Harmonic balancer and overheating
 

Working on my dad's 1991 4.0 |6 xj which has been overheating and leaking coolant. I'm not terribly familiar with working on these, so these may be stupid questions. I did a bit of searching and it would be helpful to have some clarification.

I replaced the leaking radiator and leaking water pump, harmonic balancer is about to fly off so that's next.

On every engine I have worked on the bolt holding the balancer on is a one-time use torque to yield bolt, I can't find any information on this or where to buy a new one.

Are you supposed to buy a new bolt or is it okay to reuse the existing one?

I've got everything else ready but it would suck to reuse the bolt and have it break off in the crank.

And about the cooling system: With everything replaced it doesn't leak and the max temperature with it crawling up a hill is just a hair over 210.

Then I realized the mechanical fan doesn't have a shroud over it. I'm pretty sure it should, correct?

Now I'm not terribly familiar with mechanical fans, but I know the clutch should lock the fan up when it gets hot. I shut the engine down when it got just over 210 and I could easily spin the fan by hand, so it doesn't appear the clutch is doing its job unless I'm testing it incorrectly.

Thoughts on this?

I cant comment on the H-balancer. But I can on the mech shroud and stuff. I replaced my clutch because I could spin it by hand hot, it should lock better when hot so Im pretty sure your right on replacing it. And the shroud is very necessary, otherwise it just moves air around (my mech fan ate my shroud and I had to run around town with the heater blasting until I could get a new one). It directs the outside cooling air in thru the radiator.....not just around in the engine bay. My jeep runs at around 210F all the time, these things tend to run a bit hotter than usual. I just did a total cooling system overhaul and its steady at 210 unless I climb a grade with the AC.

Reuse bolt unless you feel better purchasing a new one. I never had on numerous tear downs and rebuids.

And yes deff need a shroud it makes fan pull air thru radiator .

And deff replace fan clutch.

As for 210 that seem to be the norm on xjs me I feel more comfortable around 195 range.

Damn, you guys work fast. Thanks! I didn't want to order him anything he didn't need but I was starting to wonder how exactly the fan is supposed to get air through the rad without a shroud.

Gotta say these things are a blast to drive. Coming from a little |4 swedish pimpmobile, these things feel like a tank. A good sized tree fell on it a few months ago, right on the c-pillar and it broke the freaking tree in half.

No broken glass, the dent in the roof pressed out with a jack and the back window blew out from the air pressure but it popped right back in.

I want to get one now :D

Do it! :devil2: Seriously, they can be some of the most fun and relaxation you can have on 4 wheels.

Yeah dude do it, even though they can be a headache sometime its worth it if you like the outdoors. I bought my dads 2000 cherokee classic. Best decision, its become a part of me lol

I bought mine just to tow my boat and I gave my car to the wife and the jeep is now my daily driver. So yes go buy one/

Just did two balancers and none of the service literature I have says anything regarding replacing the bolt.

And yes, XJs are addictive, I'm now up to two for the moment.

I have replaced the motor, switch, pigtail to it and the resistor module; I checked the fuse and it's fine, and the blower motor still isn't working. What may I be missing?

I feel you, my gf overheated her 98 and blew the head gasket she got a $1850 quote.
I did the work for her and bought a 94 sport for 500 a week later.
Headache for sure but I enjoy it.

I would at least try to find the bolt. Contact a dealer and they may be able to help you. If you can't get it anymore, then reuse the one you have.

Also, find a nice XJ, and buy it! You will enjoy it.

Check the plug at the fan speed switch behind the dash.
They get extremely hot an melt an short out .
I redid mine..

I'm going to asume he figured it out 5 years ago...