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2018 JL - Lowered my Coolant Operating Temp

SavannahAL

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southwest Virginia
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2022 Wrangler Ecodiesel
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U.S. Army soldier (retired)
My 2018 JL was purchased on 20 August 2018, factory new with 18 miles. During my 36,000 miles warranty I had it to the two different Jeep dealers 4 times with the complaint that the coolant was boiling in the overflow reservoir and/or sometimes my reservoir was dry. Jeep added 16-32 ounces of coolant on 3 of the 4 visits.
My normal operating temp was 205 to 235, whether summer or winter. My highest temp's occurred when in stop-n-go traffic and on the Interstate in West Virginia traveling WV mountains. No towing was involved.

Jeep replaced my overflow reservoir and some of the tube (or tubing?) associated with the reservoir and stated they could not duplicate the problem of overheating and always circled back to "it didn't throw a code." Several times I was stuck at an Interstate rest stop until the JL cooled down enough to proceed. I also had the distinct smell of coolant inside the cabin

Now the good news that may be helpful to other JL owners who have asked about larger cooling fans.
Myself and my buddies are all retired for many years now. While at bear camp in Dec 2020 my Wrangler problem came up. One guy was a mechanic for 4 years then a service manager for another 42 years, mostly at Ford dealerships. He suspected a head gasket problem and stated they don't always throw codes with pin-prick leaks.

He recommended K-Seal Ultimate Permanent Head Gasket Repair, about 20 bucks. I was out-of-warranty so I bought a 16oz bottle. While at my son's we disconnected the upper radiator hose and used a flex tube funnel and poured it in. A small amount went on the driveway, but not much.

The difference was immediate and pronounced. On the trip home using the menu for digital coolant temp I was running 185 to 205f. My Wrangler never ran that cool. Also, my gas miles went up between 1.5 to 1.7mpg with the engine not running so hot. It has been about 100 days and I'm still seeing the same results.

A long story but much has been written from the few who seem to have hot running Jeeps. Just last month I towed a 1,500lb John Deere compact tractor on a 400lb trailer from Leesburg, VA to Radford, VA. About 4-1/2 hours without issue. Before I wouldn't attempt to tow anything.

My personal experience in the hope it may help some of you.
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HungryHound

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Glad it worked out for you. Scary to have a head gasket problem on a newer Jeep. I tend to stay away from all the "magic juices" after having had the cooling blocked to 2 cylinders and warping the head on an old car I drove in college days. I'm sure it's much improved now.
 
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SavannahAL

SavannahAL

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2019
Threads
4
Messages
56
Reaction score
38
Location
southwest Virginia
Vehicle(s)
2022 Wrangler Ecodiesel
Occupation
U.S. Army soldier (retired)
My 2018 JL was purchased on 20 August 2018, factory new with 18 miles. During my 36,000 miles warranty I had it to the two different Jeep dealers 4 times with the complaint that the coolant was boiling in the overflow reservoir and/or sometimes my reservoir was dry. Jeep added 16-32 ounces of coolant on 3 of the 4 visits.
My normal operating temp was 205 to 235, whether summer or winter. My highest temp's occurred when in stop-n-go traffic and on the Interstate in West Virginia traveling WV mountains. No towing was involved.

Jeep replaced my overflow reservoir and some of the tube (or tubing?) associated with the reservoir and stated they could not duplicate the problem of overheating and always circled back to "it didn't throw a code." Several times I was stuck at an Interstate rest stop until the JL cooled down enough to proceed. I also had the distinct smell of coolant inside the cabin

Now the good news that may be helpful to other JL owners who have asked about larger cooling fans.
Myself and my buddies are all retired for many years now. While at bear camp in Dec 2020 my Wrangler problem came up. One guy was a mechanic for 4 years then a service manager for another 42 years, mostly at Ford dealerships. He suspected a head gasket problem and stated they don't always throw codes with pin-prick leaks.

He recommended K-Seal Ultimate Permanent Head Gasket Repair, about 20 bucks. I was out-of-warranty so I bought a 16oz bottle. While at my son's we disconnected the upper radiator hose and used a flex tube funnel and poured it in. A small amount went on the driveway, but not much.

The difference was immediate and pronounced. On the trip home using the menu for digital coolant temp I was running 185 to 205f. My Wrangler never ran that cool. Also, my gas miles went up between 1.5 to 1.7mpg with the engine not running so hot. It has been about 100 days and I'm still seeing the same results.

A long story but much has been written from the few who seem to have hot running Jeeps. Just last month I towed a 1,500lb John Deere compact tractor on a 400lb trailer from Leesburg, VA to Radford, VA. About 4-1/2 hours without issue. Before I wouldn't attempt to tow anything.

My personal experience in the hope it may help some of you.
I failed to mention this is the 3.6L
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