Overheating issue
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I burped it like that at first but it wasn't getting all the air out so I switched methods. I did squeeze the upper hose as I was pouring the coolant in when it was on a slant and it helped a bit but not too much.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Burping only applys to closed system. Being 86 you have a radiator cap. You fill radiator run until thermostat opens water will go down. You raise idle fill radiator replace cap and let idle back down. Any remaing air will be released during driving and coolant will be replaced from over flow tank. Do you have the 4.0 radiator ?
Something important in this... Yes remaining air is released, but it can be created again as it is used if it is running hot because it is even more shy now. Too much for the "overnight" pull back. Been there.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I checked my coolant level in the radiator cap and it wasn't full anymore. I looked at the reservoir and it had gone in there. Is that normal? Also mine's normal. Rad cap is on the drivers side.
No it should not be empty again at this point. Do the seals look good on the cap? There are two and both need to be good...no cracks etc. But for now you need to top it off again and try to keep it full if you are driving it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
the rad cap seals look brand new. Why is the reservoir filling?
CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 26
From: North canaan Connecticut
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Like freegdr said, is the radiator for a 4.0? Myself I'm not sure if the radiators were different. Also I would think if the fans are in front of the radiator then they probably are blocking the flow of air too much. Even though they're pusher fans I doubt they can push air faster than it's moving while driving. Therefore restricting the flow. Just put the factory fan setup back on. Also those clips that are through the radiator holding your fans, can and will eventually rub through the radiator and cause it to leak.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 473
Likes: 17
From: Western Washington
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Renix
I can see something in that pic... The top bar that normally goes over the lip of the radiator isn't over the lip of the radiator. Is the radiator to big to push that bar down properly? If so, the radiator isn't the right one. Maybe a three core? That might also explain why your fans will not mount inside the engine bay where they belong. Can you take a pic of the radiator cap setup? It will help us clarify things for you maybe. But initially, to me, the radiator does not look right. It's either installed incorrectly or the wrong one.
Also, can we get a pic of the coolant bottle, lid side?
Also, can we get a pic of the coolant bottle, lid side?
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Like freegdr said, is the radiator for a 4.0? Myself I'm not sure if the radiators were different. Also I would think if the fans are in front of the radiator then they probably are blocking the flow of air too much. Even though they're pusher fans I doubt they can push air faster than it's moving while driving. Therefore restricting the flow. Just put the factory fan setup back on. Also those clips that are through the radiator holding your fans, can and will eventually rub through the radiator and cause it to leak.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Yeh. I'm thinking about getting a new rad cap. The radiator doesn't lay perfectly in cause the previous owner cut the bottom support weird. Its Definitely for a 4.0 though. It's a normal regular stock spec radiator. However it's a comanche body so I actually switched out the upper radiator support and a few other parts. Actually fits better than when i orginially bought it. The guy who had it before me did a lazy job with everything. I'm going to try and mount at least one of the e fans to the ofher side. I don't have the stock mechanical fan. It had e fans when i got it. I just switched the fans since pep boys broke the ones that were in it before. I'll get those pictures for yall when i get home. If i show you the whole ghetto set up i have on it right now just to get that upper support lined up. I'll probably get kicked off the forum. Lol. but i guess i'll probably try and redo the whole front again so it lines up better and just go back to stock. My biggest issue is I Dont have the money or knowledge to weld.
The problem is ABSOLUTELY your fans. You cannot push air through a radiator! Especially while going down the road!
Also, electric fans do not offer NEAR enough CFM that you need, get the clutch fan back in there with a proper shroud and 1 electric fan that pulls air.
Until you do that, you're just going to be running around in circles.
Also, electric fans do not offer NEAR enough CFM that you need, get the clutch fan back in there with a proper shroud and 1 electric fan that pulls air.
Until you do that, you're just going to be running around in circles.


