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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
For a bit of context, I recently picked up my first xj and have been nursing it back to health from its somewhat neglected state. Generally it’s pretty unused, but hasn’t been well attended in terms of fluids and other regular maintenance.
The other day headed up a mountain (not off-roading, just heading to a trail head) and got the dreaded check engine light and noticed the temp was sky high. When I popped the trunk I could see coolant spewing out from under the radiator cap. I let it cool and headed home, and drove it in town with no further issues.
Regardless, I did a coolant flush and replaced the radiator cap as the coolant looked pretty brown. All seemed to be fixed until yesterday when I headed up the mountain again and got the same results, except this time the temp looked normal and the check engine light didn’t come on. What could be causing this spray? A water pump issue? Blockage? The radiator itself? Any help would me much appreciated!
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Hmmm. Not cooling sufficiently under load. Problem occurs while in motion, so, it's not a fan clutch problem.
A prime suspect is the water pump. The fins can rust off and do a very poor job of moving coolant. Sometimes enough for putt putting around town, but not enough for pushing it a bit.
I have not priced it out for myself, but many on this forum have said that you can replace everything in the cooling system for around $200. Radiator, hoses, water pump, T-stat. It's cheap peace of mind.
Coolant spitting when mountain driving
