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Old 02-19-2015, 10:41 PM
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Default running hot

I have an 01 Grand Cherokee, 4.0, and 4x4. I have replaced the thermostat, the radiator, upper and lower hose, radiator cap, and a radiator fan relay. I have had it block/pressure checked and no leak was found. I've taken it to multiple shops but no mechanic has been able to diagnose the issue. An help would be greatly appreciated..
Old 02-20-2015, 09:49 AM
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Did you replace the fan clutch? That would be my next step.

Mine was running hot in traffic, and I tried the fan clutch tests you see posted here periodically with inconclusive results. So I just said screw it and replaced the damned thing. Instant improvement. It hasn't run hot since.

Eight bolts. $35. Easy job.
Old 02-22-2015, 05:15 PM
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No engine driven fan on an '01 4.0. I would suspect the water pump. Is the electric fan turning on at 210*F?
Old 02-28-2015, 03:40 PM
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The mechanic said the water pump was fine and i have not noticed any leaks underneath the vehicle. The fan clutch was replaced not too long ago as well. I'm running out of ideas.
Old 03-01-2015, 05:18 PM
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You've replaced everything else, why not try a new water pump? Plastic impellers tend to shatter easily because of the close clearances inside. Buy a premium pump with a METAL impeller.

Previous experience with a '97 ZJ.
Old 03-01-2015, 10:03 PM
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Also OP, you say its running hot. Be specific. What temps. When does it happen. Coolant loss etc. give us a bit more detail. And how does the mechanic know you pump is fine. They don't always leak when they go bad. Mines just failed one day on my 01 a few years back. Never leaked. Apparently the blades shattered as mentioned above
Old 03-02-2015, 09:15 AM
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I second the water pump.

Before I broke out the wrenches though, I would check the block temp against the gauge reading. Ie, one of those laser thermometers when it is at operating temp. I changed out my temp sending unit with one from Amazon and it reads 50 degrees hotter than the laser reads. My water isn't boiling either, so I believe the thermometer as I'm pretty sure that I would have some steam at 240 degrees.
Old 03-02-2015, 04:45 PM
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Another case of "Mopar works Best!"
Old 03-02-2015, 09:13 PM
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Default this is the one I took out today

My daughter's car was "running hot".

I asked her about the heater. "it hasn't worked for months".

I traded cars with her on the way home from work, and drove it to operating temp... no higher, on the way to the hacienda.





It think a little JB weld and some Permatex will get me till next payday... What'choo think?
Old 03-02-2015, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by rangermonroe
My water isn't boiling either, so I believe the thermometer as I'm pretty sure that I would have some steam at 240 degrees.
Not necessarily. Remember that the system is under pressure, and the pressure is determined by your radiator cap (assuming that it's working properly). IIRC, for every degree F you increase the pressure, you also increase the boiling point by 3° F.

A 50-50 mix of coolant has a boiling point of 223° F at sea level. A 12-lb cap should theoretically increase that by 36° to 259° F. A 16-lb cap should take you all the way up to 271°. Theoretically, of course.

Your system definitely should not boil at 240°. If it does, it has a problem.
Old 03-02-2015, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by extrashaky
Not necessarily. Remember that the system is under pressure, and the pressure is determined by your radiator cap (assuming that it's working properly). IIRC, for every degree F you increase the pressure, you also increase the boiling point by 3° F.

A 50-50 mix of coolant has a boiling point of 223° F at sea level. A 12-lb cap should theoretically increase that by 36° to 259° F. A 16-lb cap should take you all the way up to 271°. Theoretically, of course.

Your system definitely should not boil at 240°. If it does, it has a problem.


Let's try and help the guy with the problem and not play "Bill Nye" with the guy who doesn't have a problem (me), Okay?
Old 03-03-2015, 02:21 PM
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Is your heating working properly? If you switch it on,does the temp goes lower?
Old 03-03-2015, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by rangermonroe
Let's try and help the guy with the problem and not play "Bill Nye" with the guy who doesn't have a problem (me), Okay?
Sorry, I got into the GC board by accident and forgot what kind of people post in here.
Old 03-03-2015, 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by extrashaky
Sorry, I got into the GC board by accident and forgot what kind of people post in here.
I resemble that! LMAO!
Old 03-04-2015, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by czettlera
Is your heating working properly? If you switch it on,does the temp goes lower?
What this guys asked.


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