Is this normal operating temperature?

T A

T A

TJ Enthusiast
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Location
North Carolina
I had an overheating issue and determined the fan clutch was bad so I replaced it. Problem is definitely better however I still think I may have an issue. Any advice is appreciated.
  • Purchased a bluetooth OBD reader so I can get real time temps through Torque app.
  • All data below is from a 20 minute drive today.
  • Temperature normally runs at 211 deg without the AC on. Outside air temp is 86 deg.
  • With AC running it goes up to 217.4 and seems to stabilize there until I come to a stop and idle.
  • Went up to 221 while idling through the Bojangles drive through with AC on.
  • Went back down to 219 when I got back on the road - AC still on.
  • Went back up to 221 at stop sign then back down to 219 on the road.
  • After I parked, I could hear the coolant boiling in the radiator, but it wasn't overflowing the overflow reservoir like it was doing previously.
Everything seems fine with no issues until I turn the AC on. Should I worry about the boiling in the radiator? Is 221 too high?
 
When is the last time you did a complete coolant flush? It makes me wonder about the quality / age of your coolant.
 
Looks like the cap may be the issue. It shouldn't be boiling at 221 degrees unless it's below the 18 psi the cap should be maintaining.
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If there is air in the system it can prevent pressure from building (air compresses) and allow the coolant temp to rise and boil. Definitely change the cap though, their cheap.
 
After you replace the cap keep a close eye out for leaks for a few days. Pretty common for them to pop up after getting the system sealed again.
 
My jeep is doing similar. It started a few months back. Last year I replaced water pump, thermostat and all hoses, flused the rad and heater core. I run using the OBD II and torque app on my phone. AC on around town it seems ok. 60 MPH on the highway it creeps up around 215. 70 MPH it hit 227 the other day during a 90 deg day. The AC seems to drive it up as well as highway speeds. I tested in the garage with IR thermometer and couldn't get it past 212. I did this with the cap off and the coolant never did look like it was circulating unless I revved the engine then I could see the level drop in the radiator. I think I have clogged radiator or the thermostat is not opening all the way. I have a winch on the front with a cover and it acts the same with the cover off. 33 inch tires, 5.13 gears, 42RLE with tranny cooler in front of the rad. I'm ordering a Stant superstat today and if that doesn't do it then I'll have to bite the bullet and oder a Mopar rad for the auto at about $300.

I think 221 is too high but that is only my opinion.

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The fan clutch plays a big part in airflow at higher speeds, more than an electric which is what most people talk about when they refer to a fan. It is cheaper than a radiator. I'm sure some people will say it's not a good suggestion but it is simply what I'd do first and nothing more.
 
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Got it. Rad and the fan clutch were on the list a while back when I changed everything else out. When I work my way through those two the entire cooling system will be new with the exception of the heater core. Probably should have just done it all when I bought the jeep two years ago like I did on my 97 years ago.
 
Grote said:
My jeep is doing similar. It started a few months back. Last year I replaced water pump, thermostat and all hoses, flused the rad and heater core. I run using the OBD II and torque app on my phone. AC on around town it seems ok. 60 MPH on the highway it creeps up around 215. 70 MPH it hit 227 the other day during a 90 deg day. The AC seems to drive it up as well as highway speeds. I tested in the garage with IR thermometer and couldn't get it past 212. I did this with the cap off and the coolant never did look like it was circulating unless I revved the engine then I could see the level drop in the radiator. I think I have clogged radiator or the thermostat is not opening all the way. I have a winch on the front with a cover and it acts the same with the cover off. 33 inch tires, 5.13 gears, 42RLE with tranny cooler in front of the rad. I'm ordering a Stant superstat today and if that doesn't do it then I'll have to bite the bullet and oder a Mopar rad for the auto at about $300.

I think 221 is too high but that is only my opinion.

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I'm going to run Liquid Chill by Mishimoto, as well as their thermostat, and trans cooler. Hoping it helps my over heating issue. I'll keep you posted
 
My ‘04 had an overheating issue from day one. I did everything from replace the fan clutch, replaced the 5 blade metal fan with a 10 blade heavy duty composite fan, vented the hood, and did a coolant flush. They all helped but not to the point it ran less than 210. Finally I put in a 3 core aluminum radiator and I am running about 190.

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Ron Hockett said:
My ‘04 had an overheating issue from day one. I did everything from replace the fan clutch, replaced the 5 blade metal fan with a 10 blade heavy duty composite fan, vented the hood, and did a coolant flush. They all helped but not to the point it ran less than 210. Finally I put in a 3 core aluminum radiator and I am running about 190.

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210 is a better temp to run at than 190
 
Rubicon John said:
210 is a better temp to run at than 190
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Thanks for your response, I have been working with 2 different 4X4 shops with long time 4.0 mechanics (I moved) and this is where the both said I should be, the 190-210 range. As you can see in the pictures my 4.0 is turbocharged with intercooler and that also produces heat.
 
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