So I drove my jeep to the junk yard and was offered $150. Not a chance in hell. I explained that it was overheating but could not figure out why, so I was under the assumption that the head gasket must be bad, as that is what a mechanic told me. Guy at the junk yard told me to replace the coolant overflow cap. $5 cap solved my overheating problem. Did anyone know this. I guess it is acommon problem with the jeeps according to the guy at the junk yard.

 

Junkyard is only going to pay you scrap value.

I'm willing to bet anyone on this forum would pay more than that for a running XJ even with overheating issues. If I had some money right now I know I would.

 

Wouldn't have anything to do with being 21 years old and possible lack of maintenance, would it?????????? U would trust the word of some dude at a JY, that just offered $150 for your running XJ????????

 

I would actually believe it. I've had the same problem on a previous vehicle. If the system is not holding pressure then the coolant will not circulate properly. Radiator cap is one of the first things to check along side the thermostat.

 

no no no... read folks... the cap DID fix his problem... the JY guy was right and the Mech was wrong...

and NO... the cap fixes this problem because it allows the STEAM from the system to escape... steam is... coolant or water... once it steams out from under the cap... you have no fluid.... and you stuck over heating wondering where your fluid went...

 

Sounds like people need to read up on what a radiator cap acually does... it aint like your soda cap :}

 

basically a good explaination.. its a pressure release cap. simple

 

This guy gets an A+. I'm sure the JY guy was suspect and hoping to make a quick grand after replacing the cap.

 

yea, what a save there my friend

 

The JY guy treated you right...I'd buy him a six pack of good beer. He could have hosed you...but didn't.

 

That guy at the JY was top notch in my book. Glad you found someone who was honest that day.

 

I had the same problem a few months ago and replaced the cap and all is good.

 

Yea, that overflow bottle needs to be replaced like once a year.... that thing always fails on me.

 

Not to sound like a smart ___, but, that's one of the first things I replace on a vehicle when I buy it. Cheap $6 or so part that can prevent a lot of headaches.