Hey guys,

I'm having a coolant losing issue. I am in hot *** north Louisiana so lets keep that in mind too. Ok so I have not over heated at all. I usually run 195-205. And when I get to 210 and I park and get to the store go in and come out I have a small amount of coolant on the ground. Not a puddle just a little bit. I popped the hood and looked around a bit and I don't have crack is any hoses or in my radiator it's coming from the cap. I did replace the cap in the past year is it time for a new one? Should I buy a cap a year?

 

When you got the cap did you go cheap? If so a year is pretty good.

 

Yea I think it was around seven bucks.

 

Radiator cap or coolant bottle cap?

 

I would try a higher lb rated cap first. Go for a 16lb my guess if you currently have a 13lb cap.

 

16lb is the factory rating. Make sure you have that. If not, look at the simple things. I just recently had an issue where I was losing coolant through a brand new cap. After some investigating, I found an elbow that was clogged on the overflow tank. It was not completely clogged, but was restricting flow enough that when the engine was full temp I would lose coolant from the cap. A little compressed air, and no more leaking cap.

 

From the radiator cap.

 

Don't do something like this......
Only install a factory rated cap.

 

it couldn't hurt to try a 16lb cap and see if it corrects the problem. If not, well at least now u know.

 

Use the factory rated cap. Upsizing it won't tell you what's wrong, could still be the cap, the filler neck, the overflow tube, etc.
Check the radiator neck where the cap seals for gunk or other things that'd prevent a proper seal. Don't forget there's two sealing surfaces.
Good point about the overflow, make sure the tubing and connection there isn't leaking.

 

You put higher amp fuses in when one blows huh?
Yes it can hurt putting a higher rated cap on.

Last warning. Stop giving bad advise.

 

^ Correct ^ One of the best ways to destroy an old radiator, heater core along with others. Factory all the way!

 

Is 16lb not factory on an 89 XJ?

Edit: it appears i may have gotten confused between the rad cap and the coolant bottle cap.. Radiator cap should be 13lbs pressure cap! My apologies!!

 

Year of XJ? Where is the puddle?
Can you see a leak when u lift the hood?