Over Heating

[Seamus McBundy]

I have a 93 Jeep Charokee. I've replaced the thermostat, water pump is fairly new, i have coolant and oil. I do have a small radiator leak, too small to cause any major over heating problems (imo).

It seems to over heat or do so more quickly when I have the A/C on. Any ideas on what's causing this to happen? Could a small radiator leak be the reason(even though I have coolant)? Why does the A/C seem to increase the temp quicker?

Thanks,

 

[Doughbroz]

A/C puts more load on the engine. You might try checking the bottom radiator hose to see if the internal spring that keeps it from collapsing under suction is still intact. Just squeeze along the entire hose while the engine is cool. You should not be able to collapse the bottom hose at any point. And this is assuming the radiator is not clogged up. There are other possibilities, but this is a simple place to start.

 

[TxStHorn]

Put a slightly higher degree thermostat in it.

A lot of people think a lower degree thermostat will reduce temperature, but generally, the opposite is true.

The idea is to have the water/coolant circulate more slowly through the radiator - allowing it more time to cool before circulating back into the engine.

Also, plain-old water actually cools better than anti-freeze. Many people want more anti-freeze, and sometime fill the radiator with nothing but. The AF is really just to protect the engine block from cracking in the event the water freezes and expands.

More water, less anti-freeze. Like maybe a 60/40 mix.

Also agree with checking the hoses as suggested.

 

[Seamus McBundy]

Thanks for the info. I'll test the lower hose and let you know. Also, shouldnt I keep a greater percentage of coolant than water since it boils at a higher temp?

Thanks!!

 

[Luke Duke]

Is the fan coming on?

 

[Seamus McBundy]

Yes, the fan is coming on. And I checked the lower hose. I can, with a good deal of pressure squeez the lower hose together. I didn't check the entire hose do to it being 1 billion degrees! But will when it is cooler.