So I have had problems with this 96 jeep Cherokee 4.0 that I bought. It has been running very hot. 220-230 all the time (especially when idling after driving more than 10-20 minutes. Anyways I replaced the following:

Water - Pump (yes reverse rotation)
Thermostat (x2) - 195 Degrees with bleed hole
Burped system
New Fan Clutch
New Radiator
Verified temp readings with infrared gun
Checked for combustion gasses in radiator with block tester (x3 all negative)
No coolant in oil, oil in coolant, white smoke in exhaust, or drops of water
NO SIGNS OF HEAD GASKET LEAK
Ensured serpentine belt is tight
Replaced Catalytic Converter
Fresh 50/50 coolant with distilled water
Verified electric fan is working
Verified heater core is not clogged

I AM AT MY WITTS END

I will replace the head gasket if that's the problem, but I am scared it won't even help since there's nothing telling me that the head gasket is the problem.

ANYONE out there who battled something similar, or can offer professional advice I would really really really appreciate it.

 

Had the problem since you got the vehicle? Guess there's always a chance of having gotten some bad replacement parts. Did you see what the old parts looked like inside? Sounds as if your not getting good coolant flow through the engine or the engine is producing enough heat in itself to cause your problem. What do you know about the vehicles history.

 

Fan shroud intact/in place?

 

Yes

 

I personally replaced all the componts. Previous owner was a lady in her mid 40s. No known history of overheating til I got. The thing is it doesn't overheat all the time. Sometimes it runs at 200 but sometimes it runs 220-230 I don't get it.

 

Radiator cap

Get a new good one, like a Stant. When it heats up it should relieve pressure to the overflow, then draw fluid back in as it cools. Crappy rad caps either won't open at all or won't open til waaay too late.

Fan clutch

If the fan isn't engaged like it should it won't cool very well. Get a new one. Stock replacement from Hayden is what I used. Got it from oreilys.

Also make sure the AC condenser is clean if its all clogged with bug guts and not letting enough air through it'll run hot. Also have you made sure your hoses are not clogged up anywhere? If they're nasty on the inside and are floppy and have no rigidity replace them.

 

I've replaced the radiator cap I forgot to Mention that. The fan clutch is very stiff on a warm engine. Also cleaned the condensor with highy compressed air.

 

Is your xj stock? What lift tires?

 

Stock everything no lift (besides the cooling system replacements) 160k miles

 

Also what brand rad cap, pump, etc..

 

Stant cap water pump was a good one from oreilly identical to the one that came out

 

Csf 2 core radiator and a failsafe thermo

 

try a bottle of "water wetter". they sell it at auto zone. actually royal purple just came out with the same type of stuff. i had your same problem and a week after i used it, my xj started running 195* all the time. google it.

 

GOOD fan clutch then. Digging deep here but how about the overflow bottle and the condition of the hose to it? Make sure the bottle's vent isn't clogged.

As DD said you ought to check the AC condenser to make sure the fins are cleaned good. Did mine recently and it was a job getting all the debris out.

 

Ac condensor is fine.. The fan clutch is brand New works great. Using water wetter feels like I'm masking the real problem. Overflow bottle and hose are in good working order I checked