algebraic429

I broke the oem sender connector fixing something else so i swapped in a new sender unit on the back of the head near the firewall, its the one plug connector on a 93 xj. When i took out the old one coolant shot out and i lose maybe a cup or two of coolant. when i started the jeep with the new unit the temps slowly started to climb and then it kept climbing until it hit the red. I pulled over and checked the engine and there was no signs of overheating at all. some of the engine was barely warm. Im wondering if i just created an air pocket or if i got a bad sensor.

5-Speed

Sounds like an air pocket to me.

algebraic429

i attempted to burp the system but no air, I bought an infrared thermometer and checked the temp at the thermostat housing after the jeep had been idling for 15 minutes so it was plenty warmed up (it was 101 outside here in So.cal) and it read 190 at the housing. I removed the new duralast sender and im planning on taking it back to autozone today ive seen a lot of people on the forum that when it comes to these aftermarket sending units sometimes it takes a few to get a good one that reads correctly.

Im also thinking about the idea of removing that stock temp sending unit and then using that port on the back of the head with an aftermarket temp gauge that has a 1/8 npt probe. Mechanical or electrical. Or even using an adapter to put an extra coolant temp sensor on the hot heater hose.

5-Speed

Well if you checked it with the thermometer and it reads normal temps, especially with how hot it was yesterday, I would then say its the sensor. Like you said, the duralast ones dont have the best reputation. Does Autozone offer any other brands?

Where in Socal are you?

algebraic429

They dont offer any other brands, Im located in riverside.

5-Speed

Well thats too bad. I would order something off Rockauto then if you have some time.

And nice! You are probably the closest person to me on here. I am up in the San Bernardino mountain area.

algebraic429

Can you recommend one of the brands on rock auto they sell for the sender? Doesn't look like any of the quality brands sell the sender only the sensors. Thats cool, i go wheelin primarily up in that area and like Johnson valley.

lawsoncl

Did they give you the right sensor? The one in the thermostat housing for the computer is not the same as the one in the back of the head for the dash.

algebraic429

The one on my thermostat for the computer i just recently replaced and it had black plastic with 2 prong connector. When i bought the one for gauge on the dash i made sure its the one prong connector with the white plastic.

5-Speed

Standard motors is the one I would get. Ts334. And ya, there are a bunch of trails around my house so if you ever want to explore some new places, just hit me up!

robsjeep

What the Johnson Valley area like? I am from near San Jose, and me and another XJ friend like to do long wheeling road trips, often down south your way in the winter. We have done the death valley, panamint areas a good deal in the last few years. What is Johnson Valley like???

5-Speed

ever heard of king of the hammers? That’s where they do it. There is a bit of every terrain out there. It’s a huge place. Video from a while back.

algebraic429

Johnson valley is one of the largest open off-road areas in the country and in my opinion one of the best for off-road long travel trucks or 4x4's. You really cant appreciate how big it is until you go. you can camp pretty much anywhere you want and it has lots of different variations of terrain. Its got some huge sand dunes, rock trails with giant boulders, open high speed trails and washes. Its reasonably close to gas stations, and there are some air bnb's in the surrounding area. California has a lot problems but our OHV parks are unmatched in terms of size.