dzJeepChic's '92 XJ Expedition Vehicle Project

[DZJeepChic]

Here's the Jeep George bought me:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S2X7j_51R_I/AAAAAAAADPs/rkqdaebhkA0/s800/IMGP2255.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402)

Click the picture to link to the build thread, although we haven't done much yet, put it on rollers, orders some parts, etc.

Stay tuned, d :rolleyes:

[MrClean]

Damn, I was wondering who ended up getting it! Lol, I was gonna go look at it tomorrow if they still had it for sale, but I saw it was gone from VJC. Oh well, I've already found a replacement.. Happy wheeling :D

[AZXJ]

previous owner Mike sunk a ton of money into that rig for his son.. she saw her lid the first time his boy took her out.. Looks like Mike did a nice job on the cage work.

[DZJeepChic]

Got started on some stuff today. Click the picture to see updates, today's start on post 13:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S29xJ-8OJvI/AAAAAAAADXw/6T76ip6gQO4/s800/DSCN0045.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=2)

d :D

[adventurr]

Very Nice rig! :)

[DZJeepChic]

Updated the build thread, click this picture to go to it. Update begins on post #17.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S3CzE_D0dNI/AAAAAAAADZc/iCD72PWhPaE/s800/DSCN0064.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=2)

d

[old_man]

That stuff in the radiator looks like a type of stop leak.

[DZJeepChic]

That stuff in the radiator looks like a type of stop leak.

Makes sense, thanks! d ;)

[DZJeepChic]

Fresh stuff - click the picture to go to the build thread. Update starts on post #20.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S3YUcNJD1zI/AAAAAAAADbA/K1hOtTpEla4/s800/DSCN0081.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=2)

d :wave1:

[DZJeepChic]

And the beat goes on. Click the pic to go updates to the build thread, which begin on post 22:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S3yYAJsk1LI/AAAAAAAADwg/I0pCKEsNEFQ/s800/DSCN0267.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2952&posted=1#post2952)

d :eyes:

[KRAKER]

I remember that rig. Looks like you're taking care of basic but important aspects of a rig first. Who knows maybe you'll make a run with us :D

[DZJeepChic]

It's official - I've named my XJ Clifford.

The build saga continues! Click the picture to see the latest updates to the build thread, which begin at post # 24:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S4iG39V-2dI/AAAAAAAAEBU/XTkPI8mR5k8/s800/DSCN0669.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=3)

I'm glad George is doing all this. d :heart:

[AZXJ]

Lookin Good guys! Keep at it!

[DZJeepChic]

More work on Clifford to report. Click the pic to go to the build thread; updates begin on post #29.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S4sjuXWkYQI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/tbbRBRuuHkc/s800/DSCN0715.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=3)

Enjoy! d :yelclap:

[DZJeepChic]

Project Clifford the XOXJ continues on post number 38. Link by clicking the picture:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S5mZ1Xj-9hI/AAAAAAAAEPc/aiuTZkGQrY8/s800/DSCN0927.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3317#post3317)


When Mama's happy, everybody's happy. d :kissyou:

[jeep pox]

Its looking good!

[DZJeepChic]

Finally got into the drivetrain last week, check out the latest installments of my build thread. Click the pic for link, the latest updates begin on post #40:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S7FgNkyMsMI/AAAAAAAAEic/QDGNu0qgXeI/s800/DSCN1252.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=4)

It won't be long now before I can drive him!

d :rolleyes:

[djrethoret]

awesome build thread buggies are neat but this is more of the direction i want to go with my own rig. a really nice trail truck that doenst have to be afraid of rocks but is still good for a good long trail ride

[DZJeepChic]

Lots of progress on the Expedition Project Clifford. Updates begin at post #46. Click on the Pic!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S7vgIEEvNMI/AAAAAAAAEoA/7KyFy4vCREk/s800/P4040010.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=5)


More very soon!
d :)

[AZXJ]

Looking Good Guys!! Keep up the great work! Hope to see you guys out on the trails soon..

