philmag

Hi Guys,
I recently just bought a 4.7 limited Grand Cherokee (1999) and have a few problems concerning engine cooling. Its driving me nuts, I did have a coolant leak when I bought the car (there were even tell tale signs that at one point in its recent history that maybe a coolant pipe had blown because there are signs of scalding around front of engine and inside the hood) I fixed the leak and all seemed well. but every now and again with no pattern to it, my low coolant alarm goes off and hey presto I have lost about 3 pints with no obvious signs of where it may have gone? This is my first ever Jeep and it came with no owners handbook so my second question as I think it maybe related to the first is that the cabin heater will only blow hot air from the passenger side and nothing from the driver end even though I turn the temp control up on both.HELPPPPPPPPPPPP!

ol"blue

As far as your heater check this: http://www.wjjeeps.com/hvac_sub_assembly.htm
And Welcome to CF!
Dan

trucker

Check the heater core for leaks. You should be able to smell if have leak and the carpet on passenger side will be wet. Check the radiator cap. There is small valve with spring. If the valve do not work correct then you return coolant will be dumped on ground. The thermostat my be going out.

ol"blue

Do a cooling system pressure test. It will show if you have a leak because the gauge won't hold the pressure. Adding dye to the system will show where the external leaks are.
Dan

philmag

Thanks for your advice guys, I think I have found the problem. a rupture in the radiator that only reared its ugly head when it suited its self (it tried to steam clean me when I looked under the hood this morning after a short trip)

Now this is scaring the hell out of me so if this serious please candy coat it before you tell me, I dont think I want to handle any more bad news this week....................
When I was checking the cooling system for leakage I flushed it out. I disconnected the coolant pipes that lead to the transmission and all I got for my trouble was transmission oil. ????????????? Candy coated replies gratefully accepted.

mike albo

that would be normal cuz the fluid runs through the radiator to cool it to keep tranny temps down,reconect and top off the tranny

philmag

Thanks Mike. I had in my mind that the tranny oil cooler was in the transmission box, the more I thought about it the more I realised I was talking ****. but you have certainly helped me to sleep better tonight.