So yesterday my sister was driving my jeep (mistake one), as she was driving she says, "I was sitting at the light and the 'check gauges light' came on, then I saw the water temp go from 210-260" she then drove 1/4 of a mile and pulled over. when I arrived there was orange, red clay mud looking, water all over the ground, axle, engine bay, etc. I looked into the tank and there is some sort of sediment everywhere. Today when I picked it up, I refilled it with fresh coolant drove it around. Once at opperating temp the water was ~a little over 210, then the pump kicked in and it dropped a little below 210 consistantly until I got home. So I assume my pump is fine? I left in the drive way and when I double checked, the tank was empty again. Upon futher inspection I found a small crack.

I think all the sediment collected and caused a "heart attack" so to speak with a clog in the radiator.
So I think I need a new water tank and radiator. Wheres the best place to aquire a new tank, and as for the radiator I'd like to upgrade it to something bigger and better?

Insight on my problem or places to get new parts would be much appreciated. And ASAP if possible.

 

Do you mean overflow bottle when you say tank?

 

Sorry, yes. The overflow, reservoir tank, located behind the battery.

 

Try getting the system professionally flushed. That garbage you saw was probably build up from years of sitting in the cooling jackets.

 

I recommend RadiatorBarn's 2 row radiator if you live somewhere with temps like VA has. I love my new radiator. As for the coolant bottle, IIRC advance auto has a universal replacement.

 

I got a nice all aluminum 3 core radiator and pressure bottle from ebay.

Good deals too, you have to know how to search through ebay to find the cheapest prices. I spent less than 200 for both parts and shipped!

 

I got my replacement overflow tank from 4WD hardware with cap for 18 bucks. As for flushing the crap outta the system, use some CLR and water. It wont hurt the system but will break up any scale or deposits in the system

 

I've heard some people have eaten through their heater core with CLR.

 

i got a great 3 row radiator from radiator barn. 168 bucks fee shipping and all aluminum. was the best i found and they had it in stock.

 

x2. When I did my flush, I used the Prestone stuff. I also used the prestone stuff when I flushed my heater core by itself. Let me just say that stuff really blows some nasty stuff out, but no leaks of any sort.

 

The flush is the best option (if you haven't already blown your rad). A flush should be done regardless when you get a new cooling system in. You'd be surprised how much crap will come out...especially if there was " orange, red clay mud looking, water all over the ground". Sounds like your system was in pretty poor shape.
CLR is definitely the way to go with the flush. Let it run through the system and let it sit for about a 1/2 hour, then flush it thoroughly. If you don't have a flush adapter installed, get one. Your heater core will thank you and ask for a cigarette in the morning.

I'm a firm believer in getting things done yourself if its in you to do it. Something as simple as a coolant flush needn't be taken to a professional to be done. Replacing the radiator-ditto!

 

.....a 3 row all aluminum, where are they now?????

 

Here's an interesting read regarding flushing, especially paragraph #4 & #5. Ain't no way to tell how much crap remains.....the rads gotta be pulled out and pulled apart or replaced.

http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/Radiator_Flushing.htm

 

OPTION 2:
HEAVY DUTY THREE ROW
Specifications Core Size: 31 X 10-15/16 X 1-13/16 Inlet Header: 10-15/16 X 2-1/2 Outlet Header: 10-15/16 X 2-1/2 Inlet Connection: TOP 1-1/4 PASSENGERS SIDE Outlet Connection: BOTTOM 1-1/2 DRIVERS SIDE Transmission Oil Cooler: YES Engine Oil Cooler: NONE Mounting:
Notes: THREE ROW, ALL METAL $197.98 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE radiator $0.00 FREE Shipping in the Continental United States $0.00 FREE Lifetime Warranty -$5.00 Online Discount $192.98 IS YOUR FINAL COST
Please note that sales tax will be added if you live in FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, TX or NV.
CSF 2671

Looks like the price went up sorry about your luck! but i would still pay that for a 3 row all metal rad.

 

Use caution with CLR as its a fairly abrasive chemical that has the potential to eat through things.