Quote:
Originally Posted by iancj10
ok guys its a 96 4.0L as far as the cooling systems health goes i know it doesnt leak, visually its all fine, heater works,cap seems to seal ok,thermo is wired to a switch on the dash, clutch fan seems to function normally,trans cooler is still through the rad (thats gonna change)
i was in high on the beach maybe try low next time im just used to my cj10 it eats the sand in high
i also have a 97 & a 95 for parts
cheers ian
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You have been planning this, haven't ye?
Quote:
Originally Posted by iancj10
as for the vehicles history i can tell it was well looked after for most of its life but in recent times has been treated roughly so at a guess at least 1 to 2 yrs of neglect
cheers ian
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IMHO, investing in cooling system maintenance is likely one of the best things you can and should be doing for your XJ. They run on the virge of hot and with all cooling parts optimal, should be able to keep up with things. But there is not much room for error, since its tight and hot in that engine bay..
Driving in the sand will put the system to the test and towards its limits, and when there is a subpar condition than under normal driving would not give issues, it will bring it to the surface quickly. Be glad it didnt overheat, but take it as a warning shot and now is the time to prevent repeats.
So, with a second hand XJ, unless you have the receipts of the parts that were replaced, I'd treat it as in need of a thorough cooling system check/ refreshing. Give your radiator a good clean or even better, have it rodded/cleaned, get a new waterpump and viscous fan clutch (both parts are not overly expensive), think about a thermostat (OEM) and check hoses (squeeze them, if you can hear them crackle, it means the rubber is old and up for replacing). An aftermarket transmission oil cooler is a yes.
What does your coolant look like? Nice and green, or rusty brown?
Mine only overheated twice, years apart, and both under heaviest of circumstances, from which one was in soft sand (and yes, I think low might be preferred over Hi in soft sand, with an XJ)
There are many opinions on radiators, trans coolers etc etc But I'd start with the basics. A refreshed and proper working XJ cooling system should be able to deal with pretty much what you ask it to do under all circumstances.
CS maintenance, it's peace of mind. Just my 2 cnts, but that's because I hate having to keep an eye on that gauge in the right bottom corner every time I climb a hill on a hot day
