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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
I just recently replaced me radiator because it was leaking g when I bought my Jeep. All was well till my lower hose got old and broke so I replaced that. Then I got another leak about a week and a half ago. I was too busy with work that week (14 hour days) so I didn't have time to fix it so I took it to my mechanic. He replaced the water pump. And fast forward to this morning it's leaking again. I put my Jeep on ramps and started it and looked wvee and can't find anything anyone got any ideas?
Upper part of lower hose Bottom of block is covered in it Tie rod covered in it New pump. Upper part of lower hose dry too
I had a brand new top hose leak by the collar, but only under certain circumstances. Figured it was a pin hole or a tiny crack. So I replaced it. Then my lower hose, which I had also replaced, was leaking a tiny bit because I had not correctly secured the hose clamp on the water pump. Luckily I caught it and did it right. The point is, when you change a lot of things at once, expect some mistakes to be made (part of the learning curve) and expect some of those new parts to fail right out of the box (it happens).
Wash off the dripping coolant, let it dry and then run the Jeep again. At night, in the dark, with a powerful LED flashlight, makes finding leaks much easier I have found.
I had a brand new top hose leak by the collar, but only under certain circumstances. Figured it was a pin hole or a tiny crack. So I replaced it. Then my lower hose, which I had also replaced, was leaking a tiny bit because I had not correctly secured the hose clamp on the water pump. Luckily I caught it and did it right. The point is, when you change a lot of things at once, expect some mistakes to be made (part of the learning curve) and expect some of those new parts to fail right out of the box (it happens).
Wash off the dripping coolant, let it dry and then run the Jeep again. At night, in the dark, with a powerful LED flashlight, makes finding leaks much easier I have found.
Seeing as the cap is the easiest fix. How would I test if that's the issue? Wash everything off and see if there is coolant near it?
I don't subscribe to replacing parts blindly, but that is a part that is cheap enough to just replace. Go to NAPA and get a quality cap. Double check all your hoses and clamps, making sure they are tight enough. Then let it run and look for leaks. Drive around a bit and look again for the leak. Sometimes they don't show themselves right away.
And don't discount the radiator just because it is new.
Wipe everything down so there is no coolant on it. Wrap a rag around the radiator neck just below the cap (a rubber band will help keep the rag in place), and check it after every drive. If you dont see any coolant spatter but the rag has coolant in it, that should narrow it down.
Wipe everything down so there is no coolant on it. Wrap a rag around the radiator neck just below the cap (a rubber band will help keep the rag in place), and check it after every drive. If you dont see any coolant spatter but the rag has coolant in it, that should narrow it down.
I like the reg idea. I'll try that.
In other news. F*** Stop leak. The previous owner stop leaking the broken radiator is what caused all these problems
Go to your local parts store and get a coolant system pressure test tool (it should be a loaner tool). Pressurize the system and it should start spraying from the leak.
I was changing my water pump and t-stat and couldn't figure out where my system was leaking from. Many hours of frustration could have been avoided if I'd just gotten the pressure tool immediately. It turned out that I hadn't properly sealed the t-stat housing. I pulled it off, re-gasketed it and made sure it was torqued correctly and my mystery coolant leak was solved.
Also, I second buying a new radiator cap. Make sure it's the right pressure, just because it fits doesn't mean it's correct. Checking/tightening the clamps is a good idea as well
Go to your local parts store and get a coolant system pressure test tool (it should be a loaner tool). Pressurize the system and it should start spraying from the leak.
I was changing my water pump and t-stat and couldn't figure out where my system was leaking from. Many hours of frustration could have been avoided if I'd just gotten the pressure tool immediately. It turned out that I hadn't properly sealed the t-stat housing. I pulled it off, re-gasketed it and made sure it was torqued correctly and my mystery coolant leak was solved.
Also, I second buying a new radiator cap. Make sure it's the right pressure, just because it fits doesn't mean it's correct. Checking/tightening the clamps is a good idea as well
Also, maybe I missed it... but did you replace both the t-stat, housing and the water pump at the same time? It's generally recommended. I just finished doing both of those on mine. Pretty easy.
Are you now seeing a lot of coolant coming out? You're sure it's not residual from a recent replacement part right? I had to wipe a bunch of areas down when I took my water pump off. Well, didn't HAVE to, but knew it would help verify my install in checking for any leaks afterwards. It's also possible the shop didn't prep the surface 100% from taking the old one off or wipe the area down. Not saying they were sloppy, but sometimes accidents happen when rushed. So yet another reason why I like doing my own repairs, I can take my time and make sure it's done correctly..... because unlike a shop, I'm not on a schedule for the next vehicle coming in the door I have to work on as well.
I'm still in agreement with what Bugout X2'd... but doesn't hurt to check all the avenues until you find the culprit.
Last edited by RocketMouse; 12-08-2017 at 11:42 AM.
Also, maybe I missed it... but did you replace both the t-stat, housing and the water pump at the same time? It's generally recommended. I just finished doing both of those on mine. Pretty easy.
Are you now seeing a lot of coolant coming out? You're sure it's not residual from a recent replacement part right? I had to wipe a bunch of areas down when I took my water pump off. Well, didn't HAVE to, but knew it would help verify my install in checking for any leaks afterwards. It's also possible the shop didn't prep the surface 100% from taking the old one off or wipe the area down. Not saying they were sloppy, but sometimes accidents happen when rushed. So yet another reason why I like doing my own repairs, I can take my time and make sure it's done correctly..... because unlike a shop, I'm not on a schedule for the next vehicle coming in the door I have to work on as well.
My fault, but I have broken several necks on plastic radiators trying to replace a hose. Chasing one possible source after another until you find it is a chore. I have learned to just pressure test it from the get go and be done with the searching.
12-07-2017, 07:48 PM
Third coolant leak in a month.
