sparknutz07

ok so I just baught a 96 xj country and everything runs fine. the electric fan kicks on and off and makes a little clunk when it starts but other then that its sound. it was probly 15 degrees out this morning and i let it run for about 5 before leaving for school today. it took almost 14 miles of backroad driving before the thermostat moved over 100 degrees and drove another 15 miles and it didnt hit 210. is there anything i can do to get it to warm up quicker because it seems to run pretty cold to me. Im not worried to much its better then over heating.

DaddyCat

replace the thermostat with a quality (NAPA or Jeep) 195 degree (recommended/stock temp) unit.

tjwalker

Couldn't agree more. The stat has the most to do with regulation......

sparknutz07

I was thinking that would be it. i read somewhere that is what regulates minimal temp is that pretty accurate then? and if i let it go would that cause an issue because its not running at the right temp?

phoenix901223

check and see if you even have a stat in there

sparknutz07

??? would that be possible. sorry I wouldnt think you could run without one

tjwalker

Change it. Don't minimize this issue as if the stat is faulty, it isn't going to fix itself.

This is a VERY easy repair or minimal expense at a shop.

sparknutz07

yah im sure a stat is cheap and I could easily change it myself. thanks for the info Ill probably pick one up tomarrow. it is still cold here in the morns so best to do it now

djb383

Does your heater work well? If it does, your gauge is lying to ya.

sparknutz07

it does once the needle moves a bit. works enuf to defrost windows and it warms up to the middle notch when its nice out. just wont go to 210

93gc40

in that cold of weather you could do what truckers do and block the radiator opening some also.

DaddyCat

Yes (regulates min/max) and Yes! Our 4.0s need correct t-stat (195 degree) to achieve the temperature needed to operate properly.

sparknutz07

yah i figured they might run rough and might idle rough possibly without the proper temp.

djb383

Is it running bad or is the temp gauge just indicating low? It should run flawless even when freezing cold. Sounds like the heater works. As long as coolant temp reaches 160, things are normal emmissions wise. Do u have a CEL?

Red82

I didn't have heat for a few years. Finally found out that the stat could be the reason. I pulled the housing off and sure enough.... no stat! Simple fix really.