FREE JEEP HACK - Pentastar 3.6 Radiator Fix

[@gunztommiegunz]

Hey thanks man these Jeeps run hot as heck. My jk has a 3.5” lift, adjustable track bars, I’m trying to do this work to keep it. I’m a mechanic and work on heavy equipment and do all my own work including the lift. I appreciate this.

[@bill06gto]

Thanks for the advice on the radiator cleaning stayed up last night to clean it , took the Jeep out for a test ride this morning the temperature stayed cooler than before.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

awesome! It’s amazing how dirty they get! And then because of the way they are washing the jeep and spraying it from the front doesn’t get it all out. Makes a big difference if you like playing in mud! But thank for the support man!

[@bobvagene]

The tazer mini has a setting where I can turn my fan on and off if I need to. The newer JL runs hot, especially in summer on the trails. 240s at times and that's in a brand new 2024 3.6. once the fan kicks on it cools down fast.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Yea. But this is for jk’s. COMPLETELY different computers. But something like reprogramming the fan would help. Modern vehicles just run warmer…not good for longevity but better for emissions.

[@ImMeandYouAreYou6942]

Thanks for this video. My readings are spot on with him how you describe and I’m always monitoring it. I’ll definitely be cleaning mine out once these Texas temps give us some relief. Keep these vids coming.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Thanks for the support!!!

[@jedeckerd5969]

Cleaning the radiator got me some time until I could get my new one here and installed. Great advice

[@WarPaintOffroad]

That’s awesome! I’m glad that you were finally able to fix it! This is all my jeep has needed. But I don’t know how many people think to do it! They get so plugged up offroad.

[@paulforti9847]

In Australia all JKs the high speed fan doesn’t come on until 116-117c (240f) while under load (low revs medium revs, slow speed load e.g soft, deep sand. something to do with emissions and the computer programm not deeming the parameters hot enough for fan full speed until 116-117c.

[@BornInTheDarkness-7]

I need to clean mine out it’s been a long time. That’s a great tip 😎

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Thanks for the support Brett! And yes, it really makes a big difference. I was surprised how much came out of mine considering I avoid mud. The bottom 1/3 of the radiator was nothing but dirt and mud. Needless to say the radiator has so much more air flow now and runs a whole mess cooler.

[@BornInTheDarkness-7]

Yeah I bet! We have a lot of road construction going on so I bet all the dust is caked in there. I know you have to have some construction going on in Texas ☺️

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@BornInTheDarkness-7 oh yea. It’s insane. Years of dusty/muddy trails at the offroad parks too. Mine was caked really badly.

[@benjamindion7221]

Searching KZbin for temperature issues with my 2017 Sahara. Fan is running full speed constantly while driving. At park, it slows down. But the temperature gauge is at half 99% of the time. I’m going to try your advice in cleaning out the fan. Appreciate the video.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@benjamindion7221 I hope it works for you. Generally it will. They just hold so much dirt.

[@adolfocolon4673]

Outstanding video! Thanks for the tip- can't wait to do my jeep!

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Hope it helps!

[@nickburns5571]

I tried installing a cooler thermostat in my 04 rubicon and it threw a check engine light for not being up to operating temperature. I think pre 03 you can get away with a cooler thermostat to help the 4.0s run a little cooler. Once they went distributor-less ignition a lot changed.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Yea. They also had a mechanical fan. That’s the big thing. That fan was on if the engine was on. So when they went to an electric fan….it still allows the engine to come up to temp. The older style mechanical fans were the engines that would run cooler with lower thermostats. Old enough and they didn’t get check engine lights for that stuff. I actually have a lower thermostat in my jk. It needed a new one so I figured why not. The factory opens at 203° mine opens at 180° and it makes no difference. Damn computers..lol

[@nickburns5571]

@@WarPaintOffroad TJs had a clutch fan, so not turning until the engine is up to temperature.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@nickburns5571yes! You are right! I definitely wasn’t thinking clearly as I have worked on them and removed them…what a PITA. Either way though, they have a much less sensitive electronics system. The electric fan in the jeep is a resistor fan. So still some major differences if the jk 3.6 vs. a tj. You really can’t compare them to the way they operate. It’s crazy to me that the jk 3.6 fan doesn’t even get to its highest speed until 230°. I feel like they should never even reach that to begin with…let along go above that as the fake tries to cool it down. Wild.

