PHENOMENAL COSMIC FAN, for an Itty Bitty Living Space? Also...

[X E Ryder]

Time for my own cooling system question for my brethren.

My setup is new 185o F Tstat, new water pump, new stupid heater bypass valve, new CSF all metal 3 row rad, Hayden HD fan clutch, '96 oem electric fan, and a through the radiator temp switch that cycles the electric fan at 180o F.

When putting a themometer on the coolant, it measures 195oF when the dash gauge is at 12 noon. I can idle my Jeep in triple digit weather until the end of time, and it barely changes from there, going up a bit, fan runs it back down and turns off.

Last weekend I hauled some camping gear and towed my big jetski with tools and fuels on a slow winding road, up a nasty incline with the outdoor temp at 107. My temp went up to 3/4 scale for the first time ever, fan clutch sounded solid, electric fan running. Jeep was a little unhappy about the load - it just felt slow and low on power (too heavy?). The next day, when I started it up in the morning, it leaked about a capfull of coolant for 30 seconds, and then STOPPED! I can't find this damn leak, but it is on the right hand side just behind the bumper. No noticable loss in the bottle level.

So after all that, I ask:

Is there a higher CFM fan that fits in the OEM spot?

Did I finally reach the limits of the system and should not worry about it?

Any idea where that leak is coming from and why it only leaks right at startup and then stops not to leak again?

Thanks! :us:

 

[xjtrailrider]

Check the right tank of the radiator or the upper hose connection. Also don't rule out the drain valve on the radiator.

 

[IllianaXJ]

Check to make sure your radiator cap is tight. I chased a small leak for a couple days on mine, finally found the cap was slightly loose.

 

[X E Ryder]

Think I found it

Check the right tank of the radiator or the upper hose connection. Also don't rule out the drain valve on the radiator.

Check to make sure your radiator cap is tight. I chased a small leak for a couple days on mine, finally found the cap was slightly loose.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I found it - after that REALLY hot drive, I guess the return hose "smashed" a little, and there was a tiny seep under the return hose right at the bottom - I had to take a bunch of stuff apart and then started it while watching with a high power flashlight. Guess that explains the leak cold only - no pressure or temp to seal it.

Should I buy a new late model fan from the dealer? I'm wondering if it will have higher output than my used, tired one. Thx.

 

[IllianaXJ]

I doubt a new fan would have that much more output than your used one.

When was the last time you hosed the radiator fins out? Bugs/dirt/leaves/etc can severely restrict airflow and cause issues. It sounds like you were within the tolerances of the XJ cooling system anyway, you can't expect the needle to never go over 210. I would consider anything out of the red zone when climbing a long, slow grade heavily loaded, towing and outside temp of 107* a win.

 

[yossarian19]

I wouldn't mess with the electric fan. You might go with a ZJ fan clutch, though. Google "zj fan clutch swap naxja". Or... fix the leak and leave it alone. It sounds like the system is working well enough, really.

 

[X E Ryder]

I doubt a new fan would have that much more output than your used one.

When was the last time you hosed the radiator fins out? Bugs/dirt/leaves/etc can severely restrict airflow and cause issues. It sounds like you were within the tolerances of the XJ cooling system anyway, you can't expect the needle to never go over 210. I would consider anything out of the red zone when climbing a long, slow grade heavily loaded, towing and outside temp of 107* a win.

OK - Hmm I have Not looked at my "bug content" for a year minimum, judging by the windshield that's a good idea!

Yes, perhaps I should not be concerned.

I wouldn't mess with the electric fan. You might go with a ZJ fan clutch, though. Google "zj fan clutch swap naxja". Or... fix the leak and leave it alone. It sounds like the system is working well enough, really.

OK I will check that out - I do have a Hayden HD fan clutch and you can hear it whining like a semi when it is hot!

A diesel nut here at work said not to discount the fact that maybe while towing, my trans was helping heat the water up higher than usual. My trans route is rad loop, then out to bigger secondary cooler on the mech fan side in front.

Thx for the replies guys! :cheers:

 

[Frank Z]

If you are gonna tow, consider an aux. tranny cooler.

 

[X E Ryder]

If you are gonna tow, consider an aux. tranny cooler.

Hi Frank Z!

OK, my trans route is radiator loop, then out to bigger secondary cooler on the mech fan side in front. It's an aftermarket rated for 10,000 # GVWR - do you mean going bigger yet?

My towing is a 3 seater JetSki (16 gallons fuel) and the trailer holds 4 cans (20 add'l gallons) and the toolbox has no more than 50 - I'r put the whole thing at under 2,000 #

Thx.

 

[Frank Z]

Forced air or just a static cooler?

 

[clean4drxj]

you can also add and oil cooler which will aid in keep the temps lower..

 

[X E Ryder]

PHENOMENAL COSMIC FAN <-- Yes - Now oil cooling?

Hello again,

I'm digging this thread back up because I'm tinkering with things again and wanted to both ask a couple questions and share some results.

First off, I did put one of those Napa ZJ HD fan clutches in - yes it's noisy but I could care less, it did make a difference and it has not even been hot enough to fully engage yet.

Next, I mentioned I had bought a Hayden fan control kit which is a through the rad switch and relay - it goes on at 185 and off at 170 (I think - guessing I forget now). Well I put it over on the eFan side, and because we have cross-flow rads (right to left) instead of top to bottom, the water by the switch was already kinda cool and the fan would not come on until everything was well elevated. SO, I used a 7/8" hole saw to cut a whole in the mech fan shroud right up by the return hose on the right side. NOW the eFan runs much more often and is doing some real good (I will try to get a picture of this).

For my next mod, I want to use a sandwich type thermostatic oil filter adapter that I can attach lines and route to a derale log type oil cooler - anyone done this? Where did you come up with the sandwich oil filter adapter? Anyone know where specs of oil filters can be found so I can cross reference? Thanks for the input!

 

[yossarian19]

You can find specs for all sorts of things on Summit Racing and Rock Auto. Your '91 should be a 3/4-16 thread. Earl's has a sandwich adapter, PN 510 ERL, that should work for you. From there it's just buying & bolting in a cooler + running lines.
Glad to hear the ZJ clutch is working well.