Hey guys:


Thanks for taking the time to help or point me in the right direction.

Vehicle Info:

• 1999 Jeep Cherokee SE 4.0 4WD
• 165K miles

Background:
This jeep hasn't had too many issues in the past. Never needed any major mechanical fixes outside of an alternator and a starter. We had a pretty hot day this summer (116 F). I drove about 60 miles in the hot weather and stopped at the grocery store. No issues. Drove another 10 miles, shut it down and lots of steam poured out from under the hood. I was able to get it started again and limp it about 5 miles before I had to have it towed. I had to get it off the property it was on. The mechanic took a look at it and said it was the best-case scenario. Blew off some hoses and had bulging on the others. Replaced all the radiator hoses, filled the fluids, burped it, and was able to drive the Jeep home. Since then, about 4 months now, my jeep just guzzles coolant. I can go about 80 miles before my reservoir level drops from the full mark to the add mark. What I've done:

• Visual inspection
  • No noticeable leaks from any hose connections
  • No noticeable leaks from the cap
  • Does not leak when parked
  • No milkiness to the oil
  • Radiator fluid appears clean but it only lasts about 80 miles so that makes sense.
  • No white smoke from the tail-pipe
• Smell
  • When it gets really low - drops below the add line - I can smell hot radiator fluid but not until it's really really low.
• Chem
  • Rented an exhaust leak test kit and purchased the "Blue Fluid". Test fluid does not turn yellow at the radiator.

Other than the Jeep just chugging radiator fluid and getting hot when the Fluid is low, no real noticeable issues. If this issue has been solved somewhere else on here, please point me to the thread if you have a link. I'm pretty handy and can tackle most mechanical issues, but I'm not a car mechanic and diagnosing tends to be more difficult for me. I'm hoping someone can help.


Kindly,
Skyler