hello, I've always wanted this model jeep when I was a teenager and just last weekend I bought it on impulse at a auction and now I'm sort of regretting it..the only three good things about it is that the engine runs good, tranny runs good, and it looks good but that's it..anyway my first issue is The radiator has a crack or hole on top and steams when up to temp, I know It may have something to do with the heater but I should be getting some heat right?

 

If your coolant level is low, you won't get much heat if any. Check your level, if its low add to it and see if that works. I'd suggest you fix your radiator asap. You'll be buying enough coolant to buy a new radiator in no time when the problem worsens.

If the coolant level is correct, then it may be an issue with the heater core. I'd suggest doing the above before jumping to the heater core since the radiator needs to be replaced anyways. Good luck.

 

Yeah, start with a new radiator and go from there. Replace all of the hoses while you're at it.

 

Thanks for the info..but why should I replace all the hoses? There are no cracks or leaks in any of them. I did just replace the plugs and coil/cables though but the radiator hoses are good..thanks

 

If you are replacing the radiator, it's good insurance to replace all the hoses as well, even the heater hoses. You might stick a garden hose into the heater hose and check for flow through the core. I'm not sure is jeeps use a water flow control valve for the heater or if it's a full flow deal. All my Chevys had full flow heater cores, but my wife's Dodge K-car 4 cylinder had a flow control.

With a leak in the radiator, you're not building pressure and the coolant will boil at a lower temp. Leave the cap loose and it may cut down on your leakage.

 

i have a good used radiator if you are intersted.... depending on where you are i could bring it or meet with you somewhere, shipping might be pricey but ill ship if you need it

 

I live in San Jose ca, I bet you live far away

 

Yep clear across the country. Id ship if you want.

 

just flushed out my gf's GC last night. lots of corrosion and silt. took a while though. flushed it out a couple times put a cleaner in let it sit flushed it back out. then we figured out we can hook a hose up to it and wash it out after about an hour of funneling water in. we ran water through it for a few minutes tot get all the cleaner and junk out . then we funneled coolant back through and hooked it up and the heat worked much much much better. in our case when the heat was turned on it would be warm for a second or two then die off.

but yeah the radiator should be fixed first.

 

If your radiator has a hole in it, it's very possible that there could be an air pocket in the system causing your lack-of-heat situation.

When you replace the radiator you may want to change the hoses (if they're old) and flush the cooling system.

Take the two hoses off of the heater core and with a garden hose flush the core out,go back and forth between the two pipes with the hose. You may be amazed at the gunk that will fly out of there.

We carry new radiators with free shipping. Here's a link to them on our site for your ZJ.

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/Radiators/J...ampaign=1ATony

 

1ATony, do those radiators have any warranty? Didn't see any info on the site so I figured I'd ask. (not trying to hijack thread )

 

Jeez, try RockAuto.com too, those prices are ridiculous at that other site. $25 for a cap from there, $2 from rockauto...

 

we have a 2 year warranty on our radiators. FREE SHIPPING on all orders.

Tony

 

Thanks!