My water pump on my '05 went out, and the radiatorblew it's top as a result. I have since replaced the water pump with one from FlowKooler, the fan clutch with Hayden 2771, the radiator with an aftermarket aluminum model from ExtremeTerrain, as well as the thermostat and hoses. I ran a chemical flush, then flushed with water before replacing with Zerex coolant for Mopar vehicles.
Now the engine overheats constantly, regardless of ambient temperature or traffic. By the time it's warmed up, it's already overheating. The gauge goes past 220 and then keeps moving toward the red zone. I am unable to drive more than a few miles before having to pull over.
The overflow reservoir overflows a bit, but then goes back down when cooling off. I run the heater at full blast, but the air doesn't feel hot. The oil appears normal in color, so I don't think the block is cracked or the head gasket damaged.
Any ideas what might be happening here? I know many are going to say I should have gone with Mopar, and you're right about that. Even so, the TJ should be drivable regardless, even with a slightly higher engine temp. I am in the PNW, and we are seeing temps in the 70-80 degree range. Overheating in this weather must be due to something more than non-OEM parts.
Install a Mopar thermostat. Drill a bleed hole in the flange beside the jiggler, hole goes at 12 o;clock. Report back.