[DZJeepChic]

Finished a long update of everything that's gotten done in the last few weeks. Click the picture to go to the write-up, the new stuff begins at post #55:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S8plaH8LcjI/AAAAAAAAErw/B2NIB9HKAQE/s800/DSCN1654.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=6)

Getting really close now! d :viking:

[YEAGS]

Looking great! Lovin the cage. Its almost exactly how I want to build mine this summer I like the exo/inner cage combo. Looking forward to seeing you guys out on the trails soon.

[POSJ]

Damn, my amazement goes out to George, he does awesome work. Every detail is looked into and dealt with which is amazing, most people would have bought that rig and just wheeled it and broke it. Hats off to you two. Hopefully I get to see it once I get over there.

Tyler

[DZJeepChic]

Clifford takes Mama to work and GETS GROCERIES! Click this picture to see the latest installment of Clifford's build thread which is at post # 63:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S9BhtXaxgcI/AAAAAAAAEto/yHwJqPkO12w/s800/DSCN1688.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=7)

I am One Happy Muchacha Right Now! d :)

[DZJeepChic]

We updated the build thread last night - the project continues. Click the picture to see the latest, the updates begin on post #70.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S-9EZMbBwvI/AAAAAAAAFN0/b1FA7-iMlMI/s800/DSCN2319.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=7)

d :angel:

[bhmike]

How can i get George to do my roof with some cool roof coating? Or where do i get it ? thanks

[DZJeepChic]

How can i get George to do my roof with some cool roof coating? Or where do i get it ? thanks

George uses a professional grade elastomeric roof coating called Armor Coat, but you can get a comparable product at Home Depot or Lowe's called Henry's elastomeric roof coating.

The roof needs to be completely cleaned (stripped of all waxes & oils) and then you apply 2 - 3 coats letting the product dry completely between coats.

It does make a huge difference in the amount of heat you feel on your head here in AZ in the summer. Have fun!

d :rolleyes:

[bhmike]

thank you, i'm looking into that stuff today.

[DZJeepChic]

I updated my build thread with the mods George made to the swing-out tire carrier. Click the pic to see the latest, which begins at post # 73:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/S_v7mXQshwI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/OS9abYVPGiE/s800/DSCN2386.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4248#post4248)

:sunshine: d :rolleyes:

[AZXJ]

Lookin good Guys.. When are you gonna start wheeling this thing ?

[OddBallXJ]

Lookin' real good G & D.

[DZJeepChic]

Lookin good Guys.. When are you gonna start wheeling this thing ?

Soon! There's a couple things he wants to do before we take it out and then we'll do something local and see how it does. d :viking:

[DZJeepChic]

Update: License Plate Relocated, Clifford Street Legal again. Click the pic to see the install at post # 75.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TABope4MiUI/AAAAAAAAFRk/JKUm7SsJzA0/s800/DSCN2419.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4290#post4290)

Ciao! d :wave1:

[DZJeepChic]

Dog days of summer and not a lot going on except waiting on parts and some wheel well sealing. The latest installment begins with post #81, click the picture to link:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TD5bZ357nFI/AAAAAAAAFxs/UF5RB-PuaH0/s800/DSCN2976.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=9)


Stay Cool,
d

[DZJeepChic]

He's in ICU:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TF2bT5vEqxI/AAAAAAAAGLc/spT9CJ-t6m0/s800/DSCN3763.JPG
A decent update to the write up sooooon. Promise! d

[OddBallXJ]

Keep 'em coming, D. Love the write-ups and pics.

