Eureka! I've Found The Solution To A Common Mistake

[@LegendCampbell]

One thing i have learned from being a handyman recently, after a life time of feeling like everyone was pretty smart smarter than me... only to find most people are not very intelligent Even thought they talk all good n stuff. They won't even turn a screw cuz "they don't know how" 🤦

[@SR-jz9wn]

You are essentially illuminating the difference between knowledge and intelligence. Many people read big thick books but can't actually put to use the things they read.

[@timothyproksch2915]

I don’t watch videos over eight minutes long but for some unknown reason I watch ya alls all the way thru I don’t even have any money to buy any jeep . I own a very small small engine shop I’ve been working on them for over sixty years. I drive a 1964 Chevy c10 with a worn out 250 six. Been driving it for thirty years. For work. I live in Abbeville South Carolina spend a lot of time in the Sumter national forest with my dog. That’s when we’re not driving dirt roads. Thanks for the show I enjoy it.

[@cobyburrow9339]

Now, tell your brother to do it to all the heads he rebuilds and it won't be a problem for anyone in the future. Great video and info!

[@garyonnen7634]

Now you’re just showing off, I couldn’t have read that chart on the wall to save my life. Young whipper snappers. Thanks.

[@speednc10]

Running the tap with an impact might just be the dumbest thing I’ve seen on this channel so far, I enjoyed the hell out of it though!

[@Dmowery5036]

Thanks for all the knowledge and videos! I watch all your adds to help you out.

[@LOUIS-fp3bv]

Dex, you are the coolest Jeep guy around. Watch you when I have time.

[@dexjs]

Thank you!!

[@dsguthrie]

Thank you! Been waiting for a video for this problem a long time. Bought my XJ 10 years ago. 95 xj sport (transitionalyear for obd1 to 2). The head has a set screw plug in that back location. I tried everything to get it out short of drilling it out do to firewall and not wanting to pull the block. I will when i rebuild it one of these days. I tried 10 different allen sockets twisted or snapped every single one. Heated the block, frozen the set screw, hit it with a punch & hammer, penitrating oil,... twisted a snap-on impact rated 1/2" drive allen socket. Some work arounds i have used are 1/2" brass npt "T" with a nipple on either side and a reducer for the sensor snd put it on the heater hose right at the thermostat housing. Then did something similar on the radiator hose, now i have the front of the thermostat housing drilled and tapped. None of them read right. Looks like im going the drill the block like you did. I figured the sensor tip sat in the water jacket but never was sure. Was worried about metal shavings getting into the engine... now that I've seen you do it and minimal metal gets in the engine I'm all in. Thanks again!

[@Oceanbreeze16]

This video is awesome, the tiny details you cain't find no where else. These videos are pure Gold.

[@titusmoschkau7631]

I have those tap sockets at work. Throw them on a old worn out air impact and let it eat. Works like a charm. Love them things

[@devilscurse6662]

Thank you dex for posting this video I've been look for months to find out if I can drill an tap a hole close instead of pulling my motor back out

[@dexjs]

I think this will help several people over time. Even me lol.

[@danielrobinson9769]

I am speculating the reason it works is the resistance! That sensor grounds to whatever is is screwed into. Screwing it into the thermostat housing that has a gasket or silicone is only bonding to the block by the contact patch of the bolts. I think it should be enough but maybe not. My TJ with a thermostat housing temp sensor has a dedicated ground circuit. I'd be curious for you to make a bonding strap that grounds the sensor housing to the engine block and see how it reads!

[@jovesp]

genius, love watching these vids. wealth of knowledge from hands on experience.

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

To drain a radiator, I just remove the pressure cap, slide a 3/8 tube to the bottom of the tank and syphon the coolant out into a jug.

