Not arguing about yours but we are giving advice to the OP who has a '99, at least I think it's a '99.

 

Thermostat failing shut or fan clutch are the likely culprits.

I'll second the NAPA 272310 fan clutch. I put one on last night. Its harder than the OEM clutch to work the shroud on and off with the fan installed but performs just fine.

The test for fan clutch generally only spot the obvious failures - always locked up (roars at any RPM regardless of engine temperature), freewheels when shutoff, leaking fluid. Over time they will simply wear out and loose their effectiveness.

Unless your fan clutch suddenly failed, I'd suspect the thermostat. I usually get mine at the dealer, but the NAPA one may be fine. Skip the fail safe thermostat for sure, and make sure it has a jiggle pin and make sure you install it with the jiggle pin on the top.

 

For those who were debating it is an open overflow bottle and yes a 99 cherokee. Will the thermostat do this just while stopped? Last time it happened I had one stuck open and it kept incredibly cool. I think that happened on a failsafe then I switched to the regular one. Ill warranty it out, n try that.

Also, have had no problems with rpm and sounds till today. Minor metal squeal when revving. So maybe it did just give up the ghost.

 

You can test the fan clutch by removing it and changing the position of the bimetal coil tab by 180 degrees. You'll see a notch opposite the tab's current position. Changing it locks the clutch up solid so the fan always turns. If that keeps the temps down, it's time for a new clutch. Roars pretty loud with RPM, just FYI.
The shroud was reinstalled, right? That's another item that can cause issues at slow speed.

 

Yeah the shroud is installed. Tomorrow I'll try that trick before buying one, then will if I have to. Really appreciate the help.

 

Finally got the part and time to get it off, but cannot get the bolts off from the pulley. The fan spins freely from the pulley (which may be obvious to some, but apparently not me, which I will admit). I've tried tightening the serpentine belt more to hold it and that didn't work. I can't put a wrench to keep it in place while using another to unbolt because of the small area.....

Im really hoping someone had some ideas.

 

I've done this but don't remember the details.

Is there room to get a strap wrench on the pulley?

 

Possibly if I take the battery out..

 

Not sure if you have an AutoZone near you but they let you "borrow" tools including a fan wrench kit that allows for easier removal. I had to get one when doing some work to my F150. The kit looks like this.

 

Theres one about 20 minutes from me and if it will save my knuckles im in. Ill look for that fan wrench

 

I added a picture. It's a kit. You basically buy it from them and when you're done you can return it so don't be surprised if you get a used one.

 

Thanks again ill try that

 

Pry bar or extra long screw driver to hold two buts/studs in place while you loosen the others works too.

 

Yep. It's a great program, really. You 'buy' the tool at full price. When you are done, you return it for a full refund.

If you decided to keep it... well, you already bought it, so, you're done.

 

I assume all the major parts houses have the same "loaner" program. I know O'Reilly does.