87 XJ 4.0

So I replaced the plastic coolant tank cause it was spitting coolant. Now when it gets warmed up it starts to overheat. I have the idiot light no gauges and the light doesn't come fully on it barley lights up

I'm thinking the thermostat. Or water pump. How can I tell if the water pump is going out. Or should I just replace it for good measure.

 

Read your sig......+/-$250 replaces all cooling system components with new parts.....including a new rad. U'll sleep better.

 

while your at it... convert it to an open system

 

I've heard you can convert it to an open system. How would I do that. Is there a write up for it. I searched for one but couldn't find any

 

Unless u have a good understanding of a "open system", all new replacement parts for your old "closed system" will probably give u the best bang for your buck.

 

Yes. and use a Napa coolant bottle cap # 703-1396. It fits better and seals better than the chinese ones.

 

So is there a write up for converting the system?

I'm thinking i might just replace the water pump. Rad. Fan clutch. And the hoses.

 

Not a bad idea. T-stat, too?

 

Yes t-stat as well

 

I replaced the t-stat. Flushed the heater core and filled the rad through the top heater hose.

Drove to work and so far no overheating. I'll keep my eye on it.

When I can afford to I'm going to convert it.

So tell me of I'm on the right path.

I'm going to get a rad that has a cap. Hook up new upper and lower hoses. Take off the hoses that T off between the pressure tank and the heater core and just run hoses from the t-stat housing to the heater core.

Should that be it. It doesn't look like my XJ has a heater control valve.

 

Maybe previous owner did away with it thats not such a bad thing. You pretty much got the gist of the open system.

 

If it does have a heater control valve I'm not seeing it. Where would it hook up. I know there's supposed to be a vacuum line to it.

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hea...l-valve-32971/

 

Thanks. It looks like I don't have one. Lucky me. Easier to convert

 

What year rad can I get to replace. I have a 87 XJ