So i have a 01 Jeep cherokee. has been having overheating problems as of late. I have changed waterpump, thermostat twice and cap. I have went through 2 radiators. the radiators sorta blow up on the side. I have tried everything i can think of to try and fix this jeep. I cant think of anything that would cause this to happen. The jeep runs great until it starts to get hot. I also noted this last time it blew the radiator that the power steering was making alot of noise. If anyone has any ideas I would really love some help. starting to cost me way too much money!
If you have a bad head gasket, the engine could be pumping compression into the cooling system. That would explain the reason why its overheating and wht radiators are blowing up. Get ahold of a block tester. It will detect the presence of hydrocarbons in the cooling system . 4.0 liter jeeps are known for bad head gaskets
The cherokee has the 4.7L. I hope that it is not the head gasket! the power steering noise is really throwing me off, only acts up when it overheats. makes a noise like the bearings are bad in the pump.
PS pump noise just could be from coolant on the belt when it starts puking all over. Is there coolant all over when you open the hood?
The radiator blew up on me today actually. I drove it maybe 15 minutes to where i keep my buick. Was going to give the buick a jump start. I got in the jeep to get close enough for the cables to reach and noticed the temp was rising, then i started to hear the power steering make noise so i got out and opened the hood to inspect. Sounded like bad bearings(sound went away when engine was revved). figured it was just another problem i would have to fix, so i went to get the cables from the back of the jeep and on my way back the radiator blew. Suppose i was lucky i wasnt closer...There was no sign of coolant under the hood prior to the radiator blowing.
A block tester will verify it once you put another radiator in it. Also another tell tale clue is if the system develops pressure right away when cold.
The pressure cap should have vented excessive pressure in the radiator. I am making the assumption that the radiator was in good shape before it blew. At the very least, you need a new pressure cap. This is not the source of your overheating problem, though. I go along with Jason's post #2. Check for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. Sometimes you can just pull the cap, start the engine, and watch for bubbles.
Yes this radiator was brand new, only 2 weeks old actually. I am trying to decide if it is worth buying a new radiator and installing it just to be able to find out that the head gasket is bad. I have yet to remove this currently blown radiator. but the last radiator that blew the whole right side blew out.
save the money. you definitely have a cracked head or blown head gasket. there is no doubt at this point.
yes it does have the hydraulic fan. I just read that it is powered by the power steering pump. I imagine that is what would create the noise in the power steering then?
