Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Mystery Coolant Leak!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 5, 2014 | 07:13 PM
  #1  
MillerGT1551's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default Mystery Coolant Leak!

Ok so I had a problem with my heater valve(It cracked and was leaking) so I replaced it before I went on a 4 hour drive to go hunting then a 4 hour drive home. When I got home there was no problems and no leaks the next day I took a drive to the store in town came back and parked. the next morning I noticed a large coolant puddle under the front axle area. I didn't have time to look at it too closely over the next week coolant continued to leak, (without starting the motor) I looked a little closer today but I still cant find the source, there are still fresh drips on the steering components and on the bottom of the motor as seen in the pictures...
Name:  Leak2_zpsbae17994.png
Views: 69
Size:  1,002.6 KB
Name:  Leak_zpsbc43b823.png
Views: 75
Size:  979.6 KB
Name:  Leak3_zps7f66ae33.png
Views: 62
Size:  682.7 KB
I checked the heater valve and all the hoses and they are all dry and seem to be intact.
I cannot figure out where it is coming from and it DOES NOT LEAK while the engine is on, Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!!!
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2014 | 07:25 PM
  #2  
MoparNJeep's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 5
From: Puyallup wa
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.5L Stroker
Default

I can't remember what year they switched from closed to open cooling system by if you can pressure test cooling system and find leak.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2014 | 07:28 PM
  #3  
MillerGT1551's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by MoparNJeep
I can't remember what year they switched from closed to open cooling system by if you can pressure test cooling system and find leak.
How do you pressure test it? and mine is a 1994 btw
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2014 | 07:54 PM
  #4  
burg3rlicious's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Default

Could it all be coming from under the water pump? It seems like a lot for a gasket leak but it's a common problem. It could be running down the front of the motor
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2014 | 10:31 PM
  #5  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Originally Posted by MillerGT1551
How do you pressure test it? and mine is a 1994 btw
Rent a cooling system pressure test kit from just about any auto parts store. The hand pump attaches to the rad in place of the rad cap. Pump/pressure it up and look for leaks.
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2014 | 04:45 PM
  #6  
Crash_Course's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 498
Likes: 1
From: Central Texas
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I'd also try to get eyes on the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump, since the leak seems to be at the front of the engine
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 04:32 AM
  #7  
MillerGT1551's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Crash_Course
I'd also try to get eyes on the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump, since the leak seems to be at the front of the engine
Weep hole? Can you elaborate? Why would it be leaking I'm not too familiar with it
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 06:38 AM
  #8  
XJUSMC's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 888
Likes: 2
From: Wekiva, FL
Year: 99 sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 i6
Default

its coming from under your water pump. Start it, put some fluid in, let it sit the driveway till it reaches temp and pressure look under for leaks. You should see some gunk/slime under the water pump. if its not the water pump just look around and trace back the leak to the source.

Last edited by XJUSMC; Nov 7, 2014 at 06:42 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 02:04 PM
  #9  
Crash_Course's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 498
Likes: 1
From: Central Texas
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by MillerGT1551
Weep hole? Can you elaborate? Why would it be leaking I'm not too familiar with it
On a mechanical water pump snout toward the bottom will be a small hole through which coolant will leak once the bearing seals begin to fail.





Last edited by Crash_Course; Nov 7, 2014 at 02:06 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 02:21 PM
  #10  
MillerGT1551's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Crash_Course
On a mechanical water pump snout toward the bottom will be a small hole through which coolant will leak once the bearing seals begin to fail.
Ok great! I will check that. If this is the problem would this require a new water pump or just a new seal?
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 02:28 PM
  #11  
Firestorm500's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 12
Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
Default

New water pump.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 02:51 PM
  #12  
MillerGT1551's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Firestorm500
New water pump.
Ah I see, thanks I will post back if this ends up being the problem
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 04:44 PM
  #13  
exjay1027's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 888
Likes: 1
From: Rockford, IL
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

most likely your water pump. Theyre cheap and easy to replace
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Zerocyde
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
45
Jun 29, 2022 05:51 PM
jhamXJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
11
Nov 9, 2021 08:20 AM
Zerocyde
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
Sep 22, 2015 08:59 PM
Programbo
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
Sep 20, 2015 07:12 PM
seanie11
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
11
Sep 11, 2015 04:42 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:44 AM.