Good job, Andrew!!

 

FYI, your oil filter adapter does not seem to be leaking. It would be caked with gunk if it were leaking.

I would have replaced the radiator while it was out. Too bad you couldn't scrape the $150 together.
It really is worth protecting your engine from catastrophic overheat. Replace the radiator if there's any doubt.
I would have done radiator before buying new bumpers.

Careful about pressure washing the engine.
I've read dozens of threads here where the car won't start for a few days b/c they did that. Not worth it, if you screw something up.

You are very lucky that you have friends that can bail you out of jams. That's huge.

What did you pay for this XJ? How many miles?
So far I've found that everything that can go wrong has gone wrong.

Thanks for the $50 ratcheting wrench link, Hudson.
I just ordered myself a set, as well.

 

About the adapter... Can I be that sure after only washing it about a week ago?

And I agree, I would have replaced the rad as well but if it can wait it needs to. I have a few other potentially expensive issues I need to address. I'll probably be able to get my hands on a CSF 3 Row in about 6 months. By then I'll be back from college on break and I'll be able to install it. It will be just fine during that period. I flushed it and no weird stuff came out; the corrosion is just around the tabs that meet the plastic and it's VERY mild. It's beginning to show signs of age which I am taking seriously and will deal with it when I can afford to.

I'm happy to have my buddy who helps me. I wouldn't call it "bailing me out" because I can, and have done most of this work, myself. He's kind enough to take time away from his day to give me pointers / advice / technique tips when I'm working on my Jeep.

I paid about 4,500 for her with 140xxx on the engine. Did I get a little burned? Yeah, I feel so. When I initially bought it and drove it for the first few days I was regretting it a little, as I noticed all the rattles and vibrations and leaks. But I was uneducated about cars when I bought it ... lesson learned. Now I'm happy I purchased it because it's an opportunity to get into something I was never able to with my old Ranger. So it's all good

Those wrenches were such a deal

 

Andrew,
I just replaced my water pump, both hoses, cts, thermostat, serpentine belt, and idler pulley. I was planning to do the radiator as well but it was in such good shape, like you, I left it alone. It was nice and clean inside and out (120k on the car now). It took me half an hour to burp it out but my temperatures now stay around 195-200- and it's been very hot out recently:



Good luck with the rest of your repairs.

 

Yep, mine looks like it's in a little better shape than yours... I'd say were both good for now... did you check for corrosion around the edges (where those little clamps go onto the plastic)?

 

The jeep world is so harsh, I bought mine for 3500 with 178k on it, I've done everything from a fuel pump, to a lift kid on it... Acquired many tools, And didn't know anything about cars until I bought it..

Being 19 now, and working at Advanced Auto, I defiantly know alot more then I did, but its good your doing it all yourself... Thats how you learn, and now that you're learning, you won't stop..



Heres mine, Lol its not perfect, but it hasn't failed me yet

 

A lift kid? Dang, I need one of them. Are they pretty safe or are they only trustworthy for the time it takes to do an oil change?

 

Sounds like you were in a similar situation to me. Props for getting more experience at Advanced Auto, I'm sure that helped!

Honestly, even though I'm cussing left and right when I can't get a bolt out / bust my knuckles / forget to put stuff back together right, I'm enjoying every bit of it and I really enjoy learning how it all works. It's exciting; I'm glad I'm spending my time and money on this thing than some girl. I would be in the red big time if I had both.

 

You again! lol, which AA do you work at? I might have seen you before lol