91+ closed radiator in an 89 renix?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 443
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From: NJ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
How could I convert my 89 open cooling system to a 91+ closed system? Also if I did this do I retain the mech fan and the e fan?
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Lyons, Oregon
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Just so you know, you have the closed cooling system and will be converting to the open cooling system. I just did this last year on my '90, piece of cake. Buy all your parts for a '91 or newer. I kept my old resevoir, only because I couldn't figure out how to mount the newer version. I connected a line from the bottom the the tank to the radiator fill neck connection, plugged the top line connection and drilled a vent hole through the cap. I even installed a newer style heater control valve. It's a good idea to replace your tstat, water pump and belt while you have the radiator out. Good luck!
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Just so you know, you have the closed cooling system and will be converting to the open cooling system. I just did this last year on my '90, piece of cake. Buy all your parts for a '91 or newer. I kept my old resevoir, only because I couldn't figure out how to mount the newer version. I connected a line from the bottom the the tank to the radiator fill neck connection, plugged the top line connection and drilled a vent hole through the cap. I even installed a newer style heater control valve. It's a good idea to replace your tstat, water pump and belt while you have the radiator out. Good luck!
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Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
O ok i thought cooling systems with the rad having a cap was a closed system may be wrong not a mechanic but yeah I was planning on swapping all new cooling components in whether I keep it open or closed but I'd really like to switch it just for simplicity.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
OK. Do it.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: southern oregon
Year: 1990
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0 Power Tech
I just did this swap, watched the same 3 bleepin jeep videos, but I just ran a toggle switch to my electric fan and ran the hoses without a heater valve but used the connecters to get the flow correct like in the video, works great, post up when you got it done


