Hi guys,
I have a 2000 Jeep XJ with 140,000 miles on it. Knowing that I have the 0031 head, I have recently done a cooling overhaul, however I am still concerned. I replaced the radiator, water pump, fan clutch, thermostat and housing, coolant temp sensor, all new hoses, and the radiator cap, and a new fan shroud. When I drive it, it will sit around 210 or a little less, but when I get stuck in traffic it will creep closer to 210 or a little higher. Am I just being too cautious, or is their something I am missing out on? I refilled with the 50/50 coolant mix, and it is filled up and has been burped. Thanks!

 

It's normal for the gauge to move a bit under those conditions. What's not normal are the readings they give. Buy or borrow an inferred thermometer and see what the actual temp is.

 

Where would be the best place to get the reading from?

 

At the thermostat housing.

 

Thank you! Has anyone added anything to their coolant such as the royal purple ice or water wetter?

 

Shouldn't need it with the overhaul you did.

 

What you are describing is pretty normal for the XJ. If the temp at idle creeps as high as 220f and gets knocked down back to around 210f by the electric fan (this cycle will typically repeat), then the viscous fan clutch is implicated and probably needs to be replaced. Sounds like there is no action for you to take right now.

 

I strongly suggest getting an OBD2 reader of some sort. The temperature indicator on your instrument cluster is a dirty little liar.

 

Normal. Your electric fan isn't even supposed to come on until the coolant temp reaches 223°. If it's just going a little over 210°, that's right where it should be.

A head crack can have many symptoms, but specific to temperature: If you see sudden temp spikes of 20° or more, you may have exhaust gases getting into the coolant--but that can also just be a sign your system needs to be burped. More importantly, if your temperature creeps up 20° or more when towing or at highway speed, then drops when you slow down, that's a potential sign that exhaust gas is getting into the coolant as the internal temperature and pressure of the engine increase. It's almost the opposite symptom as a fan clutch, which heats up in traffic and cools off on the highway.

Sounds like you don't have those issues, so just keep monitoring it but don't worry about it. If you can't stop worrying about it and the 0331 is causing you undue angst, replace it preemptively with a Clearwater head and be done with it.

 

Ok perfect thanks a ton! I will keep monitoring it and look at getting the OB2 reader and temp gun!