coolant overflows the overflow tank and stops from running

The plot thickens - I posted yesterday about my 98 XJ missing - well decided to take it for a good long drive - it never ever registered on the gauge over 220 but the overflow tank overflowed and got all over the distributor. Now there's an exciting miss fire!! Miss aside for now but -

Can this be from the wrong water pump? i.e. a Grand Cherokee pump? I even went back to the parts store and had them check the number on the box - it was right. The other thing is I replaced the deer damaged radiator with another from a 98 (used) and I replaced the thermostat with a new one - put the new in the same direction the old one came out -spring side in toward the block.

Anyway after it sat for 3 hours it started great and I almost got home before it did it again -
Also I could hear - and felt - a boiling noise in the lower radiator hose.

side note - now the heater doesn't blow hot air.

Replace the radiator cap. You should do that about every two years anyway.

yep - did that when I replaced all the front sheet metal

Is it like combusiton gases bubbling up in the radiator? That would be lke head gasket.

winterbeater said:

Is it like combusiton gases bubbling up in the radiator? That would be lke head gasket.

Click to expand...

Sure sounds like a head/head gasket, or the radiator is plugged, or you got a bum thermostat.

Rent a tester at the parts store--you will have to buy the chemical kit, and check your coolant for combustion gasses.

Post results.

Okay - been out in the garage for the past 2 hours and I am ONLY telling you this so you can avoid it - - working on your Jeep with a couple friends - beer and a lot of laughs - DOES NOT equal good work habits!!!!

You know those red caps they put on a radiator so crap stays out until you install it? WELL guess what I found - yep - what an ass!!!!

Thanks for all your feedback - but it was human (beer) error! Will test it in the morning - but . . . . .

Yep go ahead say it.

Ok, I will say it...






Glad you figured it out.


Beer goggles.