Smoking from radiator on 04 grand cherokee
I have an 04 Grand Cherokee that has started smoking from the radiator. After driving for a bit, very little spray on the engine compartment. It's not overheating at all, reservoir is at optimal level, no obvious leaks from hoses or cap, no dripping on ground, and water pump is only 1-2 years old. Any suggestions?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 638
Likes: 16
From: Midwest
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
have you checked the coolant level in the radiator and not just the overflow? if there is a leak at the radiator when the coolant level drops it wont create a vacuum drawing in coolant from the resevoir. i'm guessing its a bad radiator. rent a pressure tester and confirm
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
From: LAS VEGAS, NV
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0 I6
You said smoke, but I'm assuming steam. Common radiator failure is along the seam where metal meets plastic on each end of the radiator. Probably a very small leak that only happens as the the engine heats the coolant, making it a high pressure leak. I've replaced mine twice for that reason. Get under it and look along the seams, you will probably see a small amount of coolant drip along the seam. With mine it took a while for the coolant level to drop significantly. Recently replaced it with a three row all aluminum radiator, but a two row would have been easier to install.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Does it have a hydraulic fan? It could be a minor oil leak from it. That would be power steering fluid.
Whats it smell like?
Antifreeze is sweet smelling. Lubricants smell burnt. It also could be a foreign object like a grasshopper or bee. They have their own smell when burnt and at 200* can smolder when embedded in a radiator.
Antifreeze is sweet smelling. Lubricants smell burnt. It also could be a foreign object like a grasshopper or bee. They have their own smell when burnt and at 200* can smolder when embedded in a radiator.


