As you can see by my post count, I'm a bit new around these parts, so please excuse me if this is a noob question.

I've spent the last hour or so looking for a discussion on Thermostat temperature recommendations to no avail.

I have a '96 RHD postal Cherokee that is running at 200. When stopped, it hits 210 and the electric fan kicks on and drops it back. At hwy speeds, it's probably around 190-ish.

My problem is that once I switch her off, I know that the temp continues to rise and I don't know whether or not it's damaging to let a system retain that much heat.

So with that said, and the hot, muggy Virginia Summer coming, I'd like to know what temp thermostat you think I should be running and why.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer

 

Factory installed is 195....we run a 180 year round.

 

As hard as it is to believe the 4.0 litre is designed to run at the temps you posted all day long. As the guy before me stated your 4.0 litre comes from the factory with a 195 degree T-stat. They were designed that way because of emissions. The 4.0 was designed to run hot and lean as a method to cut down on emeissions and net better mpg. However, I agree with you that this set up is not condusive to hot climates. I have an aftermarket 3 core radiator from CFS Radiator in my Jeep and I too run a 180 degree T-stat. That set up keeps my Jeep happy in the hottest weather and I'm still getting 18mpg on the highway. I say that as some will try to tell you that running the colder T-stat will hurt your mileage. That simply isn't true. I get that 18mpg with 33" tires, 4.56 gears and lockers front and rear, too. I live in Washington state but I do a lot of wheeling in California and Nevada. It was on one of these wheeling trips that I started having my overheating problems. So, give the 180 degree T-stat a try. I'm sure you will like where your temp gauge sits much better.

 

Running a lower one wouldn't be bad, but your honestly right where you wanna be.

 

I'm wondering if the OP's XJ has a t-stat and if it does, what temp?

 

i run a 195 in my 88' because i just converted the closed system, and i have an a/c fan. And i run a 180 in my 91'. i only run the 180 in the 91' because it didnt come with a/c so there is no cooling fan. here in eastern washington our avg temp in the summer is right around 100 so its not too far off from cali or arizona temps. also you could try some redline watter wetter for a cooler temp... i run it in my race car and it knocks my temp down almost 15 degrees.

 

I run a 165 degree in all three of my XJ's. Since putting that in the XJ's all stopped overheating. Well all but one but the fins on the radiator were plugged up with mud....imagine that....
Now with another radiator in it it no longer overheats even with 95 degree temps

 

As previously stated, the XJ was designed to run at that temp. Don't be alarmed if it reaches 210, it's just doin its thing. And remember, the t stat only control the minimum temp...

 

Thanks all, I have an OEM tstat in it now, I'm just alarmed by the higher temps, especially after stopping for an e-drink and getting back in.

Good to know I'm where I ought to be!

 

HThat heating up ON the gauge, is probably from a weak Radiator cap. The motor is not getting hotter, with the motor off, the pressure in the system is reducing. Which alllows the coolant to pickup and hold more heat from the motor and since the fans are not running there is nothing to cool the water.

 

The engine is getting hotter, its called Heat Soak. When the coolant stops flowing, it can no longer give up heat (think Japan Nuclear Reactor). That said keep in mind that you are no longer creating the heat either......It will rise 5, 10 maybe 15 degrees in the first 10 to 15 mins of being off, then because it is not "making" heat, it will come right back down. You timed it right. Look 15 mins later and you would not have noticed it.

Put another way, its not making more heat but its not shedding the heat it has already made.

Ron

 

Thanks!

I understand that the motor isn't creating more heat, I was just worried that 230 degrees in the system was too hot.

Good to know I'm not crazy and that it's nothing to worry about.

-Ryan

 

What i run in my 89 for a thermostat doesnt show 3 holes and a pin in the middle like stock ones its a balanced thermostat pretty much with the balanced thermo once the sucker hits its operating temp it opens right up where as with standard thermostat temp varies some have to hit 5 or worse case 7 or just 3 degrees past the operating temp its made for before opening and cooling down your car idk if its just me but the balanced thermostat seems to open at the right time like dead on right away at the temp it calls for.It is also designed for high flow which somehow causes abuse on your water pump doesnt get hot anymore besides the fact my pressure bottle leaks common jeep problem lol.oh yeah my heat seemed crappier too after flushing and replacing the fluid ?

 

Huh?