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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
So I was in the process of changing my heater core on my 89, when the hose connected to the bottom heater core pipe. How do I go about replacing this hose? Also, what is that sensor that is connected there? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
That's the heater control valve (HCV). They were eliminated from the factory in '97. You can buy I believe the preformed hoses for '97 and up or just buy long enough heater hoses of the proper size to go the heater core. Also be sure to plug the vacuum line that connects to the HCV. This link will help: https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1075433
That's the heater control valve (HCV). They were eliminated from the factory in '97. You can buy I believe the preformed hoses for '97 and up or just buy long enough heater hoses of the proper size to go the heater core. Also be sure to plug the vacuum line that connects to the HCV. This link will help: https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1075433
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The preformed hoses are neater, but more expensive. Plain heater hose does fine. One is 5/8", one is 3/4".
The HCV is a problem waiting to happen, and you are doing well to get rid of it. There is one vacuum line to plug. Other than that, just rip it out and install new hoses.
The preformed hoses are neater, but more expensive. Plain heater hose does fine. One is 5/8", one is 3/4".
The HCV is a problem waiting to happen, and you are doing well to get rid of it. There is one vacuum line to plug. Other than that, just rip it out and install new hoses.
Just finished it up. Just ran 5/8 tubing directly to the core. For plugging the vacuum lines, do I plug the odd coloured one that ran to the valve?
Yes, plug the one that ran to the valve. You'll have a vacuum leak otherwise.
Awesome thanks! Already have an undiagnosed vacuum leak, so I wouldn’t have been able to tell 😂 It’s the winter so I guess all I need is defrost anyways
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Removing your HCV will not disable your heater. Now, instead of the water circulating in your heater core only on demand, it will circulate all the time. Don't worry - as long as your blend door works correctly, you will not roast in summer.
We have people on this forum who live in Phoenix, and have deleted their HCV with no problem.
I see you have an '89. What did you do about the expansion bottle?
Note with the HCV, the heater core and expansion bottle are in parallel. When the valve is closed, all coolant circulates through the bottle. When the valve is open the coolant diverts to the heater core, but the expansion bottle is still in the circuit.
The link posted above was for a '92 which has an open cooling system so straight to the core works fine.