this may help


http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoRadiatorRestrictor.htm

 

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/Restrictor3_small.jpg

Seems like a pretty nice idea, rather than the nylon plug

 

did you ever confirm the temp from the gauge being accurate?

 

Have not confirmed the gauge to be accurate yet. Only way to do that I know of is to use a laser thermo...wish I had one lol but that is WAY down the list of stuff to buy,SO I need to borrow one. Is there another way to check? Thing is, I was under the impression the vehicle would set CEL,run not so well, and get lousy mileage if not ever warming up an therefore going to closed( or open can't remember) loop. Really runs like a champ and an honest 19MPG to boot.No CEL and i have confirmed the light works.

 

Yeah, that sounds like a bad sensor. I believe you can test the accuracy of the sensor using a multi-meter. don't quote me on that though

 

Make sure the clutch on the fan turns freely with a little drag by hand when motor is off and not frozen. It will also make a loud roaring sound when accelerating in park or neutral if frozen. Will make it run real cool.

 

Where did you plug the gauge to?
Would you please answer my first question too.

 

Fantic238: The gauge I am reffering to is an aftermarket Autogauge mechanical gauge installed inside the vehicle. It uses a "T" fitting in the hole for the original electronic gauge that is in the Thermo housing... that hole was already there if that is what you mean by did I drill any holes in the housing. The electronic gauge is still hooked up as well to the other end of this fitting and functional as well.

 

Sorry, maybe i was not clear enough. I asked you if you drilled holes in the THERMOSTAT valve to help with the burping when you installed it. That would explain your low temperature, together with the fact that it might open ten degrees earlier.

 

Ah, my apologies. Just drill a small hole,or two? At this point im thinking the thermostat is coming back out this saturday to test it.

 

Pardon my ignorance, what if any "burping" is required on a 94? I was under the impression that the earlier renix systems required burping,but not the later systems.Anything that I need to do?

 

That's the sensor that controls the aux fan in the thermo housing, temp gauge sensor is on the driver's side rear of the head or real close to the head on the intake manifold, I would have to look to be sure. Mine has the same cooling issue, I've got that one hooked up (it doesn't work but throws a code if I leave it unplugged), and removed the aux fan control (left that plugged in but zip tied to the mechanical line because of code issues) to put an aftermarket mechanical in it's place.

 

i have a 89 xj which also has the low heat problem runs at about 150-160 degrees and the heat is just warm enough to keep my wiper blades from freezing. I was told to try flushing the raditior and making sure the anti-freez to water ratio was right. if that didnt work try a new thermo stat. I am going to flush the raditaor today. maby ill try putting in new plugs as well. i am definatly interested in how to fix this problem. should i just man up and replace the heater core? open to suggestions.

on the other note i found a seat massager with heat that plugs into my d/c plug for $10 at the dollar store its been keeping me warmer than the heater. lol

 

Just to update, it seems that in my particular case the gauges are both reading about 20 degrees low. My mechanic let me use his laser thermo and at the thermostat housing the laser read 190 if the gauge read 170, that was idling in park, so at the 150-160 im reading going down the road im at about 170-180. Dont know why this would be, strange that the gauges both read low, and BTW per my mechanic on a 94 the sensor in the thermo housing IS in fact for the electronic gauge, other model years have a different sensor on the block or the head somewhere I believe. The mystery continues....

 

Do the drilled thermos work only in warmer areas or will they still heat up to 195?