96 SE coolant leak!!!HELP!!!

[MRmattXJ96]

ok, so i have a 96 cherokee se, 2wd 5 speed with 50k on it, and out of no where coolant started to leak, so i replaced the lower radiator hose that i thought it was coming from and it seemed to fix the problem for about a day, now it seems to be leaking from the front side and a little bit back, there is 2 puddles sometimes, and it only leaks when i stop, the coolant overflow is near the firewall and i dont think its that, it seems that its coming for above the transmission... its not over heating but it still needs to be fixed, im thinking its just the water pump but im not to sure, anyone got some ideas?

[lussenden]

it seems weird that it doesnt overheat although its leaking. if its towards the back, then its not the waterpump. does it have a coolant bottle on the passenger side near the firewall? because mine leaks from there sometimes. if you do have one, check to make sure the cap is tight.

[fredjacksonsan]

Get it nice and hot and follow the drips to their source. You didn't say which hose you replaced; if it's a radiator hose there may be a leak developing in the neck that it attaches to...at 10+ years old you may be looking at a new radiator.

[Saudade]

Originally Posted by MRmattXJ96

it only leaks when i stop

So then, don't stop.

Seriously, do you mean stop as in engine running but not moving, or when you shut off the engine?

As Fred says, wash everything down and allow to dry. The start up and let it idle and get hot. Then look for leaks. You should remove the splash guard (if it's still on) so you can see everything better. Any leaks can also run along the guard and drip in another location. It's possible you may have damaged the flange the lower hose connects to on the radiator when you replaced it. When I replaced mine, I had quite a lot of buildup around the waterpump inlet I had to clean off.

[lussenden]

another question. where can i get a coolant overflow bottle other than ebay or a jeep dealership? its for a 1990 4.0

[Saudade]

Originally Posted by lussenden

another question. where can i get a coolant overflow bottle other than ebay or a jeep dealership? its for a 1990 4.0

http://www.quadratec.com/products/51216_01.htm

[scuba4321]

my 1993 leahed too and I too thought it was a hose, here is what I found on mine. Stand in front of motor, look down at radiator, and on the drivers side facing the motor there should be a nylon, bolt half way down the radiator, it has a nylon washer, mine was loose, but I replaced the 5cent washer anyway.