I have a 96 XJ Country 4.0 with 120k that has a strange intermittent coolant leak. When it leaks, it's usually after driving a short distance (2 miles) and then parking it. I can top it off and it won't leak just sitting there, it's only after driving it and it seems less prone to leaking if it is driven a longer distance. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

Rent or buy a pressure tester and test the system. Then you can look and listen while the engine is off.

 

1. Get underneath it with a good light. Hot engine; fully pressurized cooling system. Inspect every part of the cooling system, paying close attention to the seams on the radiator and the weep hole on the water pump.

2. If no luck with #1, then perform a cooling system pressure test as rgr4475 mentioned.

Good luck and keep us updated!

 

Thanks the advice! Did the pressure test and set it at 17PSI and nothing happened really. Pressure stayed right there for a good 15 minutes. Got under it and found a few drips of coolant on the alternator. Couldn't really trace it, although the hoses look pretty new. When it does leak it spatters out.

 

I had a similar issue years ago that turned out to be the water pump. The pumps bearing may be going and allowing a small amount of coolant past the seal. Once warmed up the metal may expand enough to get it to stop. Check the weep hole after you run it. Check the water pump for play as well. Also make sure all your clamps are tight on all the hoses.

 

When you say intermittent it makes me wonder. My '96 used to get a case of the winter leaks. Just some drops, not even enough to have to add more anti-freeze, usually around the heater valve. Play with the clamps a little. It would come and go. Even went one winter without having that problem. I always figured it was the expanding and contracting of plastic and metal. Wondering if that is what you are experiencing.

 

Leaks can sometimes be difficult to isolate, but those drips of coolant on the alternator is an excellent clue.

Remember that liquid can "migrate", so where you find the coolant, isn't necessary the exact area that the coolant is leaking from. It takes the path of least resistance and isn't always obvious. Keep going with your investigation; you'll find it.

The advice to verify/snug up the clamps on your coolant hoses is well founded.

 

One thing that I forgot to mention is when I start it there is a bad squealing sound that lasts a few seconds...listened to some vids on youtube and it sounds like the water pump is going out. And the drips on the alternator would make sense since the WP is above the alternator.

If it is the WP, any recommendations on what brand? I put a Napa reman one in my KJ and it's been good for awhile.

 

So far so good on my napa water pump. Make sure you get a new one and not a reman. If you have the $$$ oem is always best.

 

There is what is called a weep hole in a water pump. When anti-freeze starts "weeping" out of there usually a good sign it is it time for a new one. Napa sells new ones. Buy a new Water Pump Inlet Tube. NOE 8257002. Did see this as a replacement to the Water Pump Inlet Tube. Might go this route if and when I do mine.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/wat...removal-90959/