97 xj- i just replaced 195 thermostat, sensor, water pump. Jeep only gets to 210 degrees when sitting in park or at stop light, you get the picture. Otherwise when driving it sits below 210. I understand how the thermostat works but I really don't understand why it does this and how do I fix.

 

Fix what?

 

the jeep should be running at or very close to 210. It's running with the hand between 210 and the nearest tick mark, which is running too cool in my opinion.

 

What's the usual temperature outside in your area this time of year? And what brand of stat?

 

mine sits just under 210 steady when fully heated up....summer and winter. the t stat should keep it fairly steady. its the boss.

 

Recently redid my complete cooling system after the original radiator developed a crack on one side. No overheating problem ever although it would get a hair above 210 with the a/c on at times. Anyways the gauge will now vary at 1/3 of the way between the second mark to a hair under 210. Ands that's if pulling say a 5mi 5% grade. Thing is these aren't the most accurate set ups in the world. Only way to verify is with an infared temp gun. Bought one two weeks ago but haven't gotten around to using it.

 

in Texas. So typically right now 50-70. Degrees. Bought the fail safe brand from autozone. I don't want to redo the t stat with different brand unless you think I should

 

I would say the situation is pretty normal. We just had a discussion on this in another thread not too long ago. I just re-did my cooling system as well. Most of the time mine sits a hair below 210 and varies downward a small bit.

 

Sounds normal. It's going to show some variation. Seems that aftermarket t-stats have a very poor track record. The "fail safe" varieties are worse. Many here insist on Mopar only.

Our Jeeps are funny about some parts. Sensors especially, but apparently also t-stats, they like Mopar and only Mopar.

 

I'm not too fond of the fail safe or autozone ones hahah.

 

MOPAR t-stat, bar none the best!