Just added a new t-stat and w/p, but overheats while idling..... t-stat is a 195*. Water in the reservoir will start boiloing or atleast look like its boiling. Overheated the first time while driving home from Raleigh..... Pulled over immediately and let sit for about an hour then turned around (about three miles down the road from where I left) Made it back but the jeep shut off at the driveway. Would not start back up. Prior to that everytime I would shut the jeep down it would make a gargulling sound...... So like I said replaced t-stat and w/p hoping that was it and problem would be solved..... the jeep still starts but starts really hard and has an airy sound from the engine, I orginally thought it might of been the w/p making the airy sound but its the engine..... Will a cracked head make the jeep overheat while idling?? Also when the radiator cap is open when I start the jeep white smoke comes out of radiator, is that normal?

 

white smoke... negatory, my brother. losing coolant for no reason? seeing coolant on the ground? insert the thermostat the right way?

 

PS its a 98 jeep Cherokee

 

Yeah spring towards the heads...... haven't noticed any leaking out anywhere prior to running hot..... Now when I start her up she 'llrun for like 10-15 min and run hot..... No heat coming from vents either only blows cold air.....

 

You most likely have a bad head. A cracked head or bad head gasket will most Definelty cause overheating while sitting at idle. Or anytime it's running for that matter.

Then on the other hand an air pocket or blockage in the cooling system will yield the same results. Have you ever flushed the system out?

 

I have not flushed the system yet will try that on Monday but I have attempted to get rid air pockets she just ran hot...... Whats the best approach for a bad head, rebuild the current one or buying a new rebuilt one? Have not had any luck finding any new ones or rebuilt ones...... how do I go about checking the heads?

 

I would buy one that is ready to go. There are alot of ways you can go about it. Alot of options.

I would at least try and flush it out. You might be surprised at how much that can help.

 

Been doin some research on it but can not find anywhere that sells cylinder heads ready to go? Any suggestions....... Preferably aftermarket to make sure I dont get a bad head..... I've heard a lot bad stuff about casting problems(0331).

 

I do intend to keep this Jeep alive and running for a while..... Was a project before the divorce now a daily driver!!

 

What about finding a head from a JY and having it checked over at a machine shop, then swapping it out on yours? Or you can go aftermarket, I've got one from Clegg.
http://www.cleggengine.com/jeep-4-0l...ed-valves.html

 

[QUOTE=ehracing67;2402008]What about finding a head from a JY and having it checked over at a machine shop, then swapping it out on yours? Or you can go aftermarket, I've got one from Clegg.
http://www.cleggengine.com/jeep-4-0l...ed-valves.html[/QUOTE

Do you have to upgrade anything else for this install?

 

The Clegg head is a straight bolt on, but I used it with their stage 2 cam kit.

 

Thanks for all the info!! Will be attempting to un/install next week....