Slight coolant smell in cab
11-02-2016, 01:48 PM
#1
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Slight coolant smell in cab
'01 XJ with 4.0 . 138k. Slight coolant smell in cab, no visible leaks and no loss of coolant. Maybe heater core? I hear that is a pain in the **** to get to.
TIA,
SeaVee
TIA,
SeaVee
11-02-2016, 02:19 PM
#2
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Year: 90,84
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Engine: 4.0,2.5
I've had success a number of times in a number of vehicles with pin-hole leaks in the heater core, using Alumiceal brand stop leak. Only Aluninaseal brand, (not a knock-off). I start with 1/2 of a small tube. (about the diameter of a quarter, about 3 In. long). It's a fine powder. Give it a week or so to work, then if needed add the other 1/2 of the tube. It can take it a while to find the hole. It won't clog the core, and if it did you needed to change that anyway!
I put it in a soda bottle or something with water, shake it up, and add it just before a good long drive.
I put it in a soda bottle or something with water, shake it up, and add it just before a good long drive.
11-02-2016, 06:46 PM
#3
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I've had success a number of times in a number of vehicles with pin-hole leaks in the heater core, using Alumiceal brand stop leak. Only Aluninaseal brand, (not a knock-off). I start with 1/2 of a small tube. (about the diameter of a quarter, about 3 In. long). It's a fine powder. Give it a week or so to work, then if needed add the other 1/2 of the tube. It can take it a while to find the hole. It won't clog the core, and if it did you needed to change that anyway!
I put it in a soda bottle or something with water, shake it up, and add it just before a good long drive.
I put it in a soda bottle or something with water, shake it up, and add it just before a good long drive.
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B000FW61M4
11-03-2016, 03:19 PM
#4
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Third vote for aluma-seal.
It may buy you a few months, or a few years.
It may buy you a few months, or a few years.
11-03-2016, 04:52 PM
#5
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Don't be a sissy. Jump in there. Heater core is a great weekend project. I've done a few now. The last one I did was on a 02 F150. Took me 6 or 8 hours. I was fortunate enough to find the factory instruction online. Told me step by step how to do it. Wasn't bad, just involved. Have to take the dash out.
11-03-2016, 05:14 PM
#6
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Year: 1999
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Don't be a sissy. Jump in there. Heater core is a great weekend project. I've done a few now. The last one I did was on a 02 F150. Took me 6 or 8 hours. I was fortunate enough to find the factory instruction online. Told me step by step how to do it. Wasn't bad, just involved. Have to take the dash out.
11-04-2016, 07:58 AM
#7
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Bad Idea, just didn't want to tackle it until I exhausted all options. Not scared to dig in on the XJ, unlike my wife's freaky XC 90, that thing scares the crap out of me! We must be neighbors, I'm in the 757 as well (23451). See you around town.
All- thanks for the advice, will give it a shot.
All- thanks for the advice, will give it a shot.
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11-04-2016, 09:43 AM
#8
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Year: 1990
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Sarcasm isn't easily conveyed via text. At no point did I mean OP was less of a man.
Just read this thread, he is in process of swapping a heater core. He ought to be a good one to ask questions or tips. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...6/#post3324194
Just read this thread, he is in process of swapping a heater core. He ought to be a good one to ask questions or tips. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...6/#post3324194
Last edited by bad_idea; 11-04-2016 at 10:51 AM.
11-04-2016, 01:17 PM
#9
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The older XJ & MJ is easier than the later models. You only need to remove the lower dash to access the heater core.
11-04-2016, 05:08 PM
#10
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Just finished replacing the heater core in my 98. It was by no means easy, but not as bad as most people make it out to be. Took me about 8 hours. During that time I was talking a co-worker through a job over the phone and enjoying some adult beverages. Well worth the effort IMO. Check out my build thread I'm going to throw up some more pics of the carnage tonight.
11-04-2016, 05:21 PM
#11
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Year: 1999
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Sarcasm isn't easily conveyed via text. At no point did I mean OP was less of a man.
Just read this thread, he is in process of swapping a heater core. He ought to be a good one to ask questions or tips. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...6/#post3324194
Just read this thread, he is in process of swapping a heater core. He ought to be a good one to ask questions or tips. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...6/#post3324194
11-04-2016, 05:33 PM
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Year: 1989 Laredo
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Engine: 4.0 Inline 6 Renix
11-04-2016, 06:27 PM
#13
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Year: 1990
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Engine: 4.0
Easiest one I ever did was on my 79 Camaro. Didn't have to pull any dash pieces. The airbox is bolted to the firewall with maybe 8 bolts, on the engine bay side. Unbolt those, and pull the box out. Maybe an hour.