Jeep is heating up and smoking but not stalling out

Tiny
ALEXCANIPE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 154,554 MILES
If my jeep sits for too long idling the water gauge goes into the red and once it is moving the gauge returns to a normal temp apprx 210 deg. Once the car is moving there is smoke coming from the rear and a small amount from under the hood. Possibly the thermostat? Also the coolant hasn't been replenished in awhile, however the coolant tank is full.
Friday, September 16th, 2011 AT 8:42 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Sounds like cooling fan clutch is failing/failed. Fan's not grabbin enough air to keep radiator cool.
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Friday, September 16th, 2011 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
ALEXCANIPE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Honestly i'm a total novice at car work. Is this an advanced repair or can I drop my advanced auto and take care of this?
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Saturday, September 17th, 2011 AT 12:40 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
To test fan try spinnning cold and when motor is hot. Hot it should be hard to spin, cold easy. It's a common problem. You can get the part at advance. Fan clutch is what it's called. There are 2 styles, 1 comes off with 4 bolts the other with a center nut. You have to remove fan shroud to get to it and maybe loosen radiator to tilt it slightly foor more wiggle room. You can google for some more specific instructions.
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Saturday, September 17th, 2011 AT 4:20 AM

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