the uphill battle -

[mik666]

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

[fiatslug87]

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

[benjy_26]

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.

[benjy_26]

Don't forget to use purified water!

[mik666]

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!)

[mikekaz1]

those temps don't sound out of place, these engines typically run 180-220  for normal operation

[mik666]

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

[FrankTheDog]

210 is normal, 215 on a long grade is nothing to worry about. Start worrying when it gets over 230.

[FrankTheDog]

Is it pinging at all or losing power?

[cruiser54]

The bottle......

 

It will fail or the cap will fail leaving you stranded. Ditch that setup and the heater control valve. 

[mik666]

thx guys -  I am eliminating the HCV and upgrading my bottle + changing fluid to 20/80 - hopefully those hills will be a breeze!