97+ Washer Reservoir

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

I am getting around to my Fall repairs (prepping for winter) and am planning on doing Hornbrod's Windshield Washer Tank mod. I was looking at RockAuto for a reservoir (all junkyards around me are out of Cherokees ) and saw nothing for 97 Cherokee, but noticed one for a 2001 Cherokee. Does anyone know of a possible fitment issue with using a 2001 one? It was my understanding that nothing changed body wise for cherokees from 97-01.

 

Also, does anyone know if this reservoir would come with the filler neck, motors, etc? Photo and description is lacking info.

 

Finally, what is the best way to drill out the mounting holes? Should I take off the fender so I can see everything perfectly? Or can this be done with the fender on the truck?

 

Thanks for any and all help.

[Knucklehead97]

I've done this twice. Once from a 97 and once from a 99. Should all be the same for a 2001. But, I would recommend just getting one from a junkyard. That way you can get EVERYTHING. motors, wiring harness to splice into, and the bottle. It only cost me 5$ both times I did it, the junkyard was basically giving them away. 

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

7 minutes ago, Knucklehead97 said:

But, I would recommend just getting one from a junkyard. That way you can get EVERYTHING. motors, wiring harness to splice into, and the bottle. It only cost me 5$ both times I did it, the junkyard was basically giving them away

I would love to. But if you read my initial post I mention that all my local junkyards (within an hour drive) have gotten rid of cherokees. Actually, the have gotten rid of anything 2001 and older. According to the owner of one yard they try to keep inventory at 18years old or newer. So stuff is hard to find.

[AZJeff]

I got my replacement tank on Amazon.  They are all the same for any of the 97+ XJ’s.  Most of the ones on Amazon come with pumps as well.

[Blaine.D]

I done this swap and I would recommend taking the finder off. Without the fender on, it was easier to position it in the right spot and drill the holes to install.  If you buy a new reservoir, team Cherokee still has the filler necks available https://teamcherokee.com/washer-reservoir-filler-neck-cap-oem-cherokee-1997-2001/ . If you want I can keep a lookout for one in the yards around me and message you if I can find one that isn’t busted.

[schardein]

I will be making a trip from MO to WV at the end of the month and hitting junkyards all along the way.  I can look out for a tank if you want one.

 

You will want to pull the fender to install it.  Unless you've had your fender flare off before, it's very common for the studs on the mount plates to break off and repair some sort of fabricated repair, or replacement.  I don't remember the size, but it's helpful to have a hole saw to drill the hole in the inner fender for the filler neck.

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Thanks for the offers guys. I actually had a day off yesterday, so I drove to the junkyard 2 hours from home on a whim. They had a ton of old cherokees buried in the weeds. I found some nice parts, including the washer bottle and all the lines and wiring for it. So I snagged all of that stuff. Hopefully I can get it rigged up next weekend.

 

I will plan to take my fender off to do this I guess.

 

Secondary question: I do not have, and have never had the fender liners. Any tips on where to get them and how to install them? I do have a 97+ front clip on the truck is that makes any difference at all. I assume I need the liner to protect the tank from gravel thrown by the tires?

[AZJeff]

The inner fender splash shield for 97+ is available on eBay and other sources as well.  Their attachment is pretty self-explanatory assuming you have unmolested fenders and flares.

[pago cruiser]

Thread resurrection time...

 

Can anyone advise as how they patched the factory hole for the sensor that the MJ does not have?

Did a search - several actually. Seems this topic is just... not discussed.

 

I found this pic on another site: while ...apparently functional, is certainly looks cost effective. A coolant bottle patch, some permatex, and (2) sheet metal screws.

Kudos to the OP for putting this out there, but... I would think there is a more conventional way to patch this hole? Maybe with some similar material (as the tank) and a "special glue", or ???  that is designed to melt the pieces together?

TIA.

 

[Airborne Janitor]

1 hour ago, pago cruiser said:

Thread resurrection time...

 

Can anyone advise as how they patched the factory hole for the sensor that the MJ does not have?

Did a search - several actually. Seems this topic is just... not discussed.

 

I found this pic on another site: while ...apparently functional, is certainly looks cost effective. A coolant bottle patch, some permatex, and (2) sheet metal screws.

Kudos to the OP for putting this out there, but... I would think there is a more conventional way to patch this hole? Maybe with some similar material (as the tank) and a "special glue", or ???  that is designed to melt the pieces together?

TIA.

 

 

 

Just leave the factory plug in place if it doesn't leak. You can disconnect the pigtail for the sensor.

[pago cruiser]

Problem is - and I believe this was the gent's problem in the pic indicated, the aftermarket tanks just come with a hole. Like this:

A factory plug would be an ideal solution. 

 

[Airborne Janitor]

On 7/17/2022 at 7:05 AM, pago cruiser said:

Problem is - and I believe this was the gent's problem in the pic indicated, the aftermarket tanks just come with a hole. Like this:

A factory plug would be an ideal solution. 

 

 

Was looking around the shop and I think I have a factory plug if you want it?

[pago cruiser]

Hey Airborne Janitor - Thanks for the offer!

This is still sitting on a counter in its bag -a failed water pump led to pre-emptively replacing some other 176k mile/30 year old stuff, and now half the darn engine bay is in disarray...

Sigh.

 

I just measured the one I purchased from CA Aoto: the hole is 33mm diameter - call it a hair less than 1 5/16".

If yours is the same - I am hoping it is, but I have no idea if the aftermarket is identical to the original - let me know and we can continue this in PM.

Regards.

[Airborne Janitor]

Here's some photos of the OEM reservoir.

 

 

The front hole where the Low Washer sensor goes is about 7/8" diameter. I think you measured the hole on top of the reservoir which is closer to 1 5/16" and is just capped off.

 

Closer photo of the Low Washer sensor/plug. 

 

[pago cruiser]

Interesting.

The one I purchased from CA Auto Parts does NOT have that 7/8" hole. 

Looks like that problem is solved.

So all I need ot do know is find a replacement part for that black cap you indicate.

Thanks for the time to provide those details.

[Airborne Janitor]

So no low fluid sensor port on the aftermarket? That's strange. Yeah that plug looks like I'd be easily obtainable from a pick n pull, or silicone & tape it shut.

[pago cruiser]

At least not if obtained from CA Auto.

Good for folks who don't have the wiring or indicator light and are just adding the reservoir to free up room in the engine compartment. 

And not to big a problem if someone is replacing theirs; most folks can get a appropriate hole saw pretty easy.

Sounds like a win-win to me!

 

I took a pic at about the same angle as yours; no hole...

 

I found a hole plug variety pack on Amazon - for $12, I get several different sizes for other uses as well.

 

This was after my local OReillys and NAPA could only ...maybe, they thought... find something if I could give them a year and make and model of car. 

 

It is really irritating to try and buy local, but oftentimes you. just. can't.