mik666 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Hi Gang, I've got a slight problem and I wonder if there is any suggestions to perhaps help or if its just the way it is and that's it. First I've got a 87 4.0 2WD pretty much stock with autotrans - runs great, engine is rebuilt with maybe 15K on it, mostly new everything radiator, electrical stuff, exhaust etc. one of the main reasons I got my was to have a cooler older truck to haul my vintage bikes (not huge things usually 400 lbs tops) to meets and the likes. I've noticed on flat ground the temperature is fine ( <205) but if I hit a grade the temps slowly rise to about 210-215'+ish, thing is these are somewhat long'ish grades, but not like a real mountain run, just the typical SoCal Grapevine deal (4000') - I do have the auxiliary fan on a switch and turn it on when hitting the grades to help - not sure how much it does. Anyway there is a meet in a few months in the sierra's that I'd like to hit up and it will be a real uphill tote - is there anything I can add to help the truck remain cool (the radiator is a new one but is stock size, new thermostat, hoses etc) without doing major modifications? any help appreciated thanks as always Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiatslug87 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 The weakest part of the closed cooling system is the plastic pressure bottle, remember to only keep it half filled when cold. I replaced all mine with aluminum tanks from Mac's radiator http://macsradiatorshop.com/surge-overflow-tanks/replacment-jeep-radiator-fill-tanks.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjy_26 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Are you running a 50/50 coolant/water mix? If so, drop it to a 30/70 mix and add a bottle of Redline Water Wetter. It's worked for my ZJ in the past when playing in sand dunes or hauling toys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjy_26 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Don't forget to use purified water! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mik666 Posted May 31, 2016 Author Share Posted May 31, 2016 yeah hadn't thought about the coolant mixture Junkie - but bet your right on the 50/50 mix (I just kinda eyeballed it when I drained it and refreshed when I installed new water pump!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikekaz1 Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 those temps don't sound out of place, these engines typically run 180-220 for normal operation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mik666 Posted May 31, 2016 Author Share Posted May 31, 2016 yeah - like I said it seems fine just worried about the potential Sierra's hill climb for next event and watching the thing boil over - I probably shouldn't of put the temp gauge in and just used the idiot lights - ignorance is bliss sort of deal hahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankTheDog Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 210 is normal, 215 on a long grade is nothing to worry about. Start worrying when it gets over 230. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankTheDog Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 Is it pinging at all or losing power? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted June 2, 2016 Share Posted June 2, 2016 The bottle...... It will fail or the cap will fail leaving you stranded. Ditch that setup and the heater control valve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mik666 Posted June 2, 2016 Author Share Posted June 2, 2016 thx guys - I am eliminating the HCV and upgrading my bottle + changing fluid to 20/80 - hopefully those hills will be a breeze! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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