runnin hot

[fishin58]

yeah i had just bought a 96 jeep cherokee with a 4.o, i have got a 89 16.5 tyee, i did not think i would have any problems pulling it but on my way back from the lake the temp slowly went up it didnt get in the red but it was close, it was about 75 degrees out, i checked the air filter and that was really clean, the coolant level was up, anybody got any suggestions.

[Capt. Don*]

Look carefully for dirt, cottonwood, debris, etc. between the radiator and a/c condenser. This is a common cause of the elevated operating temp symptoms you describe. If it is clogged, get the hose out and spray between the radiator and condenser until the debris is gone. You may have to remove the upper rad mounting bolts to allow it to move rearward for enough opening to get the spray nozzle in between.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Capt Don has given some good advice for everyone. You wouldn't believe how much deprix ends up stuck to the front side of a radiator. Everyone at our shop has made a blowgun tool for cleaning these out. I still prefer to blow them out with compressed air rather than a garden hose.

[lawdog]

I can't add anything to your guys' thoughts, other than to just remind a novice to be careful around the radiator to not puncture a tube or bend up the fins too bad (no powerwashers directly on them). The aluminum radiators espectially are pretty soft and whimpy, but those fins are soft and sharp on all radiators so be careful.

[IFallsRon]

Might be time for a new thermostat. My Silverado takes a new one every couple years. Check to make sure that your cooling fan is working.