My 98 XJ is having some cooling system issues.

It has had a slow leak for a couple of months. So slow I could not figure out where it it leaking. It is obvious it is leaking because the underside of the hood shows splatter from the belt and the coolant level goes down. Only needed to be topped every week or so.

So yesterday my wife was driving it, it let go big time, coolant blowing out of the hood, running down the passenger side of the hood and quarter panel, enough to get on the windshield even and the check engine light came on. The entire engine compartment especially on the passenger side is covered with coolant. She shut it off before it overheated but was stressed out that she had ruined the truck. I told her no problem at least now we know where the problem is.

So I get to where the truck is sitting last night. Top of the coolant, start up the truck expecting to see coolant pouring out. No visable leaks. Nothing. the temp gauge runs up fine to the middle (210 I believe) and holds there fine.

What am I missing?

Thanks for any advice,
Keith

 

More than likely the plastic tank on the radiator. The symptoms described are classic.

 

You probably need to go to a shop and have them pressurize your cooling system in order to try to find out where the leak really is.

That way you replace the problem part the first time.

Since your wife is now traumatized, you probably need to take her out to eat.

In the Jeep.

After it is fixed for sure.

 

If you opt for the "pressure test" route my advice is to get your own kit at Harbor Freight or Northern Tools. You have less money in the "test" and still have the device for the next problem.

X2 on taking the wife to dinner...

 

Thanks for the replies, I will give it a shot, and I will for sure make to take her out to dinner!

 

Check your reservoir bottle and make sure the tube is not plugged up.

you could have built up enough pressure the blow that hose that goes into the top.

Seems possible seeing it leaked all over the passenger side and made it up to the window.

 

An obvious leak....known about for a couple of months.... that got bigger (not smaller or went away)....and stressed out the Wifey?????? C'mon man!....and where u take her to dinner better not use paper napkins.

 

Disregard everything this man says

 

Hey, I resemble that.