of the overheating was brown mucky coolant. I imagine that water was put into the coolant system and caused the head to rust inside causing the brown water. When I flushed the system last, I ran water thru the system before I completely installed everything back in and noticed nothing dirty. Now its almost like I am back to square one.
Around 2 years ago I replaced the radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat and coolant. What came out of the overheating was brown mucky coolant. I imagine that water was put into the coolant system and caused the head to rust inside causing the brown water. When I flushed the system last, I ran water thru the system before I completely installed everything back in and noticed nothing dirty. Now its almost like I am back to square one.
#2
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Driving home today I blew the upper hose on the radiator off as I overheated. Good thing I was near a convenience mart to fill with water and let it cool down.
Around 2 years ago I replaced the radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat and coolant. What came out of the overheating was brown mucky coolant. I imagine that water was put into the coolant system and caused the head to rust inside causing the brown water. When I flushed the system last, I ran water thru the system before I completely installed everything back in and noticed nothing dirty. Now its almost like I am back to square one.
Around 2 years ago I replaced the radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat and coolant. What came out of the overheating was brown mucky coolant. I imagine that water was put into the coolant system and caused the head to rust inside causing the brown water. When I flushed the system last, I ran water thru the system before I completely installed everything back in and noticed nothing dirty. Now its almost like I am back to square one.
Last edited by djb383; 06-24-2014 at 08:06 PM.
#3
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Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
When the water is rusty that is called owners neglect. You need to open up the cap once and awhile to make sure everything is right. Don't wait until you have a problem.
#4
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I replaced the old coolant with regular anti-freeze. When I took the older coolant out I saw brown coolant, so I flushed it with the hose and replaced it all with new equipment and "new" anti-freeze. I bought this XJ with 136000 miles 5 years ago and have only put 9000 miles on it since... Its not a daily driver.
#5
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So since there was neglect prior to me owning it, how can I fix the problem so this doesnt happen again? I am also considering a 2 or 3 pass radiator when I re-do this again.
#6
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Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
What kind of coolant are you using? Dexcool mixed with conventional green is a recipe for disaster. Distiller water should be mixed 50/50 with pure antifreeze.
Repeated flushing should fix the problem. Look at the overflow container once and a while. It tells more than pulling the rad cap in my experience. Light sediment and rust will show up better by looking in the overflow tank.
You may even need to change the overflow hose. I've seen them filled with rust to the point they can't be cleaned.
Repeated flushing should fix the problem. Look at the overflow container once and a while. It tells more than pulling the rad cap in my experience. Light sediment and rust will show up better by looking in the overflow tank.
You may even need to change the overflow hose. I've seen them filled with rust to the point they can't be cleaned.
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#9
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Year: 1998
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http://stewartcomponents.com/index.p...ormation_id=13
#10
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Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0L HO
This is a double pass rad. A triple pass makes one additional turn. Inlet/outlet r on the same side/tank of a double pass and on oppisite sides/tanks on a triple pass rad.
https://images.search.yahoo.com/imag...25&fr2=piv-web
https://images.search.yahoo.com/imag...25&fr2=piv-web
Last edited by djb383; 06-25-2014 at 12:43 PM.
#11
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
I replaced the old coolant with regular anti-freeze. When I took the older coolant out I saw brown coolant, so I flushed it with the hose and replaced it all with new equipment and "new" anti-freeze. I bought this XJ with 136000 miles 5 years ago and have only put 9000 miles on it since... Its not a daily driver.
#12
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U don't say what kind of coolant u put in. Standard coolant is only good for a year or two and if it's not properly mixed, it won't last that long. As stated, unless u frequently check the coolant by removing the rad cap, the system is neglected. Even standard coolant doesn't turn brown overnight.
#13
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Don't even think about installing a double/triple pass rad in the XJ......here's why.
http://stewartcomponents.com/index.p...ormation_id=13
http://stewartcomponents.com/index.p...ormation_id=13
#14
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
A new OE style single pass rad will run +/-$110 at most local auto parts stores.
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