Overheating....HELP!

[moyerek]

I just purchased an 89 Cherokee about two months ago and have noticed that when I have a load(people and/or cargo) the temperature gauge seems to climb above 200 very easily. The reason I am concern about this is because this happens even when I am on the highway with the cold winter air blowing over the radiator. I even recently replaced the thermostat with a 190 unit and it still climbs over 200. Should I get a lower temp thermostat like 160, 180, or should I look to maybe getting a larger radiator. The reason I am concerned is that with warmer weather approaching I am afraid it will overheat, especiallly with the A/C on. Has anyone ever had this problem or maybe some ideas to fix it?

[chuckoj]

Hey,
I posted this question a couple of weeks ago asking basically the same thing. I have a 94 Cherokee Sport that is "running hot" not overheating per se. I haven't seen any replies yet. I, too, am wondering if a larger radiator is needed. The thermostat I think just opens up sooner depending how low the temp rating is on it. But when the engine is running a while, I don't think it matters when if first opened up. If you get a good answer, please let me know on [email protected].

[moyerek]

After doing some internet searching and also talking to some techs at a locations Jeep dealership. I was able to learn some valuable information.

One thing the Jeep tech told me was that the cooling fan clutch "in his mind" was never designed strong enough. Basically it was good for the first few years but then kinda went down hill from there. He couldn't tell me if there was ever a TSB(technical service bullentin) on this but he did say anytime an older Jeep came in with overheating problems the first thing he would replace was the cooling fan clutch(solving the problem). He also recommended running a lower temp thermostat.

Also I found a website
Cherokee Cooling Secrets
This site has lots of diagnosis along with places to get the parts.

[big booger]

there are some goofy year automobiles, your jeeps probably run off a pressurized cooling systm, its not difficult to swap out, i knnow you can get the radiator and resevoir tank for about 200 bucks at advanced, check into unpressurized system, just ask for stuff off later jeep, bolts right up, friend got his radiator for a 96 i believe, research it, friend did it not me

[big booger]

after that, no more fluctuatng temperature