gato38

Hey guys,

2nd post and its more of question than an issue.
My Jeeps got 242,000 km on it (brand new still).
I've only had it since December its my first Jeep and I fricking love it.
Anyway just a couple questions for you:

#1 when I run the jeep it normally sits at about 90 on the temp gauge, mine goes from 40 - 125, I'm thinking that percent of engine heat rather than C/F anyway when I run the AC it creeps up slowly to the 110 mark, or does the same when I'm setting in rush hour traffic, is this normal? i never went past the 110 just sat there, first summer with it so I don't know if this is normal operation or I got a bad thermostat? My rad fan is always blowing and I have lots of coolant.

#2 Is it also normal for the brakes to feel different if you've heated them up in rush hour traffic as well? It seems when they heat up they brake pedal feels tighter, but the brakes still work fine. I've never driven a truck/SUV before not sure if this is normal as well?

Any insight would be appreciated thanks in advance guys!

Gato

mikexj

I had issues with my 94 xj running hot this pst winter, I changed the thermostat, had the system flushed twice and was wondering why the problem would not go away since my rad looked almost brand new. I finally broke down and got a rad for $198 from a garage down the street from my office and since then it has stayed below 100 in the heat, on the highway, in stop and go and on the trails.

gato38

So going above 100 is bad then and not normal for the GC?

mikexj

i would say so, with the new rad it has not once gone past 100, i would say that it is liveable for now but keep an eye on it all you need to do is blow the head gasket and you will have big problems. 200 plus some labor and you get a big piece of mind.

gato38

On a scale of 1 to 10 how hard would it be to replace the rad on my own?
I'm thinking two hoses and some sensors and a few bolts?
Correct me if i'm wrong, is there anyway to test if the rad is the issue and not
a sticky thermostat? thermostats are cheap I guess I can just replace it and see if that helps? Why would jeep heat up quicker with the AC on? does it put that much more load on the engine?
Sadly this is my first vehicle with AC heh

yes i'm that hardcore BC (5000+ kms ) and back with no AC no cruise on my previous car lol

mikexj

change the thermostat first and flush the system at the same time, see if that does the trick, if not start it up and pinch the top rad hose with your hand while its running to make sure there is pressure in the system, if not then it is your water pump. if all those fail change the rad, if that does not work then you have an issue with your head gasket. As for how difficult it would be to change the rad as you said a few bolts a mess and some coolant. I paid the 200 for the rad and the 200 for the labour and shop supplies, I break stuff when I satrt wrenching, lol.

mikexj

by the by look for advice from moderators or super moderators(in my humble opinion), a junior member like me may lead you in the wrong direction, I just happened to have gone through all those steps recently.

gato38

I've only had this jeep since December 2009 so you know more than I do, I'll change out the thermostat and flush her good.
I got a friend who's an airplane mechanic, cars are like tinker toys to him.
Thanks for the advice!

Any similarities to the brakes in your GC as per my 2nd question?


Gato

mikexj

i never drove mine without my 33's on it, i had it towwed to a shop to get it running and had the rubber put on at the same time after i pulled it out of someones back yard. with the 33's it doesn't really brake anyways so I could not help you there.

gato38

ah ok thanks, I just have the 235's on there mebbe one day i'll get brave and put some big ones on there.