Bucko

The cooling system in my 89 XJ LTD (air conditioning and factory heavy duty cooling package) is loosing coolant. I don't have any overheating problems but over the last month (with not a lot of driving) I've had to add approximately 4 cups of coolant. No sign of coolant in the oil. Can't smell anything from the tailpipe. The investigation into the source of the leak is preliminary but I think it may be the rad that's leaking/weeping as the lower inside of the rad is the only place where I can see some green/white powdery residue. Not sure yet if the rad is leaking or if the fluid is creeping onto the rad where it evaporates. This is the second rad in the Jeep since new, the original Rad having almost completely dissolved by that point - about 16 years ago.

Wondering:

• What's the consensus on a replacement (and source) for a radiator? Aluminum? 3 core? Other? I'm not really 'wheeling' and overheating has never been an issue.
• Should I change the water pump and thermostat while I'm 'in there'? ( they are originals that came with the jeep) Recommended source for a good water-pump?
• Also looking for advice on a source for good quality hoses

Thanks for any advice.

EZEARL

Sounds like your ready for a cooling system overhaul. Sounds bad but I did mine last November for around $250. Everything except the heater core. If you don't know the history of the part replace it. Check out Rock Auto Parts. If nothing else it's a good reference link.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/j...cooling+system

cktasto

Recently replaced the rad in my 92' xj with summit racing brand. Not cheap but has made abig difference in the operating temp. Personally i avoid using a spectra in anything you care about:

Basslicks

If that's the original water pump, it may be bad. I would check that first.

Look from underneath for the "weep hole" on the water pump and see if there's coolant coming out. If there is, replace the pump.

peep

Ive mixed results with the Spectra rads.
Spectra has the market tied up around here, it's all the local parts outlets sell. However it has lifetime warranty.
My concern with mail order is the rough handling. Don't want Utterly Poor Service company to beat up the rad in transit. I am bias as having current poor performance by almost all delivery sources for materials at work.
Guy once tried to sell me a used all brass tanked rad from used 89, however we couldn't agree on price. He thought he was selling gold, not brass. His right to set price. My right to buy, or not.
The Spectra design used glass fibre re-enforced plastic tanks and metal core. A crimped seal. Often the source of future leaks.
I've 300+K km and 5 years on the Spectra in my 89XJ, no problems. The previous Spectra had 100+k km and 2 years, but center punch and flattening a deer at 60 mph probably contributed significantly to the seams failure of that rad. Warranty replaced it, no problems. The XJ went up and over the deer. Lift and armour saved the drive train.
Rad only weeped lightly and the XJ continued driveable home.
On the WJ, new Spectra had a passenger side tank crack near the hose outlet. 1/4" crack propigated up to 1" over period of 2 months. Warranty exchange, no problems.
I've 100+ K km and 4 years on the Spectra in my 02WJ, this fall started leaking tank seam passenger side, rad cooler inlet drivers side. Small leak at this time but I'll have to find my original bill for the warranty, and the WJ is a real pita to replace.
I've 150+K km and 6 years on my 95ZJ, no problems.
So the Spectra has good and bad results.
If the side tanks crack, they cannot be successfully plastic welded, my experience.
If you have the rad out, lot easier to access that pump and thermo, and would be a good time to do all.

cruiser54

Here's a real opportunity for you.

You can get a 2802 radiator at Napa for about $120.

It has a filler neck and you can get rid of the closed system.. The radiator also has the bung for your radiator fan switch.

Closed to Open cooling system parts

11038 heater hose
11039 heater hose
2802 Napa radiator
730-4514 rezzy
703-1698 rad cap

This allows you to ditch the pressure bottle, all the crappy hoses and clean up your engine bay.

Bucko

Seems to be some mixed reviews on whether the OEM closed system is bad (or if an open system is 'better' - rather than just different). I've never had any overheating issues and I'm leaning towards just replacing what's there already - although I'd spring for an all aluminum rad (not keen on plastic tanks) because it would presumably be subject to less corrosion - not sure if that true in practice

I do like the idea of a filter neck though - would make filling/draining/burping the system easier.

Bucko

Thanks for the tip. I don't think the pump is leaking but admittedly, I need to get in there for another closer look.

cruiser54

If you had owned as many Jeeps with the closed system as I have, you would KNOW the open system is more reliable.

MayerMR

Look man, I went through this *exact same thing*. Here's a link to the thread. If you read through page two you will have a list of every part number and the source of that part you will need. It is about the easiest and best thing you can do for your Jeep.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/kic...s-list-221634/

Basslicks

I haven't even had a JEEP with the closed system, but after dealing with the closed system on my 300m, I can say with definite certainty, I've messed with my Jeep's open system less than I have the 300m's. Closed system is really annoying.

Bucko

Good read! Thanks for the link Mayer.

Bucko

Another question....

Are the rads different between a XJ that came with the 'factory towing package' (and or Air Conditioning) and one that didn't have the towing package (and or air conditioning)?

Basslicks

There was an option for an HD cooling radiator

https://www.moparpartsoverstock.com/.../52003933.html

Primary part number 52003933

Not sure if it was part of the towing package or not though. The transmission cooler, dana 44, and the transmission cooler were the towing package, IIRC.

Bucko

Took another look tonight - easier to see what's going on in the dark with a flashlight. The lower rad hose is defiantly wet right up to the pump body so either the hose, or the pump or both are leaking.

I need to find figure out and source a suitable pump now (and still maybe a rad)! Any advice on a water pump appreciated.