[@NCmountainsYouTubeChannel]

I have 1999 & a 2000 xj I been following all your recent posts and videos.. 99’s got a brand new rebuilt engine in it I got it from a farmer for $900 The 2000 I got it on marketplace for like 1,350 . Turned out it had a bad water pump .. almost one year later. No. 6 left the chat 💬 Now it has a junkyard motor with a brand new rebuilt head !!! I put it in. It turned out that it was cracked. I’ve been driving it almost a year now the 2000 how do heat and air conditioner average about 60 or 100 miles a day sometimes in it. I’ve had no issues Just low or pressure win at normal temperature …

[@wcfaith]

You're a smart man Dex. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@tidestacker4674]

Good job

[@noahbones1221]

Dex you should make a video showing step by step how to convert the renix closed cooling system to the later open cooling system, as well as what parts are required to do so.

[@noberet]

Thank you! I'm sure this will come in handy eventually.

[@SR-jz9wn]

Another possible solution using a tap: tl;dr: Put a 4k ohm 1/4-watt resistor between ground and the sensor's output pin to gain about 20F if you suspect your gauge is getting week. Adjust the resistor value down to gain more temp on the gauge. I think the gauges get old. I just had this problem on my '91 2.5 yj. I thought I had put the wrong thermostat in after the engine rebuild, so I changed it to a new 180 (yup, there was a 180 in it). On my jeep the sensor you mention is only for the gauge, not the pcm- the pcm's sensor mounts in the hole in the thermostat housing you used. I'm a mechanic (not by trade anymore) and am well-versed in electronics. These gauges are a voltage-divider circuit using two resistors. Essentially the two resistors in are series from 12v to the gauge to the sensor to ground. The sensor is a thermistor which decreases resistance when heated - approx 10,000 ohms resistance at 80F and about 1175 ohms resistance at 180F. Decreased resistance means more current flows through the sensor. Think of it like a water valve allowing more water through as it warms up- just like the thermostat!. The gauge deflects the needle proportional to the amount of current flowing through it. The gauge is an electric motor which may have become weak over the years and isn't deflecting the needle enough with a given current. How to fix it? Give the gauge more current. One way you could do this is sneak a bit of current around the sensor to give the gauge more overall current (some from the sensor and some from the bypass). Any pedantic electrical geeks may balk at my wording but the point is made. I would tap (pun intended) into the wire leaving the gauge behind the cluster with a wire coming from ground through a potentiometer (variable resistor). This is a really simple $5 fix and about an hour with little wiring knowledge required. You could do all this work in the engine compartment too, which would save time. The jeeps circuit diagram will is online somewhere but I think it's the same color as the sensor and I know because I just repaired a friend's 90 4.0 yj's gauge pack using a diagram I found. I calculated a 10k ohm potentiometer set to about half way and then adjust it clockwise or counterclockwise to set the desired gauge needle position. One could then check the final resistance and install a simple resistor of that value. 1/4 watt resistor should be fine - this is the typical resistors you'd see in old-school electronics. Note: the 1/4 watt is the power rating of the resistor, not the resistance value - that's the colors on the resistor.

[@benmudn]

That's interesting. I have a Renix in my CJ and the computer sensor according to the manual is on the side of the block. I have the dash gauge going to the rear head sensor. How does the factory Renix XJs run to the computer and temp gauge? Does it use the same sensor?

[@Tommyheady31]

I'm glad you made this video,I'm about to have to go through the same thing,I have a 96 xj and a 99 motor that's going in the 96 so I seen it somewhere but I'm going to try and make a tee coming out of the thermostat housing and pit both sensors at the thermostat and possibly leave the thermostat out so I'll get that solid temp reading

[@bryanstrietelmeier2573]

Awesome and informative video as always.Thank you Dex👍💯

[@Tpbmods]

This is fantastic, I need another Temp probe for the NickInTime R.E.M and Fan controller for my Renix so I can have a variable electric fan, so this is going to save me from splicing and risking wiring gremlins

[@brianharris20]

I have a jeep with the temp sensor in the block drain for my megasquirt and the dash gauge sender in the back of the head and they read the same.

