I went trail riding this weekend and i was out there when it was a good 85 degrees, i was running it for probably 2 hours and had no problem and then i decided to turn the ac on and after about 2 minutes it was overheating...did anyone else have this problem??? idk if the clutch fan isnt working good enough to cool the ac condenser and the radiator or what...just looking for ideas to check, thanks guys

 

Do you have a 2nd fan that is electric?

If so, does it kick on when you turn on the AC?

 

It's common for them to do this while trail riding with the air on for some reason. Do you have a fan shroud. And maybe electric fan. I have one out of a Taurus hooked up to a toggle switch I use on the trail. Also I cleaned my radiator on the outside ,spray from inside out and watch the dirt and mud wash off could he clogged from wheeling

 

It has the stock electric fan and it does turn on when I turn the ac on...n I can try and clean the radiator but I don't usually go threw much mud so idk

 

Ok yeah I would try to clean it maybe replace t-stat

 

Alright I will flush out the radiator and see if that does anything and then if it's still overheating I'll try a thermostat but when it overheats it pegs 260 with the ac on n then I have to shut it off and let it cool down a bit n once I turn the ac off it goes back to 210

 

ANY overheating is a cry for help. Don't ignore or you will have a blown head gasket, cracked head, or worse.

Review every single cooling system component and replace if they're old or if you are unsure. Radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch, inspect serpentine belt for tightness and wear. And yes, you need a shroud.

None of the above parts are that expensive and if you do the work yourself total cost is minimal. Oftentimes, I replace all of those parts at the same time instead of trying one part, that's not it............trying another, that's not it. If one cooling system part is failing, others are not far behind.

Wholesale replacement of all old cooling system parts may be the best money you'll spend on your XJ.

 

Turn car off, put keys in your pocket. Then try to spin the fan. Push it from 12 o'clock to 12:15. It shouldn't move after. If it does, fan clutch is bad.

Also check your electric fan. Is it coming on?

Once warm, is the top radiator hose solid?

When was the last time you flushed the coolant and placed a new t-stat in? 180* works great. I also put a 1/8" hole in the t-stat (on the edge). Just one. This allows for more flow. Works great if the t-stat fails too!