ToT

Hey all, thank you for any help you can offer. The basic issue is coolant spraying from the radiator cap after the jeep has been shut off. Purchased a new cap, did not fix it. We just moved across the country, towed a 5x8 trailer, and the radiator blew 80 miles from our destination...so that's new now. But, again, today I went to the grocery store and came back to a coolant puddle under the jeep, popped the hood and sure enough, it was coming from the new cap. I know nothing about engines, so I have no clue as to what might be causing the issue. I don't think the cap is faulty, if I'm right, the coolant is coming out from a pressure release point, but why is the engine so hot that the coolant is getting so hot and bubbling... Is the water pump bad? How would I know if it was? Am I on the wrong track? And again, this problem has been going on since I've owned the jeep, about 6 months. But now new cap and new radiator, yet it still sprays out randomly.

Thanks everyone... It's a 2001 sport.

belvedere

Once it gets past the cap, it should go to the overflow bottle. From your description, it sounds like it's leaking out from between the radiator neck and cap. Check the surface that the cap seals against. Is it clean and smooth? Also, what brand is the cap?

1976Mustang

And make sure the fluid isn't blocked from getting to the overflow tank.

mbcazure

This.

Whenever one part of the cooling system goes, it's a good idea to go through the rest of it. As stated before, i'd start by checking the overflow tank and hose for blockage.

ToT

Thank for the help so far... You are correct about where the leak was happening, twixt the cap and neck, and I checked for the manufacturer and the cap says "Motorad16v," the seals looked good, and the neck surface smooth. But I did immediately notice that there was a brown sludge substance on the cap and neck... S I cleaned it up, noticed the little return hole appeared clogged, so I got a little screwdriver and cleaned it, but it just wouldn't clean, so I popped off the return tube and notice that same brown sludge in the tube....hmmmm.... I popped the tube out, brought it in to the shower and proceeded to clean it out until it, basically, vomited a brown mass into the tub. The mass was the consistency of sand. So... There was one problem...but has this crap been destroying my engine?? And what is that stuff?? I paid for a coolant flush maybe 3 months ago, did they do anything at all or just take my money? Cause damn that tube was clogged.

But at least we know why the coolant has been spraying out.

Thanks again. I appreciate this forum tremendously.

1976Mustang

It's possible they didn't flush the overflow system, most likely just the engine itself and maybe the radiator. Although if you took it to a chain lube place like Jiffy Lube I wouldn't be surprised if they did rip you off. I'd run a flush myself if I where you just to be safe, isn't difficult.

belvedere

If there was standard green coolant left in the system, and they added a Dexclone, sludge will likely result.

mbcazure

Definitely. if the block wasn't flushed properly, deposits could clog up your brand new radiator making the replacement a waste.

ToT

In the original thread I mentioned that we just moved across the county, turns out we live across the street from a very nice mechanic. He saw me out there and came over,I explained the situation, and he agrees that tomorrow we should drain the radiator and see what kind of crap comes out cause i don't want my brand new radiator getting mucked up. And I say 'we', because I don't know how to drain a radiator, but he is gonna teach me. Awesome. I also took out the reservoir and the goop that poured out of it can only be rivaled by baby poop... but its clean now, and I think I am on the right track now...

1976Mustang

Hehe you lucked out, It's always nice to have a mechanic neighbor willing to help. Good luck buddy!

Kalali

Most lube places, assuming they actually do what they charge for, put regular water instead of distilled water in the cooling system. Water in the iron block and head in these Jeeps is a recipe for rust.

1976Mustang

Which is why you always use prediluted and flush the system regularly.