[@marioalvarez7796]

I definitely need to clean mine out!! Great video Dan!!

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Thanks Mario! It did wonders! I’m really shocked how much junk came out of mine considering I avoid mud.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

JL fixed some of those heating issues, mine never goes higher than a little below halfway and the JL front bumper allows my warn winch to stay low recessed in the bumper I find it funny when I see those videos Quadratec and others put out when they add a high mounted winch, baja large round lights mounted on the bumper bar and angry grills, all that covering up air flow, then they put out another video talking about improving air flow. all that for a circle of Money, never ending spend cycle

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Exactly! And yes, they definitely improved the system. But at the same time they still rub VERY hot for emissions. The “halfway” mark on the JL is still up to 225°. Crazy how hot these engines run these days. Mine was up over 230 and sometimes as hot as 237 at times. Not an emergency…but I wasn’t comfortable watching it. Crazy.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@@WarPaintOffroad I'm debating on opening my hood louvers on the JL since we do get a lot of rain here in Louisiana, that's the only thing holding me back the videos I see of people in desert states say they do it because they don't have to worry about rain, so that makes me think that rain will be an issue

[@joec3675]

My understanding is that the 3.6 cooling system is made to run hotter than the old style systems. 225 here is ok. This is why it's so important to run the correct coolant.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Exactly. I mention that in the video. Definitely designed to run hot. But that extra heat also shortens the life of other components. So keeping as cool as possible just makes everything happier. Jeep doesn’t care if things fail prematurely because they are out of warranty at that point.

[@whitecloud3284]

@@WarPaintOffroadgreat point!

[@yamahansolo]

​@@WarPaintOffroadSo many of these jeepers don't understand that!

[@andrewflores1776]

Thanks, now I’m not worried 👍🏽✌🏾

[@codysawyer6314]

Just wanted to share a thought with you as you also seem concerned about temps I ordered a mishimoto electric fan controller with the ability to control and adjust at what temp the fan kicks on I’m going to try setting at at 195 and pairing it with a mishimoto 180 thermostat this paired with a complete coolant system flush new coolant hood and inner fender vents and hood vent I think I can keep it sub 210F at all times

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Hey Cody! Thanks for the support! I didn’t know that mishimoto makes one of those! What year is your jeep? And do you have any check engine lights? My only though about this is that the Jeep’s computer will realize the fan is coming on differently than the computer would tell it to and might cause check engine lights.

[@codysawyer6314]

@@WarPaintOffroad 2015 I do not I haven’t installed yet it is on it way purchased last night i have high expectations for the set up I’d be suprised if I wasn’t able to achieve the my desired temp range

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@codysawyer6314 well DEFINITELY keep me posted. That’s a cool idea. I hope it works. If it does I’ll be ordering one and doing a video on it for sure. Let me know! I feel like this is only for an aftermarket electric fan. Like a pusher mounted to the front of the radiator. I don’t think this can work the factory fan. But like I said, fill me in when you try it out.

[@georgecarr257]

@@codysawyer6314 hey, Cody. Do you have any updates on how the Mishimoto experiment went? After having a head gasket go, and the extremely high repair costs, I am definitely interested. lol I understand these engines are made to run hotter, but i will never be comfortable with temps over 230. lmao

[@JohnKimble-v6l]

What size tires and lift kit are you using? I notice you are able to enter your garage door height with clearance. I want to do a 6 inch lift on 38 or 40 inch tires, but I’m concerned about my Jeep being too high for my garage doors.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

It’s a 3.5 inch lift. And it BARELY fits in the garage on 40’s. But if you are going to run a 40 make sure you upgrade to a one ton axle.

