Bought my first Jeep

[SOMD-JeepFan]

I have been wanting a Jeep for many years and have been looking for something that would hopefully be more fuel efficient compared to my Toyota Tundra Crew Max. Well, I pulled the trigger on a 1998 TJ. Hopefully, I didn't jump the gun. The Jeep is mechanically sound, but I now notice the odor of coolant after I drive the Jeep. I plan to take my pressure washer to the engine compartment and undercarriage in order to remove residual fluids, so I can start troubleshooting what may be leaking. Since this is an extra vehicle, I have a means of travel, so I can tear into this one. It has an aftermarket stereo, but the display isn't as bright as it should. I will be pulling the dash apart to check the wiring and verify that all instrument lights are functioning. Also, the dome light on the sound bar does not turn on when the door are open. I see that there are some threads out there. I just need to take the time to read them to see what I need to check. I replaced the wheels and tires with a used set that I bought that can with BFG TA/KOs. Time to take some pics and post the extra sets of wheels and tires to see if I can get a few bucks for some upgrades/maintenance (hard top, full doors). I don't know the complete history of the Jeep, so I plan on conducting some routine maintenance (oil, filter, spark plugs, tranmission fluid, etc). Anyone have recommendations on what I should change now versus what I can hold off for a little while? The Jeep is a SE with 122k miles.

 

[Cbinau]

I have been wanting a Jeep for many years and have been looking for something that would hopefully be more fuel efficient compared to my Toyota Tundra Crew Max. Well, I pulled the trigger on a 1998 TJ. Hopefully, I didn't jump the gun. The Jeep is mechanically sound, but I now notice the odor of coolant after I drive the Jeep. I plan to take my pressure washer to the engine compartment and undercarriage in order to remove residual fluids, so I can start troubleshooting what may be leaking. Since this is an extra vehicle, I have a means of travel, so I can tear into this one. It has an aftermarket stereo, but the display isn't as bright as it should. I will be pulling the dash apart to check the wiring and verify that all instrument lights are functioning. Also, the dome light on the sound bar does not turn on when the door are open. I see that there are some threads out there. I just need to take the time to read them to see what I need to check. I replaced the wheels and tires with a used set that I bought that can with BFG TA/KOs. Time to take some pics and post the extra sets of wheels and tires to see if I can get a few bucks for some upgrades/maintenance (hard top, full doors). I don't know the complete history of the Jeep, so I plan on conducting some routine maintenance (oil, filter, spark plugs, tranmission fluid, etc). Anyone have recommendations on what I should change now versus what I can hold off for a little while? The Jeep is a SE with 122k miles.

Congrats and welcome to the club, I bought my son an 03 TJ and also notice that smell! I am tagging along to hear the wisdom from the forum.

 

[Chris]

Looks good! Remember that to spot leaks, you can always use the UV dye in the oil and then use a UV flashlight. That's how most professional mechanics do it when they can't figure out the source of a leak. I've done it before and it works great!

As for fluids, I'd change out the transmission fluid first, then the diffs, and engine oil of course.

I'm not sure your TJ will be much (if any) more fuel efficient than your Tundra, that's for sure! However, it will be more fun, no doubt about that!

 

[AndyG]

I 'd hold off on pressure washing.... You can get water in a lot of places it really doesn't belong with one of those.

It may not be any more than just a slight leak in the radiator or a hose fitting.

And it could be something from the previous owner that just hasn't burned off.

A heater core also isn't totally out of the question.

Looks like a pretty good little original Jeep so don't freak out these things are really simple compared to what's rolling off the lots today.

 

[Flivver250]

Old school diagnosis. Get a pressure tester and pump pressure into the cooling system. Watch at the hoses, water pump weep hole, radiator and heater core. You will find the leak immediately.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGWU/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

Welcome to the group. Does the smell seem to be inside or out. Inside would indicate a heater core; outside...any number if places. Look at the hoses and fittings real good and dye like Chris said will help on the small leaks.

 

[Rob5589]

Welcome aboard fellow SE owner

 

[TimboSlice]

Stick your finger in the frame holes and see if you feel debris. If so, its time to clear all that out and get the inner frame clean. I dont want to ramble on with this topic, send me a message and I can help you in detail.

 

[lowranger]

Welcome! Clean looking TJ.

 

[Badmfbri]

I have been wanting a Jeep for many years and have been looking for something that would hopefully be more fuel efficient compared to my Toyota Tundra Crew Max. Well, I pulled the trigger on a 1998 TJ. Hopefully, I didn't jump the gun. The Jeep is mechanically sound, but I now notice the odor of coolant after I drive the Jeep. I plan to take my pressure washer to the engine compartment and undercarriage in order to remove residual fluids, so I can start troubleshooting what may be leaking. Since this is an extra vehicle, I have a means of travel, so I can tear into this one. It has an aftermarket stereo, but the display isn't as bright as it should. I will be pulling the dash apart to check the wiring and verify that all instrument lights are functioning. Also, the dome light on the sound bar does not turn on when the door are open. I see that there are some threads out there. I just need to take the time to read them to see what I need to check. I replaced the wheels and tires with a used set that I bought that can with BFG TA/KOs. Time to take some pics and post the extra sets of wheels and tires to see if I can get a few bucks for some upgrades/maintenance (hard top, full doors). I don't know the complete history of the Jeep, so I plan on conducting some routine maintenance (oil, filter, spark plugs, tranmission fluid, etc). Anyone have recommendations on what I should change now versus what I can hold off for a little while? The Jeep is a SE with 122k miles.