[DZJeepChic]

Updated the build thread today with JCR 1 Ton Over-the-Knuckle Steering and Warn Free-Spin Hub Conversion Kit installs. Try saying that 3 times fast! Click the 1st picture to link to the build thread, updates begin on post #92:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TGczyr2YCwI/AAAAAAAAGOY/0lUKKu8KiRw/s800/DSCN3788.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5468&posted=1#post5468)



http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TGczwybBZyI/AAAAAAAAGOU/hBSk8zeUpuw/s800/DSCN3787.JPG

Ciao! d :peace:

[DZJeepChic]

So last week when we were getting ready for The Cinders we decided to see if Clifford fits on our Jeep trailer. And of course, I did a little write up about it. Check it out by clicking the picture, the story starts on post # 95:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/THcOnD_syvI/AAAAAAAAGRE/vejq6fWF3lw/s800/DSCN3824.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=10)

:viking:
d

[DZJeepChic]

Update to the build thread - Clifford hits the trail! We had a perfect 1st day on dirt, Click this picture to checkout the great photos at post #99.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TIRSsSmmcUI/AAAAAAAAGag/A8O-Y0qp-T8/s800/DSCN3997.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=10)


d :heart:

[POSJ]

good to see it hitting the trails, looks good out there...

[DZJeepChic]

Second shakedown trip over the weekend to Kingman AZ and surrounding trails revealed a few more issues to deal with, but Clifford proved to be a blast to wheel in! Click the 1st Picture to check out more pics on the build thread if you want; post # 105:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TKE0cZPuMrI/AAAAAAAAGpg/leIdtiGCKyQ/s800/DSCN4394.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=11)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TKE0E7lvYPI/AAAAAAAAGlo/r51BmTU-v5E/s800/DSCN4276.JPG


I'm happy. d :spin1:

[DZJeepChic]

New updates to the Clifford thread, take a peek, click on the picture! The new stuff starts at post 108

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TLJTtfoHPWI/AAAAAAAAGuY/1lyZrzQwqSA/s800/DSCN4444.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=11)

Shakedown next weekend, X your fingers, k?
d

[DZJeepChic]

I updated my build thread based on findings from our latest wind-and-rain-filled adventure! The new info is at post 114: click the picture to link to it:


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TMpALLxKSzI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/N5u2VI1kJv0/s800/DSCN4647.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=12)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TMo-sL47idI/AAAAAAAAG0k/cuB_02RFc-A/s800/DSCN4575.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TMpB_nRnheI/AAAAAAAAG8k/Ieo_tOddInM/s800/DSCN4780.JPG
d

[DZJeepChic]

I just added some pictures of Clifford taken on our last trip to my build thread. Click this picture to link to it, new stuff starts at 122:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TT5OL0gptVI/AAAAAAAAHoU/_UYrzhmEZZo/s800/DSCN5855.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8099&posted=1#post8099)

d

[DZJeepChic]

Oh the trials and tribulations of Jeep Fabrication! I finally got around to writing about the new header installation on Clifford, and you can link to my build thread and read all about it by clicking the picture, the fun starts on post # 133.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TSEcZuFuXQI/AAAAAAAAHX4/HRlM9sN-Wug/s800/DSCN4931.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=14)

Enjoy! d :heart:

[DZJeepChic]

I updated the tread to show the C-Knuckle reinforcement. Simple & clean. Click the pic to link to the build thread, post 142:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TViCBIJ765I/AAAAAAAAH1I/r2Ar_79JX68/s800/DSCN6014.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=15)

d :exclamati

[DZJeepChic]

A friend of mine got some great pictures of Clifford at Log Corral yesterday so I posted a bunch of them on my build thread. All photos courtesy of MaddogJeeper. Here's a sample; click the 1st Photo if you want to open my build thread (post 151):

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/maddogjeepers/Rock%20Clinic%202011/IMG_0872.jpg (http://[URL]http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9441#post9441)URL]]

These are great shots of the new fenders George (Number 7) fabbed up for me:

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/maddogjeepers/Rock%20Clinic%202011/IMG_0842.jpg


http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/maddogjeepers/Rock%20Clinic%202011/IMG_0851.jpg


Such a handsome guy:


http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/maddogjeepers/Rock%20Clinic%202011/IMG_0839.jpg

Thanks Dennis! :cheers: :angel: d

[ashmanjeepxj]

looks like a fun trail.

