Just pulled this up on my computer and that is the exact seam I was talking about. The bottom of the t-stat housing goes over the seam.

I took the car into the mechanic this morning and it actually wasn't leaking from the head, its just the way that the coolant was leaking and traveling when I was driving. Kind of weird that it was running perfectly along the seam, but it was. We figured out that I got a bad gasket with the housing, so I got a new gasket and used rtv on both sides, problem fixed. The side of the gasket that had a sticky surface failed and didn't sit right. Just ran about 20 miles stopping to check every so often and everything under the hood is completely dry, leak fixed.

Thanks for all the help djb383!

 

I stopped using the paper gaskets. I still have an unused tube of RTV sealant. There are many like, but this RTV is mine.... Sorry, had full metal jacket stuck in my head. But yeah, the red RTV works great alone. Water pump and t-stat housing. Used it on sun roofs!

Posted by: Dre

 

I had a helluva time with a t-stat housing leak. First time I changed it, my friend neglected to use any RTV and just used the included paper gasket. Leak followed soon after. Changed it again, reused the very young used thermostat, fired her up, and BAM overheat. Pulled it again, replaced the t-stat with a new one, and would you believe it a small leak from the housing again. Replaced it AGAIN and finally no leak and proper cooling. I think the XJ was on her period that week.

Edit: Btw, if you do end up getting a new rad, go Radiatorbarn.com. I got my 2-row all metal one there, and it was a great price (which included shipping and a lifetime warranty). IMHO, AutoZone stuff is crap most of the time. Plus, you'll save some $$$.

djb, I like that really clean water pump. I put mine in and about a month later it matched the color of my engine.

 

Your right. Autozone parts suck. Their ball hitch rusts fast. I was a Parts Manager and I would replace parts 2 and 3 times from bad or faulty parts. If you have a stash get good parts.

Posted by: Dre

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I will definitely be looking into a new radiator very soon. I started looking at a few different places online already and I will check out what they have at radiator barn as well.

 

4wd.com. Don't do Autozone! They are cheap and will last 6 months!

Posted by: Dre

 

Thanks for the recommendation Dre. I did some looking around under the hood yesterday and it looks like the water pump is relatively new and I just replaced the thermostat and housing. I am thinking about getting dual electric fans and seperating them with switches so no need for me to replace the fan clutch, looks like all I really need to do is a radiator. I may also do a water pump with a higher flow rate. Trying to get all my mechanical stuff done now before I start on the lift and new tires. Too much money to drop on suspension and then have to worry about scraping money together to fix other problems.

Just realized that I didn't put this in the thread before, but I had to go with a 160* thermostat. Went to 3 stores and nobody had the 180* and this had to get done that day, so I went with the 160*. Was on the beach last night and the needle didn't pass 210 at all like it was before, I stayed just under 210* on the sand, probably around 205, and on the highway I am running about 190*. Everything feels much better now and even the idle is controlled a little better. Engine sounds much better as well.

Thanks for all the help guys! I really appreciate it!

 

Great! Use a relay on the left/driver side fan. Not sure what comes on when it gets hot to use as a switch on the relay, but use a volt meter on the factory electrical harness. You might wanna relay the one that stays on all the time to the ignition hot.

Posted by: Dre

 

Thanks for the advice Dre. I will definitely have more questions for you when I finally get around to doing this mod. I have a few other things on my list that need to be taken care of before a new radiator and fan though.

 

If I can help, ask. I think I have a PDF of almost every part on a jeep. If that helps, I can try posting it.

Posted by: Dre

 

Thank you for offering those resources. I will let you know if I need anything.