Heep's Engine Temp

[XJMATT]

Ok, from what I've read most XJ's tend to run hot. A lot of guys say that they normally run around 210 degrees. Last year when my water pump went out I replaced the pump, thermostat, serp belt, rad hoses, fan clutch, and rad cap for a little preventative maint. After doing that my HEEP ran right at 165 degrees and only ever climbed up to around 185-190 degrees in 100+ temps in stop and go traffic.

A few days ago I changed my oil, tranny fluid, and flushed out the coolant. I didn't use super flush or anything I just flushed it with water and then refilled. I drove to work for the first time since doing that this morning and I'm running right at 210-220 degrees now. WTF??? anyone have any ideas as to why?

[GOVT1911]

What'd ya refil it with? I don't know HOW much it will affect it, but I beleive that not running the right coolant/water ration can affect heat dissipation....

[Cole]

that's a huge difference. the 4.0 likes to sit a little above 210 in a lot of vehicles, so maybe your gauge was somehow messed up? a true mystery.

[XJMATT]

I filled it up with a 50/50 mix of Prestone and water.

My temp sender is fairly new. I replaced it when I replaced all the stuff listed above last January.

[Cole]

I don't get it at all, man. Even if you were running straight water it shouldn't make a 40 degree difference to go 50/50. is it threatening to heat up past the 2-teens?

[XJMATT]

I don't get it either. Everyone thought I was crazy before when I said my HEEP ran right at 165 degrees. Maybe it was just a bogus reading before? I run main mostly highway on the way to work with a few lights and when sitting at idle it got up slightly over 210. I don't think it went over 215 though. I'll check it out more tonight after I get off of work at 7.

[wilsonoffroad]

What it sounds like to me is when you flushed it some trash got stuck in the thermostat. If your running 210 the fluid is flowing continuously without proper cool down time in the radiator. I would replace your thermostat and go from there.

[XJMATT]

sounds like a plan to me. I have a spare at the house already. I'll give it a shot tomorrow night.

[Cole]

yeah, thermostats are cheap.

[XJMATT]

On the way home last night the temp stayed at 165 like it used to for most of the drive and then I let it sit and idle for a bit and it never quite got up to 200. I'd say it was closer to 185-190ish. Then I noticed that my electric fan wasn't turning on. I think that's all my problem is. I'll check it out tonight after work or tomorrow morning. It might just be a fuew, but if not I can always run a remote switch to get me through wheeling this weekend.

[Sarge_CJ2A]

I have my electric fan on a switch on the dash, I turn it on when the temp hits about 200 and turn it off when it gets back down around 170.

[Cole]

at least you caught it. good good.

[XJMATT]

not sure why the fan wasn't kicking on, but it's wired up to a switch now and all ready for playing at the dumps tomorrow.