1997 XJ Jeep Cherokee overheat issue solved
#16
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Drop in a quarter cup of Amway SA8 laundry detergent. Drive normally for a couple of weeks. Rinse. Repeat as needed. Might take 2 or 3 rounds.
Cleans the system better than any commercial flush product, with no danger of damage to the components.
You can find dealers online.
Some say Dawn dishwashing liquid works, too. Dunno, haven't tried it.
Cleans the system better than any commercial flush product, with no danger of damage to the components.
You can find dealers online.
Some say Dawn dishwashing liquid works, too. Dunno, haven't tried it.
#17
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yep
First, I would check where the coolant is leaking. It could be a blown radiator hose, connection or heater hose.
Second, check all freeze plugs (in back of the engine block and under the manifolds).
Third, if all checks out, get a coolant test kit. a) pressure test kit to see where its leaking and/or b) coolant combustion kit to see if cylinder head/gasket is okay.
Second, check all freeze plugs (in back of the engine block and under the manifolds).
Third, if all checks out, get a coolant test kit. a) pressure test kit to see where its leaking and/or b) coolant combustion kit to see if cylinder head/gasket is okay.
The first thing I had to do to my 97 when I got it was pull the manifolds and change the side freeze plugs. The one in the back of the block is holding but going to probably leak soon.
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
update
finally was able to look at issue today regarding temp a little high and then when turned car off coolant everywhere
all hoses look ok....no leaks at hoses as i could see
radiator was full from what i could see
overflow tank empty....was full prior....seems it came out of overflow tank...no cracks in overflow tank..
possible coolant came out of radiator cap safety psi vent....but not 100% sure
started car and ran in park for 20 min and temp was about 190-200....no leaks underneath
any ideas what happened???
thanks
all hoses look ok....no leaks at hoses as i could see
radiator was full from what i could see
overflow tank empty....was full prior....seems it came out of overflow tank...no cracks in overflow tank..
possible coolant came out of radiator cap safety psi vent....but not 100% sure
started car and ran in park for 20 min and temp was about 190-200....no leaks underneath
any ideas what happened???
thanks
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
update....drove cherokee home from work last night about 10 miles and temp stayed below 200f
got up in am and ran car in park for 25 min temp stayed under 200f
drove car to work today and temp stayed below 200f
so far after the incident where overflow tank emptied out ...seems the temp is actually 10-20f lower....i have only driven it 2 days since then but so far thats how it is behaving...
also here is a photo of the coolant and my system has been flushed and filled 2 diff times in past month ,,,,its horrible looking
any ideas?
got up in am and ran car in park for 25 min temp stayed under 200f
drove car to work today and temp stayed below 200f
so far after the incident where overflow tank emptied out ...seems the temp is actually 10-20f lower....i have only driven it 2 days since then but so far thats how it is behaving...
also here is a photo of the coolant and my system has been flushed and filled 2 diff times in past month ,,,,its horrible looking
any ideas?
The following users liked this post:
jpcallan (10-06-2022)
#23
update....drove cherokee home from work last night about 10 miles and temp stayed below 200f
got up in am and ran car in park for 25 min temp stayed under 200f
drove car to work today and temp stayed below 200f
so far after the incident where overflow tank emptied out ...seems the temp is actually 10-20f lower....i have only driven it 2 days since then but so far thats how it is behaving...
also here is a photo of the coolant and my system has been flushed and filled 2 diff times in past month ,,,,its horrible looking
any ideas?
got up in am and ran car in park for 25 min temp stayed under 200f
drove car to work today and temp stayed below 200f
so far after the incident where overflow tank emptied out ...seems the temp is actually 10-20f lower....i have only driven it 2 days since then but so far thats how it is behaving...
also here is a photo of the coolant and my system has been flushed and filled 2 diff times in past month ,,,,its horrible looking
any ideas?
#24
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Sussex County, NJ
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Model: Cherokee
Try replacing your fan clutch. I was having problems with temp creeping up even at decent speeds with all new rad, pump, and t stat. Thats what fixed it for me. And that coolant is nasty! you should backflush your heater core too. You will be amazed at the amount of gunk that will come out. I've noticed they act like a filter almost in these cooling systems. Also you can put some cascade dishwasher detergent in your rad and drive around for a few days. it will loosen up alot of the gunk.
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
like i said entire cooling system has been flushed 2 diff times b 2 diff shops in past month
reverse flushed forward flushed everyway flushed
including heater core
and still looks bad
reverse flushed forward flushed everyway flushed
including heater core
and still looks bad
#26
Junior Member
Thread Starter
as of not past 3 days vehicle has stayed below 200f....which is good.....maybe the system had an air pocket in it causing the running a little hot then it burped real bad and now all good?
#27
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Groveland, CA
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Year: 1996 Two Door Wagoneer
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Every new XJ owner should do a major service to the cooling system. Sooner than later. It's basic good sense with these vehicles. You don't want a fun trip to go bad. And have to hike out.
#28
CF Veteran
Seems like the heater core is the only thing you haven't replaced yet. It may not be that for sure, but it worth investigation. Do you have foggy windows alot? Also inspect under the heater box for signs of anti freeze.
#29
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I had all the same things you had, including the rusty antifreeze after 2 flushes. Turns out, my actual core was shot. When I say shot, I mean shot.
Seems like the heater core is the only thing you haven't replaced yet. It may not be that for sure, but it worth investigation. Do you have foggy windows alot? Also inspect under the heater box for signs of anti freeze.
Seems like the heater core is the only thing you haven't replaced yet. It may not be that for sure, but it worth investigation. Do you have foggy windows alot? Also inspect under the heater box for signs of anti freeze.