Normal temp gauge position/upgrading radiator and fan

ajohns1288 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:41 pm

What's everyone usually run at on the temp gauge? I used to be a click under the middle line, but lately it's been a few clicks over when I sit in traffic with the ac on. I know some of it is from the mud all in my radiator, but I rinsed most of it out. I'm a little paranoid that the electric fan is on its way out as well. I just want some reassurance that I'm not running too hot haha. I do plan on adding the viscous fan from the tow package to help as well.

On the off chance I do have a rad or fan issue, are there any upgrades available? I would like an all metal radiator/more powerful fan if there are any that go in without much modification.

PALiftedKK · **Posted:** Thu Jun 25, 2015 1:44 am

That's typical. Especially sitting still Or off roading. Temps will be a few degrees higher but the radiator and fan can handle the load on the hottest day.

If your still concerned, add the towing package. Not sure if you would be concerned with the possible decrease in mileage from the mechanical fan though.

Though try a cheaper alternative first...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009YO1FFM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1435210633&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=coil+cleaner&dpPl=1&dpID=41arH6fmYCL&ref=plSrch

This spray may be to aggressive though. Maybe an environmentally friendly cleaner would be better. Also if going this route, maybe remove the fan and mask off the engine pulleys and belt.

cszczepkowski · **Joined:** Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:28 am **Posts:** 10

I replaced my electric fan spring of last year (2014) after it bit the dust. After the replacement I ran right at the middle line even in our 115 degree AZ summers.

After adding bumpers, winch, light bar, etc. I would get elevated temperatures under heavy load or driving through the mountains. Enough to require turning off the AC on long mountain climbs. I'm 99% sure this is mainly due to the winch and light bar blocking a good portion of the radiator.

In the last month I added the HD cooling fan, and I now sit just below the middle line, always. It never moves and we have had a few 115 ish days already. Haven't had it on a long mountain climb since adding the fan, but I'm guessing it should be pretty solid now.

I'm not sure what kind of mileage hit you get with the mechanical fan, but I think it's a very worthwhile upgrade. Especially based on the cost to performance. It's a good extra bit of protection should the electric fan ever fail as well.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Thu Jun 25, 2015 7:10 pm

Hardly any difference in mileage at all. A fraction of 1 mpg if that.
Most drops in mpg you see on here are due to larger tires, un-aerodynamic roof racks, and heavy bumpers & equipment carried. Even a lift doesn't affect mpg all that much if still running stock size (29 inch) tires.

PALiftedKK · **Posted:** Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:05 pm

Living in those types of temps in the summer will definitely test the cooling capacity of any vehicle.

How many miles are on the jeep? And what color is the coolant? Should be orange if you have a kj or kk. Any other color then orange and you should consider doing a complete flush. Look up Chris fix on youtube if your coolant isn't a vivid orange.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jun 26, 2015 9:57 am

Have to remember also that the guage is just basically an idiot light with a hand on it, close but not really that close when comparing between years/ owners

PALiftedKK · **Posted:** Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:16 pm

tommudd wrote:

Have to remember also that the guage is just basically an idiot light with a hand on it, close but not really that close when comparing between years/ owners

Right!

A couple ticks left or right of center is comfortable temp. If it's 3/4 turn that puppy off. If it's smoking, what part did you replace or remove to get it to boil over?

Normal temp gauge position/upgrading radiator and fan

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