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Closed to open radiator cooling stystem

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Old 10-07-2014, 06:29 PM
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Default Closed to open radiator cooling stystem

I'm a rookie xj owner and I need your help!
I am trying to convert my 1989 closed cooling system to an open cooling system. If you have done this before can you give me some advice.

I switched out the to main heater hoses that go to the cab with the 3/4 and 5/8 hoses and adapters. Then I got a 5/16 fuel line for my overflow hose . I couldn't find a real good place for my coolant reservoir so I made some brackets and made it fit.
Then I filled up the radiator with 50/50 coolant and water

I started to run the engine for a bit (15 min) while revving it generously. My temperature gauge never went on and neither did my electric fan.
Plus nothing came out of the overflow hose at all.
I don't know if this is a good sign or a bad sign?
Also does my overflow hose have to much upward curve to push the coolant out??
(Small hose going along electric fan and to container Is the overflow hose)
(The two newer looking hoses or the two heater hoses)

THANKYOU!
Attached Thumbnails Closed to open radiator cooling stystem-image-2089370206.jpg   Closed to open radiator cooling stystem-image-1204347940.jpg   Closed to open radiator cooling stystem-image-1592444592.jpg   Closed to open radiator cooling stystem-image-2565103256.jpg  
Old 10-07-2014, 06:30 PM
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Sorry or the crapy photos. lmk if you need better ones.
Old 10-07-2014, 06:31 PM
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You need to get a '91 up thermostat housing.
Old 10-07-2014, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Big David
You need to get a '91 up thermostat housing.
It never ends...
Old 10-07-2014, 06:53 PM
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What's the difference between the two thermostat housings?

Last edited by Makoa89XJ; 10-07-2014 at 07:56 PM.
Old 10-08-2014, 05:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Big David
You need to get a '91 up thermostat housing.
Why ?
Old 10-08-2014, 05:32 AM
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Wheres you fan shroud at ?
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Old 10-08-2014, 05:35 AM
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After market cooling bottle fits perfect here.....
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Old 10-08-2014, 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by freegdr
Wheres you fan shroud at ?
I never had one
Old 10-08-2014, 03:13 PM
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So far I haven't seen any overheating problems
Old 10-08-2014, 03:28 PM
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Did your rad have a place for a fan temp switch on it ? Mine did I just plugged it in and it works fine. If it didn't they you need the newere thermo housing and switch
Old 10-08-2014, 04:03 PM
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AFAIK there never was an e-fan switch in the thermo housing? Fan on "91+ is controlled by the PCM. Renix has the switch in the rad.


OP, why are you going to the open system if you were having no problems?


Did you change out the radiator cap?


Why did you expect that the rad would overflow and system overheat while idling after fill up?


Was your temp gauge working before the "conversion"?
Old 10-08-2014, 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Makoa89XJ
So far I haven't seen any overheating problems
Might not butt stick your fingers in the fan by accident once and you will wish ya did. Also directs air thru radiator instead of from the sides.
Old 10-08-2014, 04:40 PM
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^^^^ Agree. Great if you've had no problems but I would say not typical.
Old 10-08-2014, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Pelican
AFAIK there never was an e-fan switch in the thermo housing? Fan on "91+ is controlled by the PCM. Renix has the switch in the rad. OP, why are you going to the open system if you were having no problems? Did you change out the radiator cap? Why did you expect that the rad would overflow and system overheat while idling after fill up? Was your temp gauge working before the "conversion"?
My old radiator got damage in a fender bender an I had this old one from a 93 laying around.

The radiator cap seems good.

I was trying to overheat it by revving it and blocking off most of the airflow to make sure the electric fan would turn on.

Temperature gauge is working.


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