[@Adam-banshee-man]

I'm guessing the inaccuracy of your temperature gauge may be caused by the fact that you have it in that adapter which actually pulls it up out of the coolant stream so that's most likely why it's not reading the temperature correctly from the housing I understand maybe they used a different sensor but I think most of the problem lies in the fact that it's not directly in the coolant stream as the adapter holds it out of the coolant stream I've seen that before

[@Adam-banshee-man]

And yes putting grease on the drill bit is immensely better than just running the bit dry The grease absolutely catches the shavings or you can have a friend help you hold the vacuum right by the drill and it will just suck all the shavings right up into the vacuum

[@Dmowery5036]

The mud on that engine.... I was like, I kinda like that tan color on that block. Lol! Then you said mud 🤣

[@Yelladog78]

I wish you'd make a video on the 4.0 and all the issues you know about them and how to prevent them. I have a rebuilt 4.0 in my 93 YJ and I'd like to help it live as long as possible through good maintenance.

[@torhne]

Some more Renix stuff would be cool.

[@jerrywhalen2100]

I've learned from a KZbin video that was run by Dodge racing that the 2 center cylinders run hotter than the outboard they used squirters to move more water in the center cylinders

[@v12alpine]

I was told by a reputable stroker builder that the reason for this is that water spins around like eddy currents trapped between the cylinders, especially 3/4.

[@mikethrapp]

To burp a jeep cooling system add coolant till it's full. Start the damn thing and Rev it to 4k rpm twice. Then slowly get it up to 2500 for 2 minutes or so. Shut it off. Let sit 5min, heat soak the thermostat. Then start it and idle topping off coolant as the thermostat opens. Works every time on almost every vehicle that doesn't actually have a coolant bleed vent. But the heater hose has a double end barb fitting so it can be vented as you fill it. If your heater core is plugged and most are these days using the heater hose as a vent is a slow process. So pouring water into the heater hose helps get the flow going. Just as much as roving it a few times to get water pump rpm up which bypasses the thermostat and goes through the heater hoses. Just reb the damn thing a few times and then hold rpm. Shut off and heat soak for a few minutes. Start back up and thermostat will open farely quick. Try it.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

i have driven jeep grand cherokees mainly 1999-2004 i am a mechanic and work on some of them but never knew the differences in the motors thru the years. so many say you can use only certain engines in certain years, i really find that hard to believe would think with minor changes lots of them should swap. wish you would do a video on the differenceses

[@stevenstrawbridge]

I agree with your brother please make a video burping a renix system. Not really any video out there on it but there is literature on it. New into jeeps/xj and it was a little bit of a learning experience.

[@jaxonrickman5097]

Lol I actually bought a head from your brother for my xj that needed the the sensor in the back and I forgot about the sensor until I had it already on the Jeep and then realized the head didn’t have a spot for it anyways!

[@dexjs]

It’s a pretty common topic! Gets me all the time.

[@samstacey5716]

That’s awesome bro. I’m working on a 1990 Cherokee that I just rebuilt and I cannot get it to run right. Triple checked timing, 40psi fuel pressure, new fuel pump, pressure regulator, o2 sensor, tps, new injectors. It will start and run fine, and when I flick the throttle it revs like it should, but when I put it in gear and get it under a load it starts to go lean and backfire like a beast. No power and bucks. I can’t figure it out. I did just test the coil pack and it did test a little out of spec so I ordered a new one but it’s driving me crazy.

[@dexjs]

Check the fuel pressure under a load??

