Affirmative on the coolant being right up to the top of the radiator opening when cold.

As for the cat recall, I never knew about it. I wonder if this is something I'd be eligible for, even though I'm not the original owner. Also, even though my Jeeps were made here in the US by Chrysler, they were originally sold in the Japanese market. Any idea how I'd go about looking into the recall?

 

You can go on the Chrysler website and enter your vin to see if the recall has been done. Recalls are mandatory for the dealer to perform regardless of wether you are the original owner. Like I said I got mine done at 190k.

 

Unfortunately, the only recall that comes up on Chrysler's site when I enter the VINs for my Jeeps is the "frame crack/steering gear" recall. I'll have to contact the dealer; maybe there's a time limit on the cat recall that expired, but it's worth checking out with my dealer. Thanks.

 

my '93 xj 4.0 had the same issue.. only it would touch the red when at a light. After changing the valve cover gasket {not the PIA I thought it would be] the common overheating issue went away. The idle went down. brakes became better. In addition to leaking masses of oil it was also sucking air. the old gasket was tough and brittle.. not good for anything at all.. So, if it's leaking - look to a change for it.. I got the steel and rubber one from fel pro Good Luck