[DZJeepChic]

looks like a fun trail.

Yes, Log Corral is a fun trail. We only ran the 1st obstacle & back, it was a blast. The trail has really changed a lot since the last time we were there.

[DZJeepChic]

I updated my build thread with pictures of Clifford from our Canyonland Needles District and Moab trip last week. The new pics are on posts 155 & 156, click the 1st picture here to link to the thread:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TbOP4kdaK1I/AAAAAAAAKJs/HQZtqadduv0/s800/IMG_1105.jpg (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=16)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TbOPn006MZI/AAAAAAAAKIc/0B6ZpOy59Og/s800/IMG_0893.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TapvoPqQGGI/AAAAAAAAI5E/rTjZ73oZnXM/s800/DSCN7644.JPG

I'm extremely happy with the performance of the vehicle! d :wave1:

[DZJeepChic]

There is an addition to the actual 'build' today! Part that I missed posting before the Utah trip, and part that owners of '92 Inline 6 Owners might care to see: Check it if you think it's your Main Rear Seal!

Click here to link to Clifford's build thread, this update begins on post 158: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=16


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TbSxxvXj1OI/AAAAAAAAKLY/BeiqhuNp2Ng/s800/DSCN7786.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TbSx08UWKdI/AAAAAAAAKLw/tHUvPso9DCo/s800/DSCN7789.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TbSx1KUL5jI/AAAAAAAAKL4/-Da6mMZcIIA/s800/DSCN7792.JPG

Catch Ya! d
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TbSxt_MneII/AAAAAAAAKLA/YHbmL75vz1E/s800/DSCN6835.JPG)

[DZJeepChic]

The latest installment of the Clifford build is complete! Click the picture to link to the Champion Radiator Retro-fitting and Installation, which begins on post #161.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_izn9zMxjKpw/TdHJIIrnhpI/AAAAAAAAKmE/TNq6FqifraM/s800/DSCN8107.JPG (http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=17)

Beware: it's kind of a Pulp Fiction thing, starting at the end and then telling the story . . . d :gee:

[cruiser54]

It's amazing how many times rear main seals are diagnosed when it's really leaking from the oil filter adapter.

You've done a great job with Clifford.

I'd like to see Clifford live for awhile. Have you ever researched oil filters? Fram filters are one of the poorest on the market. Their anti-drainback valves are of chintzy design and on our Jeeps, especially because of the angle of the filter mounting, cause "dry starts".

Napa Gold or Wix are easily accessable and will not cause "dry starts" because of bleed-down.

[sallys xj]

Looks good just like ive said on other fourms.

[DZJeepChic]

It's amazing how many times rear main seals are diagnosed when it's really leaking from the oil filter adapter.

You've done a great job with Clifford.

I'd like to see Clifford live for awhile. Have you ever researched oil filters? Fram filters are one of the poorest on the market. Their anti-drainback valves are of chintzy design and on our Jeeps, especially because of the angle of the filter mounting, cause "dry starts".

Napa Gold or Wix are easily accessable and will not cause "dry starts" because of bleed-down.

Wow, thanks for the tip. Gonna switch! d :cool:

[cruiser54]

I'm glad to hear it. Clifford deserves only the best.

