Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Overheating, steaming 88

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-14-2016, 07:45 AM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
1988xjlaredo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: RVA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: stock 4.0
Default Overheating, steaming 88

Hey everyone,

I've got overheating issues in my 1988 XJ 4.0L 4wd. I've replaced the thermostat, water pump, and fan clutch and still have both the overheating and now after about 10 minutes of running the thermometer is past 260 degrees. also, after shutting it off, there's steam coming from up under the thermostat.

I'd really like some help from the forum.

Thanks!
Old 03-14-2016, 08:05 AM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
BlueRidgeMark's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Posts: 7,964
Received 952 Likes on 767 Posts
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Some questions for you:


  1. Have you flushed the system?
  2. Does your heater put out good heat?
  3. What color was the coolant when you drained it to replace the pump, etc.?
  4. Have you checked for a leak in the area where the steam is coming up?
  5. Have you pressure tested the system?
Old 03-14-2016, 08:25 AM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
1988xjlaredo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: RVA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: stock 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by BlueRidgeMark
Some questions for you:


  1. Have you flushed the system?
  2. Does your heater put out good heat?
  3. What color was the coolant when you drained it to replace the pump, etc.?
  4. Have you checked for a leak in the area where the steam is coming up?
  5. Have you pressure tested the system?
I haven't flushed it, and the heater works intermittently mostly when it's over 30 degrees outside. The coolant was green, but I've used a mix of colors. I can't see any liquid seeping out, but I'll definitely remove the front end and try and find it. I haven't pressure tested it as I don't have the tools. Does all this need to be done?
Old 03-14-2016, 09:07 AM
  #4  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,870
Received 1,526 Likes on 1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

I bet your thermostat housing is cracked.
Old 03-14-2016, 11:19 AM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
Firestorm500's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
I bet your thermostat housing is cracked.
Well it might be now, but that won't cause the rapid overheat issue after startup.

A blown head gasket, or cracked head, will.
Old 03-14-2016, 05:27 PM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

Air in system ?
Old 03-14-2016, 05:37 PM
  #7  
CF Veteran
 
BlueRidgeMark's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Posts: 7,964
Received 952 Likes on 767 Posts
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by 1988xjlaredo
I haven't flushed it, and the heater works intermittently mostly when it's over 30 degrees outside.

Your system is clogged.


Originally Posted by 1988xjlaredo
The coolant was green, but I've used a mix of colors.
Stop that. Use the correct fluid. The orange and the green don't play well together. Use green only.


Originally Posted by 1988xjlaredo
I can't see any liquid seeping out, but I'll definitely remove the front end and try and find it.
Get busy!

Originally Posted by 1988xjlaredo
I haven't pressure tested it as I don't have the tools.

See your local Autozone or Advance Auto. They "rent" tools for free.


Originally Posted by 1988xjlaredo
Does all this need to be done?

Only if you want to drive a Jeep and not pay through the nose for mechanics to work on it.

Also, please learn the difference between the "Reply" button and the "Quote" button. Don't be one of those who automatically uses "Quote" even when there is no reason to.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Constantine
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
04-02-2016 07:01 PM
Nick_S
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
20
03-27-2016 08:13 PM
Zfrye2959
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
11
03-15-2016 01:02 AM
DirtyKurty
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
03-14-2016 07:20 PM
Just Boon
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
3
03-14-2016 06:52 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Overheating, steaming 88



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:35 AM.