Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

I am stuck with my 98 XJ cooling system

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 24, 2024 | 07:41 PM
  #16  
Very Red XJ's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 634
Likes: 182
From: Northern California
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 w/ Banks header & K&N intake
Default

Originally Posted by Kosta0933
is the radiator plug and play? Also since it’s thicker, will the Napa 272310 fan clutch fit good?

if I don’t have combustion in the coolant and all is good I’ll get the radiator you sent
YES - everything is worked out - the only thing I remember different in the installation is that the inlet in for the transmission fluid was smooth rather than barbed - so use a fuel clamp rather than a hose clamp. I have a fan clutch too, unless the NAPA fan clutch isn't a standard replacement item - it should work too. The extra 3/4" works! - good luck checking the coolant

Reply
Old Sep 24, 2024 | 07:46 PM
  #17  
Kosta0933's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

I will test to see if there is combustion and go from there. There’s still a lot to be done

I just want to drive it in all seasons without worry. AC on when I want

Last edited by Kosta0933; Sep 24, 2024 at 08:44 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 05:57 AM
  #18  
awg's Avatar
awg
CF Veteran
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 725
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Your fan clutch PULLEY will always run, but it should not be magnetically engaged, it should cycle on/off, with an interval anywhere between 10-60 sec, so easily observable.

If any other situation exists, there is a fault, see FSM fault finding chart

* Read actual engine coolant temp with a plug in OBD2 reader and free Torque Lite app on phone (mine is permanently fitted BAFX $30)

I use OEM style rad cause they are cheap, fit, and dont seem to be any less reliable than other designs. I remain to be convinced aftermarket designs offer improved cooling, but I may be wrong.

I do feel the OEM design is marginal for hot weather, (like many vehicles)

My system does not normally overheat, we get 110F weather, summer is hot in Australia

It runs as per the specs in FSM for fan operation (105-108C)

Engine normally runs at thermostat temp which is 82C

It goes to 105C when almost immediately when idling. The electric fan keeps it there, and switches on/off

When it is really hot/towing/low speed off-roading, one must monitor engine & trans temp gauge

One can fit a more powerful VC fan, I believe it is for the smaller engine XJ. Some guys report removing its as its noisy

All fan shroud's should be properly fitted, they make a big difference

A good rad cap is a must

If water pump is unknown, fit a new one, they are cheap as dirt

I recommend pressure test your cooling system, very cheap test.

If you have no bubbles in filled rad neck, will NOT be head gasket. There should be almost to no bubbling once its warm. Salad cream in the oil fill cap is the other giveaway.

AW4 tends to run near engine temp with rad fiiting, even with much larger air cooler. This is not ideal in a hot climate and shortens their life or even destroys them if not very careful. I have a trans temp gauge

Apart from that, the only issue is whether the block has lots of scum, but we will leave that

sorry bout the C stuff, we left the F stuff behind 50yrs ago, when i was still in skool
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 08:09 AM
  #19  
Kosta0933's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by awg
Your fan clutch PULLEY will always run, but it should not be magnetically engaged, it should cycle on/off, with an interval anywhere between 10-60 sec, so easily observable.

If any other situation exists, there is a fault, see FSM fault finding chart

* Read actual engine coolant temp with a plug in OBD2 reader and free Torque Lite app on phone (mine is permanently fitted BAFX $30)

what about the AC clutch? Should that be constantly spinning while the AC is on? I thought those were intermittent. Mine is constantly spinning when AC
is on. It doesn’t move when I turn off the Ac.