[DZJeepChic]

Poor Clifford had his annual physical today at the emissions testing facility in North Scottsdale.
To start with, I completely embarassed the poor kid getting in the wrong line, so when we were 2 cars back, and could finally read the fine print, the technicians had to move pylons so we could get over 1 lane and into the correct bay.
Now on the rollers, I got into the passenger seat. The technician, who was shorter than me (in my platform flops) and out-weighed me by at least 200 pounds, had one heck of a time getting his right foot, and then the rest of his body into the driver's seat. While there, he put Clifford in drive and took him through a battery of 'Highway Simulation' tests. Our attention rapt upon a computer screen, the technician kept 'cyber' Clifford on a hilly road. It was actually pretty cool to be going 60 mps and not moving. Clifford seemed to like this part, and he performed flawlessly. The technician kind of rolled out of the driver's seat, and said that I could get back into it. He was taking a big funnel off of Clifford's exhaust, and we almost crashed into each other on my way around the back!
Then he asked me to open the hood, so I did. He then made several passes - driver side / front / passenger side / front / driver side, before he went and got a metal folding chair. He put the folding chair next to the driver side open hood and hopped (well, maybe not hopped) up onto it. He got down. He took the chair in front of the Cherokee and again got up on it. He got down. He took the chair to the passenger side, stepped up on it. The guy was actually using Clifford's cage, and VERY lucky I don't care about paint smudges! Got down. He said something I couldn't understand to a woman who worked there. She breezed past Clifford and said 'It's right there'. So the tech got back up on the chair on the passenger side and I saw him put a clamp thing on something near the firewall.
I don't know exactly what the test was for, nor can I recall the acronym they used. The screen kept flashing 'Pressurising' and 'Holding Pressure', seemingly over and over; I was holding my breath! Then it was time for the ever popular 'Gas Cap Test'. As I watched in the mirror, they put what looked like a vaccuum hose on his gas cap.
"That'll be $27.75 please", the tech said. "Did he pass?", I asked? "I don't know yet", the tech said, "we won't know until after I enter the payment". Well that figures, right? Clifford passed with flying colors and I bought him a great big tank full of of fresh gasoline to dilute the 'Guarenteed to Pass' solution he'd been sipping on all morning.
On my way out of the emissions testing station I asked one of the techs if they had a scanner they could plug in and clear my 'Maint Reqd' light. They don't. I also stopped at Vato Zone on the way home, neither do they.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UN5GwF2lo6w/Tdsaa761O3I/AAAAAAAAKy4/TZ0isuRLMm8/s800/DSCN8225.JPG
Clifford had a great day and is obviously feeling great! He's ignoring the 'Maint Reqd' light, why can't I? d :viking:

[Brent T]

I saw him put a clamp thing on something near the firewall.
I don't know exactly what the test was for, nor can I recall the acronym they used. The screen kept flashing 'Pressurising' and 'Holding Pressure', seemingly over and over; I was holding my breath!

That's the "Evap Test". They pinch the line between the fuel tank vent and the evap canister and see if it holds pressure. My Mustang failed last year and I had to replace the gaskets in the top of the fuel tank where the fuel pump mounts. PITA because you have to drop the fuel tank to replace the gaskets.

[DZJeepChic]

That's the "Evap Test". They pinch the line between the fuel tank vent and the evap canister and see if it holds pressure. My Mustang failed last year and I had to replace the gaskets in the top of the fuel tank where the fuel pump mounts. PITA because you have to drop the fuel tank to replace the gaskets.

Yeah, I called George after it was over and told him all about how thourough they were. When I told him about the Evap part he was over-joyed to know all that stuff held because he's re-located the canister and, let's face it, the vehicle is 19 years old. Plus, like you say, it would be a complete PITA to replace gaskets on the tank. d :clap:

[DZJeepChic]

We had an over-heating issue a couple weeks ago while up in at Mingus Mountain. Click the 1st picture if you want to link back to the full write up on my build thread, go to post 168.
Here's something nobody wants to see:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6wNOiBGKqQc/TheWU8toMmI/AAAAAAAALqw/rJmeALRw83U/s800/DSCN0181.JPG (http://[URL]http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=17)]]
That nor the fluid spew out of your hood vents while you're driving on a 2 lane highway...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ysAgE8HEtIQ/TheWVAm8GaI/AAAAAAAALq0/sHJVpBIjeU4/s800/DSCN0167.JPG


