Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Thermostat Question

Old Jun 27, 2012 | 04:37 PM
  #1  
thebaconator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 MPI "Power Tech HO" (High Output)
Default Thermostat Question

I'm looking at replacing my thermostat while i'm replacing the front end and was wondering what thermostat i should get.

Does it matter on the degree's.

I'm looking at a
Stant Superstat™ Super Premium Thermostat, 195 Degrees Fahrenheit

They also make it in 180* and 160* thermostats.


This is going to be an offroading toy only and just want to make sure i get the right parts.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 04:39 PM
  #2  
NorCalJeep's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa, California
Year: 1987 Comanche,1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Default

I got the fail-safe one from Autozone that opens up around 185 degrees, but that's because i live in California. How hot does it get where you live?
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 04:42 PM
  #3  
Bustedback's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Default

195 is what is recommended.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 04:42 PM
  #4  
thebaconator's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 MPI "Power Tech HO" (High Output)
Default

Live in the Midwest. These last few weeks we been high 90's but typically it's mid to low 90's at the peak of summer for usually no more than a week or two.


I'll be taking this trail running and mudding on weekends and nights mostly so 90s or lower typically
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 05:19 PM
  #5  
cruiser54's Avatar
::CF Moderator::
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Go to the dealer and buy 83501426. I went through 3 Superstats that opened too soon in the winter and caused fluctuations in temp in the summer. The factory stat seems really stable here in Arizona.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 05:43 PM
  #6  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Originally Posted by thebaconator
.......This is going to be an offroading toy only and just want to make sure i get the right parts.
....off road toy only, in this heat....i'd give the dinky XJ rad a little head start and go with a 180 stat. At one time, the dealer sold a 180, don't know if they still do.
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2012 | 06:19 PM
  #7  
tjwalker's Avatar
CF Veteran
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
Go to the dealer and buy 83501426. I went through 3 Superstats that opened too soon in the winter and caused fluctuations in temp in the summer. The factory stat seems really stable here in Arizona.
I agree with cruiser54. I've had mixed (poor) luck with many aftermarket stats including Stant.

Because of that, I buy my stats only from the Jeep dealership. They are about the same price as any aftermarket and they provide the best reliability and there is never a problem with "fluctuation" as there can be with some stats.

I recommend the 195 degree stat for the vast majority of 4.0 applications.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 09:33 AM
  #8  
my89xj's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Jw, I put it a 180 stat because it was getting to hot. But once winter comes around should I put a 195 back in it.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 10:30 AM
  #9  
RTorrez1's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4
From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

If your cooling system is working correctly you shouldn't have to keep changing you t-stat. You should be able to use the 195deg stat without any problems. I run a 195 and my 98 stays between 210 and 212 even in 110deg temps in south Texas and I have never had a problem.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 11:25 AM
  #10  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Originally Posted by my89xj
Jw, I put it a 180 stat because it was getting to hot. But once winter comes around should I put a 195 back in it.
A properly functioning t-stat does one thing only....control MINIMUM coolant temp. The rest of the cooling system components, their condition along with ambient temps and driving conditions determine maximum coolant temps.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 12:13 PM
  #11  
CCKen's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
Likes: 103
From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by djb383
A properly functioning t-stat does one thing only....control MINIMUM coolant temp. The rest of the cooling system components, their condition along with ambient temps and driving conditions determine maximum coolant temps.
Ageed.

I can't understand why people think that a lower temp setting thermostat will make their engine run cooler.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 12:59 PM
  #12  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Originally Posted by CCKen
Ageed.

I can't understand why people think that a lower temp setting thermostat will make their engine run cooler.
Six months from now a lower than stock temp stat will allow the motor to run cooler, but not now.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 02:18 PM
  #13  
my89xj's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

The situation was it wouldnt pass inspections because it was "overheating" so they put a 180 in it. It's a renix but it still ran 210 215
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 02:49 PM
  #14  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Did a lower temp stat make it pass?
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2012 | 07:11 PM
  #15  
my89xj's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by djb383
Did a lower temp stat make it pass?
Yes sir
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:38 PM.