Cooling, thermostat, waterpump
 

Flushed heater core about 6 weeks ago & had heat again. So now I think I have a bad water pump and thermostat. Who can help? Here is the latest.
Went to refill the system after replacement of upper and lower hoses (Gates). Left radiator cap off, started engine, let warm up, then turned on heater, waited for jeep to get up to temperature...after waiting 15-20 minutes the fluid would not drop into the radiator, but started to back out at the cap, call it burp or vomit, but it expelled out where the cap locks down. Things I observed...no heat came thru the vents, inbound line to heater core was not hot to the touch, upper radiator hose was hot, noticed engine block began to smoke, SHUT IT DOWN! Didn't feel the lower hose at the time though may be should have...do I now need to replace thermostat and water pump? Is there more to this?
Going to start with new thermostat, remove water pump and inlet tube to inspect condition.

Are you sure you have good radiator flow?

Radiator flow since seem to be a issue prior to these events. Not sure hose I'd check for that.

The heat in the upper and lower hoses is a way to start. Did you do a complete clean and flush of the radiator and engine block till all coming out was clean water?


The radiator may need to be replaced as well if its clogged.

Haven't flushed radiator and/or engine? What's the best home method to do so? Just a hose? Insert at top of engine block? Would it circulate enough on its own thru the block with just a hose? With engine running? Should I flush those before I put on new parts (thermostat, water pump, radiator)?

Your heater control valve could be bad. eliminate it.

disconnect both Rad hoses and flush radiator. Disconnect heater core hoses and heater control valve(if you have one) and flush heater core back and forth.

How can I confirm the heater valve has gone bad? Do I have to have the engine running then "turn the heat dial on" & observe it move?

Just eliminate it.

Well that's helpful

X2 on getting rid of it.

Sorry guys, but 1997 ain't got a HCV to eliminate...

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bfrat
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Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 15

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If the heater core was jammed solid more than likely the radiator is too.

Maybe he should of put the year in the post.

True. Ya never know.

1997 Cherokee Sport 4L/6Cyl.