I'm overheating a bit and I'm trying to narrow down my source and fix it. I'm thinking of replacing the radiator, and was wondering if I should get a better one, opposed to an OE replacement. And since I'm doing that, I also figured adding a Grand Cherokee clutch fan (with shroud, since I don't have one atm) would also help.


Is RadiatorBarn the best place to look? Any recommendations for a DD/frequent off roader?

 

The missing shroud may be the problem, start there.

 

Radiatorbarn has some good deals as well as a lifetime warranty iirc. If you can afford it I hear it is a good investment to go for the all metal 2 or 3 row from there. I think it is the roughly $180 option. Are you planning on flushing your system and replacing the tstat while you are doing the rad too? The flush will help for sure if you haven't done one recently.

I use rockauto for great deals when I am looking for OE replacements, but I can't afford what I really want to use when I replace stuff.

 

I got a 2 Core Radiator from 4WheelParts.com for less than AutoZone was charging for an OE radiator. Put in a 180 thermostat at the same time and my temps have never gotten over 190 since then. I also don't have a shroud, I'm waiting for help to put a Taurus fan in so since I'm not overheating I figure why mess with it.

 

I always knew it was part of the cause. I overheat when driving around town, with my electric fan off. But when it's on, I'm fine. Although over the weekend on the trails I was overheating a bit, but that was snorkel related since the tube broke. Should I just do the shroud, or do the GC upgrade?


Thanks

 

In a month or 2, the shroud will be a must.....especially if running a/c. Do the shroud and go from there. The GC clutch may be noisy mainly because the XJ fan is not big enough to make the clutch freewheel enough. If it's not properly freewheeling, it's dragging on the motor, robbing power and mpg even when extra cooling is not needed.

 

I had the same problem many years back. My fan shroud was cracked up so I ripped it out. Then I started having overheating problems. I chased the overheating by replacing everything, radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses. Then one day I talked to a guy who explained the purpose of the fan shroud. It makes a wind tunnel to funnel the air over the engine. Without it the air blows everywhere. Doh! Install a new fan shroud $25. ASAP!

 

I think you mean to draw air through the radiator fins, if all you had to do to cool the engine was to blow air on it we wouldn't need radiators and water pumps.

 

x2 definitely!

 

I think I may have the same problem. I have replaced the radiator, thermostat, and just recently the water pump and now its been overheating. Not sure what the problem is.

 

Have u replaced the fan clutch, rad cap and is the shroud in place/intact?

 

So some good news. I added more water/coolant and it appears my temps are a lot cooler. I'm losing water, which was causing me to run into the red and have to pull over. If I didn't replace my t-stat recently, I would think something was up. Since I've been running in the like 150 area. Near the middle line between the top 212, and far left area. I'm going to order a shroud and put that on, I'm assuming NAPA or somewhere sells the shroud by itself. I'm even going to consider of a drain, although I don't want to undo any clogs lol, so I'll think about it.

Just wanted to let you guys know.


Thanks!

 

Check your local pick/pull and ebay for the shroud.