airwolf222b

I've poked around the forum a little and didn't really find anything definitive about this so I'll ask and hopefully it's not too stupid of a question.

I have a 2001 Cherokee Sport with the dreaded 0331 cylinder head. So far, absolutly no problems, but I hear if they get a little hot, then thats when everything can come undone.

I'm currently running a 195 degree thermostat. Jeep sits right at 210 like it should. But here's my question...

Do you think it would preserve the life of the ol' 0331 a little if I switched to say a 180 degree thermostat? Would running a little cooler help at all?

Thank you for your input.

Nick

djb383

Probably not.....if the cooling system is properly maintained, it shouldn't overheat. A properly functioning t-stat does one thing only....maintain minimum coolant temp. The other cooling system components along with their condition, ambient temp and driving conditions determine max coolant temp.

airwolf222b

ok thank you. Thermostats are so inexpensive, I thought I'd throw another on. Thanks again.

djb383

Actually, the entire XJ cooling system is inexpensive at +/-$250 in parts, including a radiator. Any money spent on cooling system maintenance is money well spent.....but just remember, there are a number of cooling system components (t-stat is one) and any/all of those components are like links in a chain.....all the links must be strong in order to have a strong chain. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" does not apply to the XJ cooling system, especially when a 0331 head is involved.

airwolf222b

OK, thank you so much for the input. This is my daily driver and I absolutly love it. But I find myself watching the temp gauge constantly after reading some about the 0331. The cooling system was checked out when I bought it a few weeks ago, but I was thinking about going ahead and putting some new parts in place. I may just save for a few months and replce the whole thing to be sure.

Phantom1

Personally, I would replace the 0331 Head!

tjwalker

A 180 thermostat is not going to help you in any regards. Stick with the 195. I agree with djb. A lower temperature rated thermostat does not mean that your engine will run cooler; it just controls when the stat opens.

I'd be darn sure that all cooling system components are up to snuff and that you religiously check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir as "the #1 symptom of a cracked 0331 head is unexplained coolant loss".

The only thing you can do is to replace all old cooling system components or actually replace the 0331 head, which is really not that unusual of a move for peace of mind. I would recommend one or the other.

Enjoy your XJ!