I would buy these ASAP. I didn't realize that I needed them until it was too late. The link is the correct part number for your Jeep. I bought mine on Amazon for $23. http://www.mcgard.com/product/jeep-..._make=Jeep&vehicle_model=TJ&vehicle_category=

 

[Josh H.]

Welcome from a fellow white SE member. You'll have fun with it.

 

[SOMD-JeepFan]

Welcome to the group. Does the smell seem to be inside or out. Inside would indicate a heater core; outside...any number if places. Look at the hoses and fittings real good and dye like Chris said will help on the small leaks.

I normally notice the odor after I exit the vehicle after driving. I am not sure if it's residual from the previous owner or a small leak somethere. The previous owner replaced the timing belt and water pump, so it could be either if the gasket is not sealing properly or if they didn't clean up after the service. There is some other fluids on the engine, so that was the reason that I wanted to hose the engine compartment down to clean up as much as I could.

 

[SOMD-JeepFan]

I would buy these ASAP. I didn't realize that I needed them until it was too late. The link is the correct part number for your Jeep. I bought mine on Amazon for $23. http://www.mcgard.com/product/jeep-..._make=Jeep&vehicle_model=TJ&vehicle_category=

Thanks for the pointer. I will place an order, so I can protect my doors.

 

[SOMD-JeepFan]

Looks good! Remember that to spot leaks, you can always use the UV dye in the oil and then use a UV flashlight. That's how most professional mechanics do it when they can't figure out the source of a leak. I've done it before and it works great!

As for fluids, I'd change out the transmission fluid first, then the diffs, and engine oil of course.

I'm not sure your TJ will be much (if any) more fuel efficient than your Tundra, that's for sure! However, it will be more fun, no doubt about that!

I was thinking about calling around to have this done as I had it done with previous vehicles. If it's easy enough, I will buy the necessary supplies and equipment to do this myself. Time for some research. Can I put the dye in the motor oil as well as the coolant? Anyone in the Southern Maryland area want to get together for a mod/service day?

 

[Chris]

I was thinking about calling around to have this done as I had it done with previous vehicles. If it's easy enough, I will buy the necessary supplies and equipment to do this myself. Time for some research. Can I put the dye in the motor oil as well as the coolant? Anyone in the Southern Maryland area want to get together for a mod/service day?

Yes! You can put the dye in ANY fluid. The parts to do it are cheap, and it really works!

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I normally notice the odor after I exit the vehicle after driving. I am not sure if it's residual from the previous owner or a small leak somethere. The previous owner replaced the timing belt and water pump, so it could be either if the gasket is not sealing properly or if they didn't clean up after the service. There is some other fluids on the engine, so that was the reason that I wanted to hose the engine compartment down to clean up as much as I could.

Ok so outside smell points to under the hood. If yiu decide to pressure wash just be very carefull to keep the spray away from the PDC, alternator, or pretty much any electronic/electrical stuff.

Are you having to top off the Rad every so often?

 

[SOMD-JeepFan]

Ok so outside smell points to under the hood. If yiu decide to pressure wash just be very carefull to keep the spray away from the PDC, alternator, or pretty much any electronic/electrical stuff.

Are you having to top off the Rad every so often?

I have not checked it since I bought the Jeep (1-1/2 weeks), so I am not sure if I am losing any. I did check the radiator before I bought it and it was full, but the fluid is red. Does Jeep use red coolant?

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I have not checked it since I bought the Jeep (1-1/2 weeks), so I am not sure if I am losing any. I did check the radiator before I bought it and it was full, but the fluid is red. Does Jeep use red coolant?

NO! That sounds like Dexcool which is a GM product. Our Jeeps use Zerex G05 which is yellow.

 

[SOMD-JeepFan]

NO! That sounds like Dexcool which is a GM product. Our Jeeps use Zerex G05 which is yellow.

Dexcool is more pink compared to what is in my Jeep. At first, I thought that they used Toyota coolant which is red. I am searching online to determine who makes red coolant to try to figure out what it is. Is there an industry standard for coolant colors based on vehicle manufacturers?

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

Dexcool is more pink compared to what is in my Jeep. At first, I thought that they used Toyota coolant which is red. I am searching online to determine who makes red coolant to try to figure out what it is. Is there an industry standard for coolant colors based on vehicle manufacturers?

Dexcool, at least Prestone's version is orange(ish) in color but there is no set standard that I am aware of only certian types. However it is common to see green, yellow/gold, orange in nearly all applications.

Since you don't know what the PO did I would flush the system as soon as you can. That way you know the correct coolant is being used