95 cherokee with a 96 YJ motor... while im driving the temp stays between the first two lines on the temp gauge. when im sitting still, idling, the temp quickly rises til the aux. fan comes on. is that normal? or is it time for a new radiator?

 

No, not normal. I'd suspect/investigate a gauge/sending unit issue 1st. If I understand your post correctly, u r talking about a +/-100* swing back and forth.....wouldn't think a rad would cause that. Fan "on" temp is +/-218* Guess there's always a possibility that the PO removed the stat and the rad is clogged. No telling what a PO does/doesn't do.

 

x2 on thermostat

 

Just curious - what is the typical operating temperature for a Cherokee that has warmed up? Mine tends to sit at around 150-175, or if sitting at idle in backed up summer traffic, it swings up to 210.

 

That's about where mine sits

 

Mine will warm up to 210 and stay there always. Maybe drop a hair but that's it.

 

^this is normal^

 

The reason. I think it may be the radiator is cause the temp drops when the auxiliary fan kicks on. If it were the thermostat wouldn't it stay that high regardless?

 

Have u verified it has a t-stat? Presuming a 195 stat is installed and functioning correctly and everything else is in good shape/functioning correctly, including the gauge, sending unit and electrical connection, the temp gauge needle should point at and vary only slightly +/- the middle of the gauge after the motor has warmed up. Only on a cold motor is it normal for the gauge to point between the 1st and 2nd marks and that's just for a minute or 2 while the motor is warming up.

 

My 01 XJ sits at 210 routinely. Peaks at about 213 in this 96 degree heat in around town driving w/AC on. Drops back to 210 or a hair lower on the highway.

 

213......r u using something other than the factory gauge to determine this number?

 

My 01 does same exact thing

 

if im moving, driving around town, not stopped, it sits about the first line. so thats not good?

 

No, that's not good/correct. Should be slightly +/- the middle of the gauge.

 

In heavy traffic the needle sits just over 210 in heavy traffic. Once I get moving it sit at 210 or just below. I also live in the desert.