I bought my XJ after Christmas so being winter It never had any issues of getting too hot. After taking a road trip through NM and AZ (and now getting warmer here) I've noticed that it getting up to the 210 mark is no issue lol.

Today it was around 80 degree out and the 'ol xj does great staying right below 210. But when I'm stopped at a light, train, traffic etc it starts slowly moving over the 210 mark. My '01 didn't come with the stock transmission cooler so I'm considering putting one on.. B&M Super Cooler P/N which is about $60 online.

Amazon.com: B&M 70255 SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler: Automotive

Amazon.com: B&M 70255 SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler: Automotive

Would i need anything else that doesn't come with? I read some people bypass the radiator all together?? Good or bad idea?

I flushed the radiator/coolant before the road trip. Even though all looks well should I replace Thermostat? Anything else?

 

This would indicate a bad fan clutch or missing/broken fan shroud. To test fan clutch:
Bring xj up to 210°f. Shut down and see if the fan spins freely or not. It should not be able to turn 180-360° if it's good.

 

Good to know! will check on that! If it is bad is there an upgraded one I should go with?

As far as Preventative Maintenance goes, I believe the trans cooler is still a good idea? Anyone with input?

 

You can get a zj one. Thats what I got. Beware though, sounds like 747 on take off lol

 

And the trans cooler is still a great idea

 

Ya, I just read they can be a little louder lol. I didn't realize it'd be THAT loud.

 

I personally have a B&M 70264 it is very similar to the 70255 you linked but twice as thick (1.5" vs. .75") and has a higher BTU rating (14400 BTU vs. 9800 BTU), it is also only about $10 more.

 

^ Any tips installing them? Is everything in that link what you needed?

 

I don't think its too bad but a lot of people on here do

 

On mine I had to buy some extra hose (make sure this is rated for oil/trans fluid) and clamps, but otherwise it included what was needed. I used the ZIP-tie type mounts (included) on my 95, though metal brackets are also included and may make more sense on a 97+ XJs (since 97+ XJs header panels have two vertical bars to mount to vs. the single vertical bar in the center on pre-97 models). Installation is pretty straightforward, part of my trans line was already cut and replaced with rubber hose (repair from the previous owner) so I simply replaced and re-routed that hose, if your trans mines are intact you will have to cut one (or both if you bypass the rad), the rubber flex line is the best place to tap into (you'll need barbed fittings) tough you can tap into the metal lines if necessary if you double clamp the hose (this is what I had to do since my line was already cut).


Being in PA I left the Rad-cooler in loop to get the fluid up to temp in winter, tough in the south their may be a benefit in bypassing the rad, tough if you bypass that rad make sure your cooler has sufficient capacity (either of the B&Ms should do, especially the 70264) and I would recommend monitoring temps (always a good idea anyhow) with a gauge.


I also added a remote-mount filter and temp sending unit for a gauge.

 

im running a trans cooler out of a 98 5.2 zj but will soon be upraging to a ford explorer transcooler (bigger) and use the zj cooler as a pwr steering cooler

 

Checked the fan clutch today.The fan easily spins in full circles. Will be getting a new one soon!

 

Glad you figured it out!

 

Might as well by the trans cooler and fan clutch and do it all at once.

 

quick question about trans coolers that i don't feel needs a new thread

so some xjs came with them stock? cause i'm pretty sure i have one but i've searched and have never seen anything about a stock one. sits right in front of the radiator.. you can see it through the grill. if i wanted to upgrade would all i have to do is just buy the new cooler and plug and play?