armymedic120

Hey guys so here's what I got. I have an 89 rust colored cherokee I rescued off the side of the road, and it's my first project vehicle. Needed quite a bit of work when I got it. I've had overheating issues with it since I got it, and here's what I've done. I went to replace the thermostat, and no surprise, there was none. I replaced the leaking radiator, and the reservoir. I was told that should fix it, but it didn't! I've invested a bit of money into this and it upsets me cause I don't make a whole lot. I don't have oil in the water and vise versa, so it doesn't appear to be a blown head gasket. Any advise?

Trev1006

Get a laser thermometer and check all of your hoses and cylinder head for blockage. This will cause a spike on the thermometer. You want one even temp, around 195 or under. a little higher at the thermostat is normal. Poor flow can cause overheating. Do you have a fan shroud? Thats another cause. Did you by chance dump some stop leak in the leaky radiator? I have seen that cause blockage and overheating.

sycoglitch

Have you flushed the system well also trough heater core and hoses. And how hi is overheating

brasscatz

If you turn your heater on full blast, does it blow real hot? If not, you may have air in the system and you need to burp it. Another thing.... I'm not sure if you have an electric fan or not in that year model.... some of the other XJ guys on here will definitely know, but you fan may not be kicking on. (I'm thinking your fan is mechanical only, so probably not it) Have you checked out possibly replacing your water pump?

My first 2 things to check would be the heater temp, and the water pump.

sycoglitch

His clutch fan may not be 100% even if it spins it's possible it isn't goof with full force

Edit: oh and x2 on the burping the system cause in pretty sure his has the closed system and the need a burpin

djb383

New fan clutch?

brasscatz

True story... but for some reason, I'm just feeling water pump on this one.... can't put my finger on it, but it feels like water pump. LOL!!!

sycoglitch

Tru but cheaper to burp and flush first lol

And where you from that you said true story just curious I'm on my phone

armymedic120

Thanks for the speedy replies. There seems to be a few things I overlooked with my lack of mechanical knowledge. Yes I put some stop leak in the old radiator and no I did not flush the rest of the system. I didn't replace all of the hoses, but upon closer inspection, the two I did not replace should probably have been. I appreciate all the knowledge you guys share, it gives me hope to be able to bring this old Cherokee back to life

armymedic120

Also my fan shroud is missing. I'm guessing that's important huh.

sycoglitch

We always here to help dont worry. And xjs ate easy to bring back to life don't worry

brasscatz

It can be! Helps direct the air... but it's mainly for protection from sticking your digits in the spinning blades! If you have time to wait for shipping.... I HIGHLY recommend buying parts from rockauto.com. They have had some of the best prices I've seen. By the way... Thanks for your service!

I'll PM you so we don't jack the thread.

armymedic120

Thanks for the site ill check it out later.

Trev1006

Yes, fan shroud is quite important. It helps the mechanical fan draw air through the radiator. Without the shroud the fan looses alot of its power.

djb383

The fan moves the same amount of air with or without the shroud. The shrouds main job is to ensure that air moved by the fan is also air moved thru the rad. Without a properly functioning fan clutch, the fan free wheels too much thus moving less air. The XJ cooling system is mediocre at best......all components must be functioning in perfect harmony......not so much this time of year but 6 mos from now they better be.