96camoxj

Just finished a motor swap on my 96 xj. I installed a 98 model engine so a temp sending unit relocation was required. I installed it in the thermostat housing which seems to be a pretty common procedure. The gauge is working now but it reads too high. When the engine cooled to the point that I could leave my hand on the head, the temp gauge showed 215. Anyone have suggestions?

letsgomuddin

Are you using the sending unit from your 96 engine or the 98 engine? You shoukd use the one for your vehicle, and it is entirely possible the sender is bad.

sthon

I had the same issue with a '98 engine in my '92. I tried using a T off the thermostat housing but my temp gauge was crazy high. I ended up putting an aftermarket gauge in using the renix temp sender location on the drivers side of the block.

96camoxj

I purchased a new sending unit to install on the 98 motor. It is the part needed for the 96 but I had to locate it on the thermostat housing since the 98 does not have the head mounting hole.

96camoxj

I picked up an inexpensive mechanical gauge that I plan to install unless someone gives me a better idea. I am gonna try to use the T method on the thermostat housing and see how it works. I also borrowed an infrared gun to check and compare temps.

sthon

Check here https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/new...nt-fit-176254/

Searching around will yield other options as well.

96camoxj

I've continued my research into this issue because I would really like to keep the factory setup instead of installing an aftermarket gauge. I've found a few threads discussing resistance readings in comparison to actual temps. Some if the info is contradictory and trying to verify it has proved difficult. What I have is a Borg Warner gauge sending unit for a 96 xj that has been relocated to the thermostat housing of a 98 engine. Checking the resistance cold shows 321 ohms to ground. Temp gun reading shows 72 degrees on the cold engine which is ambient temperature. The gauge shows 155 degrees. Is the gauge temperature in relation to the resistance reading correct? If so, can I assume that I have something fishy going on with the sending unit?

96camoxj

Anyone?