Just wondering if this highway temp is too high? For some background my 98 XJ 4.0L blew the water pump last week and I had to replace it (not bad for holding out till 200K!!). Around town the jeep runs right on the 210 mark but on the highway it creeps up as high as the next line past 210, but usually it stays right there. Is the temp shown here too high?

 

It's not uncommon to run at that temp, plus the factory gauge is not known to be real accurate. But that being said, the gauge could be saying the temp is higher than it really is, but it could be saying it's lower than it really is too. You worried more now?

 

I would get an acurate reading of the temp before u freak out and u could have a slight air lock your system

 

Thats what mine usually runs at with no problems, some motors just run hot

 

I have a 98 XJ and once warmed up it stay between 210 and just a hair past. I would say you are fine. But like mentioned above you can always check it because the gauges are not 100%.

 

Your temp is fine. Unless it starts creeping while idling.

 

What are your ambient temps? Presuming your temp gauge is reading correct, I think u are running a little toasty with a risk of a overheat this summer, especially if other cooling system components have 200K miles. The mark past 210 is 225ish. Usually, a vehicle will run cooler at hi-way speed, due to lots of air and coolant flow and warmer at slow speed....less air/coolant flow. Need to verify coolant temps and if they are correct, need to do some cooling system preventative maintenance.

 

An important question here is what temp did the gauge show BEFORE you installed the new water pump?

And yes, I always verify. I have my trusty Raytek MT6 infrared point and shoot thermometer ready at all times. Point it directly at the thermostat housing of a hot engine and you'll get a pretty accurate reading.

 

My gauge before the new water pump would be a hair below the 210 mark, which is why I'm confused. I would think that a new pump with solid impellers would allow for better flow throughout the system, not worse. Would anyone have any pointers or methods for clearing a small block in the system?? I'm thinking that is more than likely the issue here...