I have had my XJ for about 6 months and after the basic maitenance, plugs, wires, all fluids etc. everything was ok... for a while. Just recently the crack in my windshield grew substantially one day on a trail, and not that I didnt know it was coming but my tires are finally shot, and now my power steering is leaking/failing. All things to be expected with a car thats 18 yrs old with 250k+ miles. On top of that, most recently my engine temps are rising, even though the temperature outside is dropping, I have plenty of coolant and other than that I cant think of anything off the top of my head. Before my around town temps were about 180 while offroad was about 210. Now around town I'm at 200-205ish and offroad is about 220. Are these temps ok, what might be causing it, and what should I do?

Thanks

 

210 is normal operating temp, start to worry at about 240 degrees. Replace the radiator cap and see if there is any difference.

 

check coolant when replacing cap

 

For any 18 yr old, 250K mile vehicle u have barely scratched the surface for maintenance/repair/replacement items. I'd start with the entire cooling system, from the rad cap to the heater hoses and everything in between.

 

Alright I was just being cautious and I really didnt know, it is my first vehicle. I'll grab a new radiator cap, hopefully It'll help a bit. And the previous owner provided documentation of when just about everything had been replaced, and I've done quite a bit more than what I mentioned, fuel filter, front end bushings, alignment, cap and rotor, changed motor, transmission, T-case, and both axles fluids. Trust me, if I spent any more than what I did on the jeep id put more money into it and have more stuff done, also if I knew what I was doing I probably would have done it.

Thanks

DJB383 - If I can figure it out and feel comfortable doing it, and if I can afford it,
I'll look into the cooling system. You dont mean a new radiator and, pump and stuff like that do you? You're probably right.

 

Unless u have documentation from the PO that those items have been changed, then yes, that's what I mean.......gradually replace it all. New rad & water pump will run +/-$175. Trust me, u'll sleep better at night and 220 seems a little toasty this time of year in MT.

Also, in your op u mentioned 180 around town.......have u checked to see if for sure there's a t-stat in it? U'll need a t-stat this winter.

 

u could just have a gunked up radiator or sticky thermostat...start small. a flush is easy and cheap. put in a lower thermostat, see if it stays cooler

 

or if you know the right people you can get your parts alot cheaper. my dad owns a shop and he got me a brand new rad, water pump, t stat, and all hoses (even the heater hoses) and a belt for about 150$.. thats cheap considering a rad should cost about 80-90$ here and a water pump is about 60$ the belt wouldve been like 50$ and the hoses are prolly 30$ a pop and half that for the heater lines. plus the 2.65$ for the t stat. you do the math.. youll save alot of money. and im sure if you know someone they wont have a problem buying your parts for you at their cost.

 

That's why I posted +/-. LOL

 

I would check the clutch fan 1st and foremost. Its usually the culprit.

To check spin the fan by hand when the motor is cold. then take it for a drive till its at 200+ degrees, turn it off and spin the fan by hand again. It should be harder to spin when hot