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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
So I have this sneaking suspicion that my head gasket is leaking, but I'm not sure. It's a 98 with the original 4.0 engine. 230k on the drivetrain.
Here are some data points:
There does not appear to be any oil in my coolant or coolant in my oil.
I'm not mysteriously losing coolant (that I can tell).
Fan clutch replaced last year--temps creeping up at idle, clutch tested bad.
Water pump replaced this summer--metal flakes were in my coolant.
3" lift, 32" tires, stock gears.
Bumper, winch, and light bar hanging off the front:
So here's what I'm seeing. When the ambient temperature is high-ish, like the 90F it was yesterday afternoon, my temps creep up in the 240-245 range when I'm going at highway speeds. I'm fine at lower speeds in that heat, or at highway speeds when the ambient temperature is lower (it was 70F this morning and it was fine).
While I was researching something else, I came across someone who said that overheating at highway speeds but not at idle can indicate a head gasket problem.
But I wonder---would ambient temperatures really have that much of an effect if I was overheating due to a blown head gasket? Or could it be something else?
I'm borrowing a compression test kit for the weekend to try to get that done.
How old is the radiator?
Do you have an Infra-red thermometer to verify temps?
Radiator may not be holding it's full capacity. Not enough going through to keep coolant temps down especially at higher speeds where the coolant is moving faster. For under $100 what the heck.
Whats the verdict on seat belt interchangability on the XJ? Example: can I put 97+ belts in my 91? I reckon the ***-in-place sensor wiring is a bit different, but does the hardware line up? Newer belts fairly forgiving for... Ehh.... Large people?
Hello everyone, new to this forum, I have a quick question, I have done a lot of research and found little to no info. Seems like every time somebody asks about no lift specs people talk about how they fit on their lifted jeeps.
I have a 99 XJ 4x4 Classic, no lift. right now it has the stock 5 spoke wheels with 235/75r15 inch tires. I don't really want to go bigger on tire size just yet so I will probably be buying some tires of the same size as I need new ones. my question is.... with NO LIFT, STOCK SUSPENSION. I want to go with the Chrome Cragar Nomad 2 wheels. should I stay with the 15x7 or go with 15x8. and should I get 3.75 inch in backspacing or 4 inch? I don't want a ridiculous amount of tires stickout, but I want a nice clean slightly past the fender look. maybe 1/4 to 3/8 at most. if anybody has pictures it would help a lot. thanks
I just finished up buying 235/75-15 tires and 15x7" rims w/4.25" b/s. I'm lifted maybe 1.5". Either 15x7's or 15x8's will work. I went with the 15x7's because I didn't like the way 235's looked on the 15x8's. As far as backspacing goes I went with 4.25"because our inspection laws don't allow for the tires to be out past the fenders or flares. You can get by with some though. I wish I could post a pic for you but I haven't resolved the Photobucket issue yet. The tread on my front tires are out about 1/4" past my flares. In the rear the sidewall is out about that far. Maybe just me but I don't the looks of small tires sticking out too far. 3.75" would be too far for me. 4" I could have lived with. I like what have now though.
09-21-2015, 03:49 PM