Luckily, there's an easy trail repair and the part is cheap. This is something you might want to think about carrying if you drive a '92 XJ:


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KmetfItOzuo/TheW83WS11I/AAAAAAAALts/KzS2t0btNe0/s800/DSCN0185.JPG


Happy Trails!
d

[cruiser54]

That's a real good part to eliminate due to it's high failure rate. All it does is stop coolant flow to the heater core when AC is selected. It can be removed with no ill effects at all. I've done 3 of them and it works fine. The factory got rid of them in about 97. The lower connector on the heater core goes to the hose at the thermostat housing and the upper connector goes to the water pump pipe. A simple metal splice will suffice.

[jeepdude25]

Awesome build. are there any pics or writeups on the cold air intake and hood modification??

[DZJeepChic]

Awesome build. are there any pics or writeups on the cold air intake and hood modification??

The hood vents are in the write up on page 6, post 57: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=6

The original fan he had installed is gone now...

There's no actual write up about the cold air intake though. Sorry I thought we wrote something. It's just a PVC fitting that George cut a hole in the hood to fit with the inside part aimed right into the cold air intake. It's caulked on the outside with black silicone to prevent water leaking in...

[DZJeepChic]

Man we're having some overheating issues.

Clifford will idle it all day long, even with the A/C on, and run at normal operating temperature. As soon as you put the vehicle under any sort of load, namely driving up a hill, it heats up. Notice that's the opposite of practically every 'XJ Running Hot' situation you read about: usually the Jeep heats up while at a stop light and cools back off after you get moving again. I drove it around FH this morning without the A/C on and it got up to 225 just between the Zumba class and home.

We're beginning to suspect its a cracked head or blown head gasket. Although there is no oil in the coolant and there doesn't appear to be any water in the oil, G did notice a green tinge on the plugs in cylinders 2 & 3. I actually read somewhere that if it heats up while running it without the thermostat that's a sign of a leak at the cylindar head, so ran it today without the thermostat & it acted the way it always does. Also, a compresion test revealed low compresion on all cylindars: around 100 psi vs. spec. of 120 - 150(?) psi...

Now we're researching cylindar heads - they're pricey and there's all kinds of machining going on out there. The only OEM head I found is at MOPAR for $1100. Then there's a bunch of remanufactured for anywhere from $500 - $800. There's a newly cast one which is a 'one size fits all' from like '91 - '01, which doesn't make sense to G.

And then of course it's crossed our minds that we should just get a new engine and install it...

Anybody with expertise, advise, a good story, please chime in.

d ::Just.Empty.Every.Pocket.Blues::

[DZJeepChic]

I guess I should have added that we've basically done everything you can do to address over heating. New: 3 row aluminum radiator, OEM water-pump, fans all over the place, electric and mechanical...

[Tuffnuttz]

Diane call me tomorrow, maybe I can help a little!!!

[FuzzyD]

how often do you have to top off the rad or do you, pull the cap an make sure the vent valve it working on the cap and that its not all dry rotted

[DZJeepChic]

I've finally posted an update on everything that's been going on. Link back to the write-up by clicking the picture; the update begins at post 270:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yUNZZazHg3I/Tm1Syy9NYpI/AAAAAAAAMH8/OcrPShEY8Jw/s800/DSCN8633.JPG (http://[URL]http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=27)

We're going out to Florence Junction today - cross your fingers...

Diane :heart:

[DZJeepChic]

Great News! Clifford is running mucho cooler now - stays right at the halfway mark on the guage through most conditions. Climbs a little above halfway on grades. As usual, runs cool on the trail. Click the pic to link back to pictures from Florence Junction, post 284:


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yVwa_mwHxQg/TnDKhDKvDzI/AAAAAAAAMUs/eHhfZ1-wQ3Q/s800/DSCN0641.JPG (http://www.fyurl.com/rr.php?c=2&site=www.jeepforum.com&url=[URL]http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?p=12480#post12480)


Ciao,
Diane

[POSJ]

Link doesn't work for me.