[@samstacey5716]

@@dexjs I did that, tried to see what it was doing when it stumble and pressure didn’t drop a lick. Crazy. My next think after the coil is to take the rail back apart and make sure all the injectors are clear

[@waynesmith7527]

Grease actually does work I had to re tap a spark plug hole on my 1998 ford f150 5.4 engine it blew a plug an stripped the threads an it's a way down in their an it actually worked an kept the shavings from falling in the cylinder just cover it with Grease then wipe up the little that's left over

[@fredmiller2222]

have an 88 long bed im doing an 94 ho swap. when you go to top the system off park the front end up on an incline, with the front end pointing up a bit itll help get the air out just let it open up a few times

[@sorenmiller3110]

I can't send a picture but next to the right side bolt Up the thermostat housing.There is a flat spot but if you look at it you can actually tap and put that little sensor for the temperature gauge right on your thermostat housing

[@jamesnewberry58]

Have you thermal coated any of your engine parts ???

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Renix, lol, I'm having Volvo flashbacks. AMC XJ's are something..

[@KirtSchafer]

You could do a comparison video showing the difference between the tj axles and the Cherokee axles. What is the difference why they won't just bolt in ect.

[@lylemcghee94]

Great video, had the same problem with my 93 YJ when I installed a 98 Cherokee 4.0 in. I ended up just tapping the tstat housing like you did. But my gauge actually reads a little too hot I think. However I’ve heard the YJ gauges, temp and gas gauge can be a little wonky. Might end up tapping the head like you did instead. Any thoughts or experiences? Thanks!!

[@T80Delta]

Your bro's right - I would appreciate knowing the proper bleed procedure. I can do BMWs all day long, but my 89 renix scares me...

[@cbforme]

You need a spring loaded center punch. And if you use Teflon tape can’t it affect the sensor ability it ground it self

[@vwclub3]

You can also cut your radiator hose and put one of those inline sensor tubes in

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Wish we got that Ute model in 🇦🇺 keep at it Dex 👍🏻🇦🇺🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@freedomisntfree5573]

Safety squints when using that die grinder Dex. Metal in the eye hurts like hell. I know, even with Safety glasses and a face shield it happened to me.

[@deadspeed6679]

Your brother have a website to buy rebuilt motors from ? Please post the link

[@dexjs]

Working on that idea. Idk if he could keep up with engine demand.

[@deadspeed6679]

@@dexjshopefully you guys get it all sorted out the XJ community needs yall

[@jigmonster101]

Dex, I'm honestly asking if you could possibly do a video about the 8.25 rear axles. The difference in an open diff amd the limited slip and the ways to determine the difference. I have a 97 XJ with the 8.25 rear and High Pinion Dana 30 in the front. There is no "sticker" in my glove box and I would love to see a video on how to determine if mine is a limited slip or just an open differential. I hate to say it publicly, but I'm 41 and been disabled the past 3+ years due to spinal degenerative disk disease. That stopped me dead in my tracks and being able to enjoy working on Jeeps and trucks in my home garage. I've had one spinal surgery so far, but it failed and I am seeking another surgery and fusion at Vanderbilt in the months to come. I just hope and pray I can get get well enough to get back out in my old garage, with my 11 year old son, and enjoy working on things that I've always been able to do. ❤

[@coreyleed8572]

I’m wondering if there wasn’t air trapped in that short adapter on the t stat housing where the sensor was and that’s why it was reading low.

[@dexjs]

Well I wondered that but I’ve changed sensors and used it to bleed the air out.

[@jimduplessis2526]

I agree on the need for an air burping video.

[@caseyb65]

Dex, out of curiosity I’ve never had a jeep underwater, what do you do to “water proof” them other than obviously snorkel?

[@dexjs]

Honestly nothing. Maybe dielectric grease the plug wires.

[@caseyb65]

@@dexjs 10-4 thanks!

[@Jfreeman-k4l]

It’s the bushing my Toyota did The same thing I switched thermostat housing that fit the sensor.

[@KMRscoo]

Hey, everybody Where should i get wiring for my engine? The wires leading to my fuel injectors got cooked and i need to replace em

[@TylerCottrill-xjplg]

How do I get a motor out of a wrangler to work in an xj

[@bnasty79]

Dex, when putting a 96 ish 4.0 in a renix jeep with aw4. What are you doing for the crank position sensor? 96 fly wheel doesn’t fit in bell housing. Do I have to buy the $500 kit to relocate CPS to front?

