Not only is this my first Jeep, first time posting in a jeep forum, but also this is the first time I'm doing repairs on my own, so my apologies if I seem like a moron... here we go...

I bought a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport in March of 2015. I knew there were going to be issues, but whatever. Since, I've replaced the catalytic converter, the starter, alternator, water pump and the serpentine belt, and some hoses that were old and cracking. Then in late October, I went out to get something from my jeep and it was gone... Some loser stole it and left in on the side of the road about 20 miles away... that's another story.

So after about $500 and some screaming, I get my jeep back. It's trashed, but not destroyed! It was overheating like crazy, just spewing fluid out, which in turn stirred up some nasty crap that has clogged hoses and etc.

Yes I know I should have maintained it better, but in my defense, I was doing all the standard maintenance and was getting to the problems as I could afford it.

So I replaced the radiator (and cap), top and bottom radiator hoses, heater hoses, thermostat and the heater valve.

Now after 3 days of trouble shooting, putting on a gasket (three times... I had no idea what I was doing) , and making sure everything is sealed, not cracked, and good to go, I started it last night to see if it would overheat again. It seemed to be holding steady at 210, let it run for about 5 minutes, then I look at the hoses and such which I just replaced... all good... then I look at the radiator cap and it's gushing fluid....

WHAT DID I MISS? Any suggestions?

 

Is it pushing fluid out from under the cap or the vent of the cap? Sometimes you need to bend the tabs on the bottom of the cap a little more to get a tighter fit. If the cap goes on loosely that's a problem

 

That makes so much sense. I'll check it out when I get home..

Also, I was thinking that the coolant reservoir is probably just as nasty as the rest of the system was. If that is clogged, would that cause it to spit fluid from the cap?

 

sounds like dirty water needs flushed good.

 

I would definitely flush that entire system thoroughly!

 

X2 on bending the tabs to get a snug fit. I bought a Mopar cap that didn't fit quite right either. Also, did you check the hose leading from the cap to the reservoir? That can get clogged as well as the overflow bottle. A new hose can be had for cheap and I picked up a clean bottle from a junkyard.

Edit: All of these things caused little leaks until I fixed them.

 

How is that done? In layman terms please

 

That was something I overlooked. Like I said I have no idea what I'm doing. I am going to replace the hose and overflow bottle. They looked pretty nasty.

 

The Cap has to seals and a one way valve. The main inner seal has the spring which controls system pressure, 16-18 Lbs I think. If pressure goes higher coolant escapes past that one and goes out the tube to the bottom of the overflow res, provided the second larger top seal doesn't let it out the cap right there. The tube to the res connects to the space between the two seals. Later, parked, when the coolant cools, a vacuum is created which draws coolant from the res, back into the system through the one way valve in the cap.

 

SCIENCE!!!!

 

How is that done? In layman terms please

 

Try this flushing procedure:

THANKS to djb383(where ever he may be):
"Remove the top radiator hose and top heater hose from the t-stat cover. Remove the bottom radiator hose from the water pump (very easy if the plastic air filter box is removed 1st). Stick a garden hose in the heater hose and flush. Stick the garden hose on the heater hose nipple on the thermostat cover and flush. Stick garden hose in the top radiator hose and flush. All areas are now flushed without crud moving from one place and lodging in another."

 

Nice you had that Earl. Waz gona suggest the OP search for it. I'm putting that in my Renix link there right now. Djb got fed up with (precieved) a holes giving him phit here on the forum, and left. Sad that we lost him, he had great stuff to contribute.

 

Yes it is sad we lost him. Must have left while I was down and out for bit. He always gave good advice that he would garner from experience. Luckily I saved a few things. That flush procedure,the cutting of the trans dip stick tube for ease of removal,and the brass fitting size to replace the inlet tube on the water pump. May have other stuff. I'll have to check it out.

 

Better hurry! I just checked "all posts, by Dflintstone". Doesn't show that Djb was my first reply in 2011. Looks like maybe they just go back a year now. We should send him a Merry Christmas! (we miss you)