[DZJeepChic]

Link doesn't work for me.

Yeah, weird it doesn't work.

Here's the link though: http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=29

Diane

[DZJeepChic]

Update on Clifford: Now that cooler weather is here, the Jeep doesn't overheat, although it still heats up to about the 3/4 mark on long grades. We took him to southern Utah for the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, and on the way home that long climb into Flagstaff from the north on Hwy 89 he got to 3/4 with all the fans and the heater on. But he didnt' overheat...

My conclusion is Clifford is a winter vehicle. George is going to change the fans; he's looking at a triple fan set up which produces something like 4500 cfm. In the meantime I'm driving him all the time and he runs great.

Here's some pictures of Clifford on the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail - click the 1st picture to link back to my build thread to see more starting on post #302:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wozuh6t8Ulk/TqI2B3N6o5I/AAAAAAAAMrk/LRdRktGZDfw/s800/DSCN1210.JPG (http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402&page=31)


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hRq_yKulEjM/TqI3J-j5gGI/AAAAAAAAMsk/y75CzGs0n4U/s800/DSCN1234.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9HCH08m52I8/TqIvYtmFBMI/AAAAAAAAMlA/VTXRPF9emOw/s800/DSCN1041.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4L1QOhU7Slg/TqIxvkFnU7I/AAAAAAAAMnk/KDEjZsxuCow/s800/DSCN1100.JPG

Ciao!
Diane :wave:

[AZSPEED]

What are you running for coolant? In the summer I run just distilled water and redline water wetter. If your antifreeze to water ratio is high it's ability to get rid of the heat goes down.

[cruiser54]

I'm wondering about the water pump's condition.

[DZJeepChic]

What are you running for coolant? In the summer I run just distilled water and redline water wetter. If your antifreeze to water ratio is high it's ability to get rid of the heat goes down.

We're running 50/50 distilled water and antifreeze, and also use an additive called RMI-25 which conditions, cleans and lubricates the cooling system.

I'm wondering about the water pump's condition.

We've bought a FlowKooler high flow water pump last year.

Thanks for the ideas though!

[ingenio]

Nice XJ yours,

I'm in El Paso Tx, similar weather , my set up is 32s & 4.10s... and less armor ( mine is lighter than your clifford)

I went through the whole upgrade two years ago (aluminum rad, triple efans, koolflow pump, additional trans cooler - no trans oil is run through the main radiator- and I ended changin the mix of my coolant from 50/50 to 70/30.. I was able to run stable at 195/215 (traffic, highway, offroading) with the 70/30 mix.

flush the block is key as you did..and don't use tap water ever, flushing or filling with tap water only adds calcium to the cooling system ...use distilled water only ...this has been key to me with the two XJ I have owned during the years....

fast forward 1.5 year, I returned to my old brass 2 row radiator and a HD clutch fan from NAPA and a genuine mopar stock efan, I still run the same temps as with the 3 e-fans set up without all the hassle..

had a couple issues with the e-fan controller/system and I decided to remove it ...the controller became the weakest link in the cooling system...I tried to design an enhanced control module but it is not cost effective... and with the clutch fan I still have cooling capacity as long as the engine rotates...

If I were you, before buying the 3 efan set up I would change the coolant mix ratio replace your stock efan for one of a 97+ XJ ( more and curved blades pulls more CFMs compared to a pre 97 XJ), and would verify condition of the clutch fan.

[cruiser54]

How old is the radiator?

[DZJeepChic]

How old is the radiator?

Every component of the cooling system is new.

[cruiser54]

Every component of the cooling system is new.

Clutch fan included in this?

[DZJeepChic]

Clutch fan included in this?

Don't have a mechanical fan on it - only electric fans now.