I have a '96 XJ 4.0 AW4 with 70k. I did a radiator flush and replaced the thermostat, housing, and hoses. I used a factory 195-degree thermostat. Now the average operating temp seems to be 180 - 195. Usually more towards 180, unless it's been running for a while. My temps before the flush were about 200 - 215. After idling for several minutes the temp gauge would creep up, and the auxiliary fan would kick on. Now after the flush it can idle for extended periods and the engine will stay cool, usually 195 or under. Last evening the Jeep was idling for about an hour and a half. It took 1 hour 20 minutes before the temp climbed high enough for the auxiliary fan to kick on.
What I am wondering is if I could have air trapped in the cooling system, possibly causing my temperature gauge to give me an inaccurate reading? I am worried that the Jeep may actually be getting hot while idling, just the temp gauge may not be reading correctly, so the fan wont kick on when actually needed.
Second question is how much gas would the average XJ use while idling for 1 hour?
I run Amsoil full synthetic 5W40 with an Amsoil filter. My Jeep sees about as much idle time as it does actual driving time, so this keeps me from really factoring in mileage when doing an oil change. Conservatively, how many hours should I run the oil before it would need to be changed?
Will continuous extended periods of idle cause harm or abnormal wear and tear?
What I am wondering is if I could have air trapped in the cooling system, possibly causing my temperature gauge to give me an inaccurate reading? I am worried that the Jeep may actually be getting hot while idling, just the temp gauge may not be reading correctly, so the fan wont kick on when actually needed.
Second question is how much gas would the average XJ use while idling for 1 hour?
I run Amsoil full synthetic 5W40 with an Amsoil filter. My Jeep sees about as much idle time as it does actual driving time, so this keeps me from really factoring in mileage when doing an oil change. Conservatively, how many hours should I run the oil before it would need to be changed?
Will continuous extended periods of idle cause harm or abnormal wear and tear?