Noahp87

Hey everyone,

I've noticed my 98 Cherokee Sport running a little hotter than my 2003 Grand Cherokee. My 98 runs about 200-213 when driving and sitting in traffic. I have read that they tend to run on the hot side as high as 235 for some....what should be the normal engine temp for a 98 Sport?!
Thanks

RTorrez1

210 is the normal operating temp. My 98 stays at 210 except when the ambient temp reaches 110-120 here in S. Texas. Then it will go up to about 213-215. 235 Is way to high. You might want to start by checking out or changing out all of you cooling system. Including t-stat fan clutch. also make sure to check your elect. fan is working and give the cooling system a good flush.

salad

195-218 is where you want to run. The engine will hoard heat until 195, opening the thermostat, and the cooling system response will vary with the electric fan coming on around 218. If you run less than 195 there's a problem.

Be aware that the dash gauge isn't necessarily accurate. If you're concerned (I wouldn't be) use an IR thermometer pointed at the thermostat housing. Sounds like you could use some maintenance on those 16 year old parts though.

Noahp87

Yeah, I noticed the tstat kind of leaking so I bought a new one. The electric fan doesn't turn on unless the ac is on (looking into that). I'm assuming the fan clutch will have to be replaced which I will do that this week at work along with the tstat. I did a coolant flush about three weeks ago.

XJ ONLY

The hottest my 98 sport runs is about 213 so yours is high, I would replace the thermostat, water pump, and fun clutch. You should be golden after that.

Noahp87

Mine never got to 235. Just 210-215.

XJRed96

i would say test the fan clutch before simply just replacing it. should be able to spin but should be resistance against freewheeling. note that this test is performed with the engine off.

Noahp87

I found that the efan is set up wrong I'm assuming the wiring is mixed up because its pushing air out away from the motor rather than sucking it into the motor!

salad

Yeeeep it's supposed to pull.

Noahp87

It's supposed to push out rather than pull in cool air?

salad

No - pull air in from the front, through the rad, onto the engine.

RTorrez1

WRONG!!!
It's set up to pull the air in! If the fan was on the other side of the rad then it would be a pusher.

Noahp87

Read that wrong, my bad! Haha well it's fixed had to rewire the connection.