Hey guys,
So i recently hit a patch of overheating issues, got them sorted, now it warms up while idling...if i give it gas in park it will cool back down but my money is either the water pump or the radiator is clogged externally (it flows fine), my question is what is entailed in replacing the water pump

 

Loosen the pulley bolts 1st, loosen the belt, 4 bolts remove/install the pump, mounting surfaces must be sterile clean and dry, apply a thin film of RTV (coolant/ water pump specific) to both sides of the new gasket, DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN new pump, snug is good enough. Reverse for the pulley, belt, etc.

How do u know the radiator is not partially internally clogged? The bottom half can be plugged while the top half flows freely but guess what.......u only have 1/2 of a functioning radiator. The only way the XJ rad can be internally inspected is to take it out and take it apart. Taking it apart is best left to a rad shop. Stop guessing and put your money into both a new pump and radiator.

 

When I do the water pump I think I'm going to pull the top of the rad core support and pull the rad out. Mostly because I'll be replacing the rad, but partially to make more room.

 

Oh, and doing it is super easy. Forgot to mention that part.

 

a brand new rad from rock auto is 80 bucks. and 30 for the water pump. 110 bucks to solve your cooling issues. sounds like your best bet. might as well go ahead and do it all now

 

Ok...I would gladly do the new rad and all...except for 110 is what i make a week on a good week...so maybe in a week or two i can do both...i only asked the question because i remember bolt 11 on the head goes through the pump didnt know if it meant that like it goes into it in a securing way or just is in the area
But is there no way really to test the rad being clogged or not without a shop? im a cheap kinda guy lol

i only thought it could be externally clogged b/c lately its been seeing alot more sawdust/ dust in general and thought maybe it was restricting airflow...but eh, a new rad woudlnt kill me i s'pose

 

I got my CSF 3 core full aluminum one for $160 shipped.

You'd be able ti visually see if it were clogged on the outside.

If you can drain the rad then run a hose through it, backwards, you'll be checking for a clog and flushing it at the same time.

 

If you're overheating at idle you've got to get a new fan clutch, about $35 I think I paid for mine.

I'm not mechanically inclined and I changed my water pump myself, lot's of cursing and some busted knuckles but it's worth it.

 

When you say run a hose through it backwards, you mean like a garden hose?

 

Yes. But since its still in the truck that may be a challenge. If it were me I'd remove it and flush it.

As for needing a fan clutch...thats not the only reason it could be overheating. Mine overheats when moving slowly or at idle, but my radiator is about toasted. Chunks of fins have fallen out. Thats my issue. A crap rad.

 

For your viewing pleasure...

 

3 row all aluminum, I'm all over that, where do I get?

 

Autopartswarehouse.com

I forget the promo code tho. Nattyboi shared with with me, in a post as well. So you may be able to search for it...

 

Went to autopartswarehouse.com.....could not find a all aluminum 3 row rad at any price, at least not for a '98 XJ. I've been told more than once I'm blind in one eye and can't see out of the other.

 

Here it is: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...gs+Best+Seller