Summer pre check list

[rocks in boots]

My first summer full summer in Australia with the xj 96.

What should I expect of the jeep and what should I be watching for during the heat?

Eg, cooling system?

Cheers.

[darksidecustoms]

Welcome.. I see you're not too far from me

What maintenance have you done already? Cooling system needs to be up to scratch or it won't be fun lol.

Good clutch (or Taurus electric fan swap), back flush radiator and heater core, quality 33% premix coolant such as Nulon and new radiator cap. Then pressure test for leaks.

New quality radiator and heater hoses are cheap insurance. Likewise an override switch for the thermofan.

If you plan on wheeling it, a big trans cooler with the radiator heat exchanger bypassed is also a great idea.

[Roler]

66% premix....you mean the 33% likely. The Yanks advice 50-50 mix, but thats because they have a winter....I filled mine with 50-50 and in fact found that the temp started to come down when I had to dilute it with distilled water over time due to an ongoing leak.

I wouldnt call the price of a quality radiator here "cheap" insurance. A copper core goes $250-260. I had to pay $450 for mine, three years ago. Dont ask. Leaking already since 1 yr.

If pressure testing for leaks, I would do that before all the other steps. Useless to find a leak after refreshing half the system...

And when does overheating usually come to the surface? While idling or moving slow in traffic on a 35C day without any wind....so don't overlook your viscous fan clutch. Forget about testing the thing, replace it when in doubt whether it has been replaced recently.

In fact, why don't you do the waterpump and thermostat as well and get it all done with? End of all the guessing if you have no service Hx or done anything yourself yet, and no worries for the coming hot months...

[junglejuice]

I've said it before but I'll say it again, if in doubt chuck it out, this is especially valid with the cooling system.
Also make sure that the fins are clear including the A/C condensor because if there is any obstruction this will reduce the effectiveness of the cooling system.
Also do a chemical flush as well as a reverse flush including the heater core, do this by removing the heater hoses and flush it through until clear with the garden hose after the chemical flush, for this I use Loctite brand flush.
As Roler said replace the pump and the clutch, I bought a new Tridon brand t/stat and found it to be no good so I refitted my (at least) 11yr old Mopar t/stat, still going strong, the t/stat can be tested quite easily, while at it throw on a new bet and keep the old one for a spare and check the condition of all the idle pulley bearings...

[darksidecustoms]

Apologies, been a while since I've had to buy some! Indeed 33% premix, earlier post edited.

[Roler]

Originally Posted by darksidecustoms

Apologies, been a while since I've had to buy some! Indeed 33% premix, earlier post edited.

so now my post starts with something that nobody can follow...thanks Darkside, lol