I will use a OBD2 reader and report back
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 10:47 AM
  #20  
Very Red XJ's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 634
Likes: 182
From: Northern California
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 w/ Banks header & K&N intake
Default eek prone transmission fittings

Originally Posted by Kosta0933
I will test to see if there is combustion and go from there. There’s still a lot to be done

I just want to drive it in all seasons without worry. AC on when I want
Understand - and with larger tires (stock was 225/75/r15 in most cases) & lower gearing, the original stock components are often stressed beyond their limits. While your working on the cooling, you might want to prevent leaks from Chrysler's leek prone transmission fittings: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tra...d-help-264320/ Rebuilt Transmissions typically cost almost 2X what a rebuilt engine will set you back

Last edited by Very Red XJ; Sep 25, 2024 at 10:49 AM. Reason: correct
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 02:50 PM
  #21  
Very Red XJ's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 634
Likes: 182
From: Northern California
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 w/ Banks header & K&N intake
Default

Originally Posted by awg
Your fan clutch PULLEY will always run, but it should not be magnetically engaged, it should cycle on/off, with an interval anywhere between 10-60 sec, so easily observable.

If any other situation exists, there is a fault, see FSM fault finding chart

* Read actual engine coolant temp with a plug in OBD2 reader and free Torque Lite app on phone (mine is permanently fitted BAFX $30)

I use OEM style rad cause they are cheap, fit, and dont seem to be any less reliable than other designs. I remain to be convinced aftermarket designs offer improved cooling, but I may be wrong.

I do feel the OEM design is marginal for hot weather, (like many vehicles)

My system does not normally overheat, we get 110F weather, summer is hot in Australia

It runs as per the specs in FSM for fan operation (105-108C)

Engine normally runs at thermostat temp which is 82C

It goes to 105C when almost immediately when idling. The electric fan keeps it there, and switches on/off

When it is really hot/towing/low speed off-roading, one must monitor engine & trans temp gauge

One can fit a more powerful VC fan, I believe it is for the smaller engine XJ. Some guys report removing its as its noisy

All fan shroud's should be properly fitted, they make a big difference

A good rad cap is a must

If water pump is unknown, fit a new one, they are cheap as dirt

I recommend pressure test your cooling system, very cheap test.

If you have no bubbles in filled rad neck, will NOT be head gasket. There should be almost to no bubbling once its warm. Salad cream in the oil fill cap is the other giveaway.

AW4 tends to run near engine temp with rad fiiting, even with much larger air cooler. This is not ideal in a hot climate and shortens their life or even destroys them if not very careful. I have a trans temp gauge

Apart from that, the only issue is whether the block has lots of scum, but we will leave that

sorry bout the C stuff, we left the F stuff behind 50yrs ago, when i was still in skool
In general, good points from down under. It's great that you can get by with an inexpensive radiator in hot weather with your modest lift and lighter tires in your topography! However, California is not like it is down under. We yanks have heavier tires ( I have 31's and this thread was started by a person on 33's) that take more energy to turn which produces more heat. I wouldn't buy an expensive radiator if I didn't have to. Simply put, my stock cooling system couldn't keep up coming across a hot valley, shifting into 4-low and climbing up to 10,000'. It was this trail that prompted me to upgrade my cooling system:
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2024 | 02:36 AM
  #22  
BlueBalls's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 91
Likes: 11
From: R/K WI.
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 i6
Default

Aw4 is comfy 180 to 220. So, with it plumbed into rad it will easily see 195 to 210 daily. Electric fans kick on to help cool then shut off.
Running a/c contributes more heat. I see very Lil to raise an eyebrow here. If your uncomfortable with 220 add hood vents. Jmho
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2024 | 02:38 AM
  #23  
BlueBalls's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 91
Likes: 11
From: R/K WI.
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 i6
Default

Oh and change Trans fluid more frequently. This ain't rocket science lol just a jeep.

Now if your cooking 230 to 250 well then you would probably wanna get some issues sorted out.
You stated 220 was your high temp reading.

Last edited by BlueBalls; Sep 26, 2024 at 02:40 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kidso
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
May 9, 2018 11:02 AM
Noahp87
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
12
May 16, 2013 05:57 PM
playbass
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
May 14, 2013 06:22 PM
nc527
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
10
Aug 16, 2012 05:38 PM
calijeep
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
Mar 9, 2011 02:44 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:35 AM.