So my mechanic gave me some bad news. He thinks the head or head gasket is blown, and that's why my 98 XJ is running hot. Even after a flush and new*antifreeze, the fluid turns rust brown almost immediately and it actually spiked to red on the drive back home. I shut it off immediately and sat for 2 minute. The thing went back to 220 when i turned her back on and stayed there the entire ride back to my house, about 8 miles. Why would it spike like that and go back down?


Any insight would be great. I really didn't want that news when I picked it up. I've already replaced the thermostat and radiator cap.

 

Sticking thermostat next time tap thermostat housing with hammer see if it drops .Jm2cw...

 

That or a large air pocket.

Max

 

You probably happened to drive over Santans layer by accident.

 

Haha. I may have.

 

i would check that the water pump fins did not rust off. and you are getting little to no circulation.

 

I just ordered a new water pump, radiator, and all hoses. Process of elimination at its best. If it not any of that, I figure the heads bad. I'll post up what happens in a few days when all the parts come in. Im also gping to flush the heater core. Fingers crossed this works.

 

The rig is fixed and no more overheating!!! I put in a new radiator, new hoses and another new thermostat. The muck that came out of the radiator was pretty bad. It looked like clay, but it wasn't of course. Very relieved that is wasn't a blown head gasket like the state inspector thought. Pit all new brakes on too, so she will pass final inspection tomorrow.