I am looking at buying a 89 cherokee, the only problem is that it has overheating issues. I want to do the closed to open cooling system swap but all the posts on the forms i can find are quite old and the links they provide dont work anymore. So i am looking for a general guide on what i need to purchase and if possible where i could get them from (i live in canada) Thanks.

 

Nobody has done a write-up. Even me. I have done 2 different conversions.
with and without new radiator.

I would purchase a NR2802 radiator from NAPA. Has a filler cap on it and bolts right in. Also has the bung for the fan switch.
Get the heater hoses from a 97 and later Cherokee.
Add a coolant recovery bottle. A universal one works just fine.

 

@Madcrafter52 ^^^ Good advice above from @cruiser54 . I just converted my '88 MJ from closed to open and am about to do my '89 XJ. The only parts hang up I experienced was the upper rad hose for a non AC model. NAPA, and other local suppliers including the dealer weren't able to get me a Gates 21821 hose or equivalent. I got one on line and it took about four weeks to arrive. Hopefully you'll have better luck but here's a link if that's the hose you need (non AC)
As for the over flow tank, I converted my RENIX pressure tank into one and it works well and retains the original look.

 

Let's see what you did with your old pressure tank.

 

For some reason i cant seem to find the rad you are talking about. Would this one be fine? Radiator Also what hoses do i need? Sorry for all the questions i am a cherokee noob lol.

 

many things can cause over heating that this proposed conversion will not fix. Hows the belt, water pump, fan clutch, thermostat? how is the fuel mixture, timing, catalyst? Do you have dragging brakes? etc......

Make sure the problem is your radiator prior to putting in a new radiator.


Also this conversion can be done whilest keeping the Renix radiator. Filler necks that fit on a hose can be used to place a pressure cap on the upper hose near the renix radiator.

good luck, keep a jeepin!

 

The waterpump and thermostat have both been replaced by the guy im buying it from. I have heard about the fan clutch being a problem on other fourms, but the reason i think it is the rad is that it stays cool even though the coolent elsewhere is boiling over. The jeep had sat in a barn for quite a few years so im thinking that the radiator might be rusted inside or obstructed somehow.

 

I ran the overflow hose from the new 1991+ rad to the bottom of the pressure, now over flow tank. I used the top tank outlet for the drain pipe should it ever be needed (so far so good). I "think" I should drill a small vent hole in the original tank cap. I've been running with it loose and haven't had any problems over the 500 miles or so that I've driven it.

The parts I used were ...
- Rad over flow hose - from a WJ at the junk yard. It came with a plastic sleeve to protect it and was even the right length. Obviously 3/8" hose from a parts store would work.
- Over flow tank inlet - about 3" of 13/16" hose and a right angle fitting for the above 3/8" hose.
- Over flow tank outlet - scrap hose with elbows from the heater control valve. I still need to extend this hose so it will drain to the ground if things blow over.

Here are some pics. Please excuse the black and red engine bay. My MJ was repainted black by the previous owner. The door jambs were done but not the engine bay or underside of the hood. I'm slowly painting everything black as I work on it (pain in the *** job).

 

NR2802. I typed it in wrong.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/403042924078

 

accidental post

 

What other hoses and stuff am I gonna need?

 

I wwlded up a adapter tube on lower heater hose to adapt to whatever smaller size it is. I also welded a stand pipe tube up on the water pump. Not sure i was missing something or had to for some reason.
im not running a tank. Acasional it will weep but for the most part is un needed.

Running some kinda aluminum radiator for the new xjs bolted right in and runs cool to cool mostvthe time.

Only time the temp gets high enough to kick eletric fan on is when running slow on a long climb in 4wd.




This is a 89 i think most everything could be found at parts and plumbing stores to make the switch.