My XJ drives ok and doesnt overheat while on a free run.

When I am in peak hour traffic, not moveing much at all I can see my temp guag starts to creep up over the centre.

I can start to smell coolant and when I pulll over to have a look here is coolant leaking from just below the radiator cap (in that hole that is a hex shape - valve?)

My water pump, thermostat has not not replaced to my knowledge and I just replaced both upper / lower hoses a few weeks back.

Could this be a fan clutch (factory fan, only hear it on when the AC is on??) or is it the thermostat?

The temp guage works fine (moves slowly, doesnt jerk around anywhere quickly)

Jeep: 1999 Cherokee Limited / 120,000 miles - still stock, no mods yet - sorting out issues first.

 

Sounds like a complete cooling system overhaul should be in your near future. Take care of the cooling system 1st, then whatever mods.

 

So you think a new fan clutch, t-stat, radiator the whole works? I was going to fix things as they fail...if it aint broken, dont fix it?

Could my issue here be the radiator?

 

Wait hole under the radiator cap... Is your overflow tank still installed? I assume that's where the hose for it goes, IDK much about the setup on post-97's
Other than that start with the simplest things. Flush the cooling system and put fresh new coolant in, 50/50 mix.

 

Unless u enjoy draining/refilling, draining/refilling, draining/refilling, draining/refilling coolant.....overhaul the cooling system all at once. The XJ (or any old vehicle for that matter) cooling system is not a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" area.....it's a "routine maintenance if u want a reliable daily driver" area. Don't jack around with the XJ cooling system....it'll bite u when u least expect it.

 

When I changed the hoses I flushed the system and out new coolant in, about 3 weeks ago. It does have the overflow tank, I filled it nearly half way because I couldnt see the line. Is it just relieving pressure?
Djb - Ive had my WJs for over 5 years and all Ive replaced is the water pump, is the 4.0 coolant system a little more sensitive? I will replace the lot shortly.

 

HA! Love it! Djb is as passionant about the cooling as Cruiser is about his grounds! (I've learned from both of them). Not positive on the 99, but mine needs the electric axillary fan to come on when there is not enough air speed. Besides at about 218*, mine will come on on defrost, or with the AC as well. Not sure about yours...but I think it's about the same.

 

I would expect there should be a tube from the neck there under the cap, to the coolant recovery tank. Goes in there when it's really hot, then is drawn back in, past a one way valve in the cap when the engine cools.

 

So, when u change the pump, don' t u have to drain/refill?....change the stat, do a drain/refill?....replace the rad, do a drain/refill? If u had replaced the rad, water pump and t-stat when u replaced the hoses, u'd be finished with draining/refilling for a while. Have u owned the XJ since new? Do u know what maintenance it's had over the past 14 years? The older any vehicles cooling system is, the more frequent maintenance should be done.