Solomon7

96 XJ 4.0 Aw4 155,000.
I ve replaced everything (hoses, full flush, Tstat is just over a year old, CSF 2 row rad, new cap with radiator ZJ HD fan clutch last week etc.)else except the pump, and I'm still sitting around 220 consistently regardless of conditions.Unless my beat up AC condenser os blocking more than I think,
I can only assume that after 150K+ miles that the pump's blades are wearing out. No visible leaks at weep holes, so bearings are fine (?)

E fan kicks on a 218-220 on trhe gauge so the gauge is fairly accurate it seems, though it takes longer to drop the temp than it used to. I'm guessing pump is just not pushing fluid like it used to and is slowly dying.

Should I get an OEM style one or a Flowkooler?
I've heard OEMs work fine but don't know which one to get.

Also, before I pull the trigger, is there anything else I've overlooked that could be the culprit?

mike albo

what t-stat did you put in? if you get a water pump make sure its the reverse rotation one

Solomon7

It was a Stant superstat 195. The good one lol.

PS> Before this recent issue my gauge has NEVER gone over 210 in the 3 years I've owned it except when my block mount bracket blew and the mech fan was unable to turn. Other than that time and when I use AC, there were times I wondered if the aux. fan even worked. Now it kicks on daily so something's going on and it's not just increased ambient temp due to summertime.

mike albo

you got all the air out of the system?If there is a bubble that will cause over heating as well,and your sure the t-stat is opening fully.

Solomon7

No air but regarding Tstat opening fully. How would I know? The temp needle swings 190 to 210 a few times when it cycles open closed, but then just stabilizes after a while of driving at 210 (used to be 195)then starrts to raise very slowly over 210 to 220 (used to be 195 to 210).
I feel hot water under pressure in the upper hose when hot, but it seems like there isn't as much "build up" pressure when squeezed as there used to be if that makes sense. Pump?

mike albo

yeah it might be the pump,the impeller blades could be pretty much gone

Solomon7

Yup. What I feared.
Since I have limited tools and space, I'm gonna have my mech do it under his advice (yes he's very honest and knows my skill levelsand tools), so if the gasket is screwed up or anything else happens he covers it and I don't have to crawl under the rig in the heat lol!
Only gonna be 120 if I bring the pump and fluids so not too painful even though times are tough. The other bonus is he's gonna hook up a nice Cobra CB for me from his XJ all for free!I figure it'll be about 190 for a new pump, fluids and a nice CB installed. All in all a pretty good deal I think!


Since I'm the one getting the pump what kind should I get? My options locally are:
Baxter's Parts Master/Vortec
NAPA Gates
Schucks Master Pro
ALL Are NEW pumps

djb383

I would recommend u buy a "new" water pump, not "remanufactured". I would also recommend to always test a t-stat before installing. I've seen new t-stats fail the "open test". Here are pics of a 180 t-stat in the closed and wide open position.

k2keith

I would agree the pump can go without leaking. Happened to me, everything seemed fine, I tried everything else, finally changed the pump and that solved it.

Keith

Rock Toy

Before you spend the money to change the water pump pull the stat, put it in a pan of water and use a meat thermometer to make sure it is working correctly. I've bought brand new thermostats that were bad. If you go wheeling with your Cherokee and have to change the water pump go with the Flowcooler they flow more at low rpms so they are better for crawling.

Solomon7

The pump is stock (14 yrs old) still having the original one according to the dealership parts guy.
If I get the Flowkooler, do I need ot get a high flow thermostat housing too?

Rock Toy

Not sure if you need a high flow thermostat housing I didn't on my flat fender but I haven't checked for a Cherokee since my Cherokees cooling is OK. Search online.

djb383

[QUOTE=Solomon7;640391..........If I get the Flowkooler, do I need ot get a high flow thermostat housing too?[/QUOTE]

.....if u don't, u r always going to wonder.

Solomon7

Looks like I'm going with the NAPA one.
I'm supposed to get the reverse rotation one right?
I called NAPA and the ones they carry say "standard" or forward roatation.
Huh?
95 96 and 97 all show "standard" on their parts counter.' is standard ccw???
What gives?

Edit: It's not a Gates pump it's a TruFlow NAPA part #TFW42004
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...+50038+2038004

djb383

Is there an "R" stamped on the impeller? That's what u r looking for.