It started on Monday. I was parked dropping off my son at daycare, left the jeep running and when I got back in the temp was at 240. I put water in it drove it for a bit and again up to 240. I parked the Jeep bought a t-stat changed it out and seemed to work great until tonight (Thursday) On my way home from work I happened to look down and it was pegged at 260. I pulled over, lifted the hood and of course steam every where. I let her cool off and proceeded to spend the next 1.5 hours driving home (2 miles) On some occasions it would begin to die as I stopped to let it cool off.
About half way home I was able to get to a store, bought a gallon of water and put it in the radiator. From that point on I was able to drive home w/o it going over 210.
My question is what is wrong? Radiator leak? Bad water pump?
Any info would be appreciated, thanks.
Scott

'93 YJ 106k miles I have owned it for 2 years bought it with 92k on it so I assume it is the original water pump if that helps.
Also, steam was coming from the radiator where a seam may be, is that ok or would that point to a bad radiator?

It goes away every time you addd water? Is there evidence of alot of water anywhere? Does it look like enough steam to lose the amount of water you are adding?

Originally posted by LordRatner
It goes away every time you addd water? Is there evidence of alot of water anywhere? Does it look like enough steam to lose the amount of water you are adding?

Its hard to say to be honest. I don't know how much water will evaporate through the steam. Adding a gallon seemed odd to me. I haven't noticed a puddle under the Jeep while parked, that is why I didn't think there was a leak. I'm going to check better tomorrow, for a leak that is.
Thanks for reading, any advice would be great.

Scott

it could be that you have a leak that's only present under pressuer i don't know it late. oh how did you open the radiatior if your thermostat was at 260

Go to Autozone and borrow a cooling system pressure tester. Pressurize your system and look (listen) for leaks. If you replace the pump make sure you get a new one and not a rebuilt POS.

Originally posted by swamper502
it could be that you have a leak that's only present under pressuer i don't know it late. oh how did you open the radiatior if your thermostat was at 260

I waited about 2 hours before I added any water, last thing I wanted was my radiator cap shooting in the air and burning my self with the steam :)

There was definatly steam coming from the radiator in places where I don't think it should have been but I don't know anything about the cooling system and thought that it may have been under so much pressure that it just escaped. But it is sounding more and more like I need a new radiator.

Should a radiator, under any type of pressure contain fluids including steam? If so then for sure I need a new radiator.

Thanks all.
Scott

I had the same problem a few months back. But I'd droped in a low temp 160 in over a year before.. so i figured it couldnt be that.. and I was right.. I changed out the rad cap and everythign has been fine ever since..

Your coolant system does rely on pressure to function properly, but the water your adding should not be boiling! If there is fluid leaking from anywhere in the radiator where it shouldn't be then replace it because your system can not maintain proper pressure and not provide proper cooling. Check out the water pump too. You should be able to trouble shoot the system or take it to a trusted mechanic and have him do it if you don't feel confident with it.

Thanks, but the cap seemed to be the only place where steam wasn't coming from.

I had the same problem with my 89 cherokee. It would overheat and steam would come out at the ends of one of my hoses thus not keeping pressure and boiling over. All i do is not run a thermostat and I cleand the rad and put new clamps/hoses on. hope this helps



Weeble

Did you flush the system out?Lots of funk builds up and restricts the flow.Maybe check the t'stat too,it might be sticking.

Thanks all. I went to a local shop and have a pressure test done and it is the radiator. I'm going to get a new one and tear her apart tonight. :)

Originally posted by Brenner


I don't know anything about the cooling system

wow.. im stunned..
the cooling system is one of the most basic systems on a vehicle..
i would definetly look into a beginig auto repair class at the local comunity collage, and mayby a few books.. have you ever heard of a repair manuel?

oh and in por tradition...

WELCOME NEWBIE:flipoff2:

Originally posted by T1H5_TA3



i would definetly look into a beginig auto repair class at the local comunity collage, and mayby a few books.. have you ever heard of a repair manuel?

oh and in por tradition...

WELCOME NEWBIE:flipoff2:



While I'm there can I enroll you in english? And my name isn't Manuel. :flipoff2: