Cooling system problem
#1
Cooling system problem
I just recently started having a problem on my 99 xj, with my radiator cap leaking coolant when it gets to operating temp. It doesn't overheat but that's only because I keep adding distilled water almost every day. It doesn't spray out or anything like that, just drips out quickly when it gets warm.
A little background... I just bought the jeep a few months ago and about a month ago I took the radiator cap off to check the coolant. I found out the guy I bought it from had used tap water and there was a ton of build up on the cap and the coolant was not even recognizable as coolant. I drained the radiator then refilled it with 50/50 coolant/water. I also replaced the cap.
I already replaced the new cap thinking it was the problem. I know the xj's are kinda notorious for cooling system issues. Can anyone help me out?
A little background... I just bought the jeep a few months ago and about a month ago I took the radiator cap off to check the coolant. I found out the guy I bought it from had used tap water and there was a ton of build up on the cap and the coolant was not even recognizable as coolant. I drained the radiator then refilled it with 50/50 coolant/water. I also replaced the cap.
I already replaced the new cap thinking it was the problem. I know the xj's are kinda notorious for cooling system issues. Can anyone help me out?
#2
Junior Member
Well, even though you drained it, there could still easily be a potential that there could be gunk buildup inside the radiator, and depending on how long the tap water was in
there, it could have started rusting the radiator.
When you drained the radiator did you use the little bolt on the passenger side of it to drain? If so, did you twist it all the way back in?
I would personally have the radiator checked, not just the coolant itself. You could also check to see that all of your hoses are on all the way, and they have no cracks and aren't collapsed.
there, it could have started rusting the radiator.
When you drained the radiator did you use the little bolt on the passenger side of it to drain? If so, did you twist it all the way back in?
I would personally have the radiator checked, not just the coolant itself. You could also check to see that all of your hoses are on all the way, and they have no cracks and aren't collapsed.
#4
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Possible that the threads on the resevoir tank are damaged? Pressure test for a tight seal. Also did you burp the system when you refilled it?
#6
Originally Posted by chevyguy1450
Took it in today to get pressure tested. They said the water pump is leaking. Would this cause the problem?
#7
Alright. I just came out to start the water pump replacement and noticed the lower radiator hose is completely collapsed. When I took the radiator cap off it came back open. What the hell is going on?
Trending Topics
#8
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by chevyguy1450
Alright. I just came out to start the water pump replacement and noticed the lower radiator hose is completely collapsed. When I took the radiator cap off it came back open. What the hell is going on?
Did the hose pop right back out when you pulled the cap or did it slowly pop back out?
Have you flushed your radiator recently?
It may be the radiator clogging and not the water pump. Coolant flows to the pump from the radiator.
Is kinda like sucking on a straw, suck on one end with your finer over the other and it collapses, remove your finger and it opens.
Last edited by Crazy Amos; 07-20-2012 at 04:25 PM.
#9
Originally Posted by Crazy Amos
Kinda sounds like there is a blockage somewhere.
Did the hose pop right back out when you pulled the cap or did it slowly pop back out?
Have you flushed your radiator recently?
It may be the radiator clogging and not the water pump. Coolant flows to the pump from the radiator.
Is kinda like sucking on a straw, suck on one end with your finer over the other and it collapses, remove your finger and it opens.
I haven't had it flushed yet. I'm gonna go ahead and replace the pump, thermostat, and lower hose and see how it is. Will most likely get the whole system flushed next week.
#11
CF Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: The Republic of TEXAS
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
14 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
......but is it the right/correct cap? Is the neck of the rad (the sealing surface) smooth/not cracked/split? That ain't the right color of coolant, don't continue to neglect the cooling system as the PO did.
Last edited by djb383; 07-21-2012 at 04:48 PM.
#12
Originally Posted by djb383
......but is it the right/correct cap? Is the neck of the rad (the sealing surface) smooth/not cracked/split? That ain't the right color of coolant, don't continue to neglect the cooling system as the PO did.
Neck is not cracked and clean.
It's not coolant at all. I used distilled water. Not trying to waste coolant til I get it solved.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SC
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
first, That is some NASTY brown crude coming out of that cap!
Second the new cap is rated to 16psi, if it blows like that it is because there pressure problem.
Rip that sucka apart and DIY new cooling system.
It's NOT HARD, I'm dumb and I did it in one day. ALL OF IT, nothing left out.
If you have plans on keeping it for a long time and need it reliable then do it right or do it twice.
Second the new cap is rated to 16psi, if it blows like that it is because there pressure problem.
Rip that sucka apart and DIY new cooling system.
It's NOT HARD, I'm dumb and I did it in one day. ALL OF IT, nothing left out.
If you have plans on keeping it for a long time and need it reliable then do it right or do it twice.
Last edited by Bbasso; 07-21-2012 at 05:19 PM.