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Temp gauge flucuates

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Old 12-14-2013, 09:52 AM
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Read this thread:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/oem...184645/index2/
Old 12-14-2013, 11:29 AM
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Thanks Crusier,
I replied over there as to what type to get since i'm ready to go out and buy another t-stat right now. Either Dealer for $26 or if the have MotoRad in parts store
Old 12-14-2013, 03:57 PM
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Until we know for sure, I recommend either spending the money for the one at the dealer or getting a MotoRad that is the "HighFlow" with the "jiggle valve".

It all depends on how much your time is worth and how many times you wanna change stats to get the desired results.
Old 12-15-2013, 01:38 PM
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Back in the old days we used to test stats before installing em... Used 50/50 antifreeze and heated it up with a candy thermometer used to measure temp... You'd be rather surprised how many aftermarket valves failed right out of the box... About 20% of them had "sticking" issues where they would delay in opening and then stay open till the temp dropped 20 degrees or more... In any vehicle I care much about, I always get the best stat available... Most OEM stats are quite good and not to bad of a price difference if ordered online... If the OEM doesn't have a jingle valve in it I drill a small hole (about 7mm) and place it at the 12 oclock position to prevent an air lock from occurring...

Last edited by EdZ; 12-15-2013 at 01:42 PM.
Old 12-15-2013, 02:47 PM
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I have learned a few things along the way in this thread.

Changed out the Duralast t-stat for the Mopar factory 195 w/ jiggle valve.
When at the dealer I opened the box to dbl ck the temp stamp on it. The better quality was apparent right off.
Popped it in , Started up, sat at idle for 20 min.
No issues, nice & steady. Took a long test drive temp gauge moved a bit but nothing drastic like before.

Cruisin it stayed at 200 -05 and dropped a little bit to 190ish here and there but not the every 20 sec fluctuations it was doing.
XJ is running great- no discolor in coolant or oil and no smoke or sweet smell from exhaust.
I am gonna go with the thinking that there may be a little air still in the system but it will work its way out (jiggle valve) ?
Running about 70- 30 % antifreeze to water here in CO for wintertime.

I spoke to my Jeep mechanic ( 25 + yrs in biz) who i use for emergency or bigger jobs. Gave me one suggestion to refill via the heater hose off the gooseneck. Sends it thru the heater core flowing back into the block as you fill.Which I did .
This as a possible method to force more air out upon start up, if needed.

Gonna take a good trip this week: 3 hrs one way, that will be the final test.

Last edited by sturoc; 12-16-2013 at 09:41 AM.
Old 12-15-2013, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by sturoc
Thanks to all for the great info, different opinions and open minds.
I have learned a few things along the way in this thread.

Changed out the Duralast t-stat for the Mopar factory 195 w/ jiggle valve.
When at the dealer I opened the box to dbl ck the temp stamp on it. The better quality was apparent right off.
Popped it in , Started up, sat at idle for 20 min.
No issues, nice & steady. Took a long test drive temp gauge moved a bit but nothing drastic like before.

Cruisin it stayed at 200 -05 and dropped a little bit to 190ish here and there but not the every 20 sec fluctuations it was doing.
XJ is running great- no discolor in coolant or oil and no smoke or sweet smell from exhaust.
I am gonna go with the thinking that there may be a little air still in the system but it will work its way out (jiggle valve) ?
Running about 70- 30 % antifreeze to water here in CO for wintertime.

I spoke to my Jeep mechanic ( 25 + yrs in biz) who i use for emergency or bigger jobs. Gave me one suggestion to refill via the heater hose off the gooseneck. Sends it thru the heater core flowing back into the block as you fill.Which I did .
This as a possible method to force more air out upon start up, if needed.

Gonna take a good trip this week: 3 hrs one way, that will be the final test.
Think we can close this thread as solved cause when in doubt go OEM !
No closing!! I haven't been to O'Reilly's yet!! Thanks for the update and you have confirmed once again what I found to be true 2 years ago when fighting the same issue on 3 of my Jeeps at the same time.
Old 12-15-2013, 08:10 PM
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OK.....
and I spoke too soon anyways !....
After a longer test drive this evening temp gauge still fluctuated but not as much.
When parked temp sits steady at 205 ish even when ramping up throttle to 2k rpm for a minute or two.
I may have to do a nice long burp session tomorrow.
Then if no improvement a temp sensor change out.

At this point my only concern is that the engine ops at the correct temp and the fluctuation doesn't mess with the computer.
It's just odd that after having the temp gauge was rock steady for years I do all this work and now its moves around ...annoying.

Last edited by sturoc; 12-16-2013 at 09:41 AM.
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