Closed Cooling Sysytem Converting To Open
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter Inline Six
I have an 88 4.0 auto and I'm going to replace the radiator before Summer hits. (The one I have is leaking from the seam) I'd like to convert it to an open cooling system like the later XJ's have. What do I need to get to make this happen? What do I need to do? And how difficult is it? I wouldn't imagine it being that hard. Any input =
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 259
Likes: 15
From: Southern California
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
So I am about to do this same conversion. My question is, I got a brand new thermostat housing for the 92 and newer XJ's. There is a threaded hole on the side that I am guessing is for a temp. sensor on newer xj's. What should I plug the hole with? A bolt and some teflon thread sealant? If so what size bolt fits those threads? Thanks!
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Seasoned Member


Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 331
Likes: 14
From: Dallas, Texas
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0L
Fellas,
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 935
Likes: 49
From: Nationwide, USA
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Renix 4.0
I also converted on my '89 recently, with instruction from Cruiser54. I kept the factory radiator as it is in fine shape. Deleted the heater control valve. Although his instructions are very good, I prefer my coolant reservoir setup to BleepinJeep's.
Here's a link to what I did:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hose-kits-221251/
Have fun!
Here's a link to what I did:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hose-kits-221251/
Have fun!
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 259
Likes: 15
From: Southern California
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Anyone ever tried one of these(Coolant reservoir from a 2.5l)? Looks like it would be plug and play over the driverside wheel well. I think the mounting holes are still there :http://www.quadratec.com/products/51216_02.htm
Last edited by ButtStripe; Feb 26, 2016 at 12:11 PM.
CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 37
From: Dont Colorado Wyoming
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Fellas,
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Renix 4.0
Fellas,
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
Fellas,
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt
I just did this and it is so damn easy. I spent a lot of time finding the right parts and guess what? I compiled it so others wouldn't have to!
Buy the parts listed below and you'll be right as rain. It's honestly about the easiest thing I've done so far on my Jeep.
Good luck gents!
-Matt