[@dexjs]

Same bell housing. Just diff flex plates.

[@bnasty79]

Let me rephrase. 96 motor and ecm. I’m doing away with renix ecm. Can I use the renix CPS and flywheel with a newer computer? Or use a renix flywheel with 96 style CPS?

[@Randomgearhead]

Parts store sensor will not read right. Had a buddy rebuild his 93 wrangler and put a new gauge sensor in and it kept showing over heating like 225. With temp gun was showing 195. He put old original sensor in and it read just right.

[@lukeozdigger5730]

Iv drilled a few my problem has been too much plumbing tape and sensor doest earth correct and screwing it in too far and it mushes the end of the sensor up Didn’t even notice the blank boss in the center but apparently the back area of the head is the hot spot on the engine most important to monitor

[@motownXJdad9565]

the interweb 195° thermostat police just put out a all points bulletin on you😂😂😂😂

[@dexjs]

Wait wait what??

[@cadenjames442]

You did make a video on how to bleed the cooling system i think it was a short tho, anyhow thats how i learned alot of the tricks i know come from you and just daily driving them its only been a year but i feel like i know my rig pretty well now not even close to you tho 😂

[@lukeozdigger5730]

I want a Comanche but settled on a second xJ, have a clean 95 classic HO and now a 98 country

[@patriot72]

Hey Dex, we have three 99 XJs. I need to do my upper control arms. Would you happen to have a set of bolts for the uppers that I can buy off of you? Thanks brother! God bless you and yours In Jesus Name my friend!

[@kodiak7438]

Good job !

[@darrenstansbury6431]

Where do yal go trail riding at?

[@Atrain81]

I got a real problem with crank sensors getting heat soaked. I know the water trick. Red a real fix. Maybe relocation idea or bypass if that’s even possible for it to run.

[@stillhavecommonsense6875]

Thanks for the video

[@jakeclauson9863]

Do you guys ever find any rare factory optional equipment on these jeeps?

[@dexjs]

Honestly not really. Just a common Jeep junkyard.

[@jakeclauson9863]

@dexjs yea.. common.. cant recall ever seeing a junk yard with so many jeeps lol. was there even any wierd options offered on the Cherokees? I suppose you'd be lucky to get power windows in em 😆

[@angelsierra1988]

That was Great Info !!

[@juan93nissan]

My snap on rep recommends using an impact with taps !!!

[@dexjs]

That’s surprising 🤔

[@JohnESmith-u1m]

grease does work if u go slow enough

[@chrisking9711]

I have 2 96 jeeps one is a 96 and the other is a 96.5...the 96.5 doesn't have the sender on the back of the head and the 96 does.

[@jeremiahffvanorman7767]

I always just pull the grill.. easy to drain the radiator.

[@papatomsthoughts]

Your love of jeeps lead me to buying my wife a 2019 Grand Cherokee. We shall see. 😅😅😅😅

[@ZigaliBlazin]

Dude I’m doing this I have a titan reman engine in my 96 and this is the exact issue I’m having

[@FaTaLlYiLl]

I have an 87 2.5 Comanche that i swapped a full cluster and bought the right temp and oil senders but the temp gauge never goes over 100🙃

[@PeeInMyWetsuit]

same boat

[@Randomgearhead]

Did u put a renix intake on a ho head?

[@dexjs]

Yeah it bolts right up

[@raabsand]

What brand taps y'all using?

[@dexjs]

Borrowed from my factory working buddies 🤫🤫

[@justgaming3084]

Time saver!

[@sorenmiller3110]

Don't know if this helps anyone. I put a 99 4.0L in my 92 cherokee had this problem it's possible to relocate the temperature sensor to the Thermostat housing.

[@chicagorc3967]

MAKE THE COOLANT VIDEO!!!