[@MATTHINELINE-pn5ib]

Would wrapping the cats with heat wrap help, I still say that's my they Crack heads or head gasket, I have a 2013 jku cracked head at 150k, my girl gas a 2018 grand cherokee gmhead gasket cracked at 110 k

[@WarPaintOffroad]

It might. I could see wrapping the CATS keeping them a little hotter and making them burn off a little more of the garbage that plugs them up. But I don’t think it’s your head issue. I could be wrong. But you may just be having bad luck in that department. So many variables. Tough to say.

[@MATTHINELINE-pn5ib]

@WarPaintOffroad I understand that , the grand cherokee never ran hit, only leaks in the tiny cylinder when you shut off, it #6 under the intake manifold the back of the engine bay by the fire wall, not much room for the heat to go, the 13 jku was middle driver side were the exhaust port is, hence all the heat coming out the middle, just my thought, tour video was good

[@nno0onn]

Hi, can you please tell me what thermostat are you using? and if you can provide the link? thanks in advance

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Hey there! So I am just using a Dorman thermostat for the Jeep jk 3.6. You can get it at any local parts store or the internet. But I would normally use the Mopar one. However I couldn’t get it in time…typically the Mopar one is a little more expensive but it lasts longer in my experience.

[@dewaynehowse231]

6:10 We are going to do it from the back. Says everyone. 😂😂😂

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Hahahaahah

[@geno2001h]

Thank you very much for your help

[@jonoxthomascito6516]

If you read the fine print you’ll see a disclaimer saying I’m here for a good time not a long time. Jeep inc 😂

[@WarPaintOffroad]

😂

[@AmyBethB]

Thank you. I needed this laugh. Currently dealing with a coolant leak.

[@jonoxthomascito6516]

@@AmyBethB inlest jeeps are easy to work on parts cheap But it’s easy to get a bad used one

[@AmyBethB]

@jonoxthomascito6516 we bought it used. We really love it. This is only the 2nd major problem. I don't think that is too bad in 3 years. If my husband can't fix it we will let the dealership.

[@JD-by9gk]

You are a genius. 😆

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Sometimes simple works! 👍🏻

[@creekerjk]

I'm going to try this I will let you know how it works ty again

[@lorenzomorgan8195]

What’s the standard coolant temp range for a JK?

[@JustMwah]

I just went to 4 row stainless radiator Mishimoto hoses Brand new TRQ water pump Brand new Mopar fluids Mishimoto low temp thermostat. Im completely done with the over heating Im currently changing out my heater hoses now i just walked outside opened the hood then said FML i got the HPS 5 piece kit (blue) for the heater hoses So everyone knows, the stock JK radiator is the size of a Prius radiator, when i pulled it out i almost threw up how tiny & pathetic it was. Its so thin some single row shiit. I immediately threw it to the ground & started kicking it

[@callmesomething1425]

First... sorry I had to I've never been first. Well on you tube at least. New subscriber love the content

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Haha. No need to apologize! Thanks for the support! In just a couple weeks the first build on the KZbin channel will start and it’s a BIG one. Stay tuned. Going to be a really awesome budget friendly build showing how to ton swap and set up a really awesome suspension.

[@callmesomething1425]

Very cool I'm getting ready to start a stretched YJ on 2.5 rockwells. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@callmesomething1425 that sounds awesome! Make sure you post pictures of it!

[@callmesomething1425]

I am deeply considering a video blog for this build, but I'm not an in front of the camera kinda person. (I have a face for radio) all kidding aside though it would be a good one to do it on as it's going to be an extremely radical crawler on a shoestring budget. So far jeep and axels I'm into it $1000 by all said and done I'm hoping to cap out at $2000-$2500 finished.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@callmesomething1425 that’s awesome! You must have had a hook up on the axles! Because those aren’t cheap and that’s a TON of axle for a light rig.

[@arizonajeepadventures]

Bro do you live in Santa Rita ranch? It litterately looks like my neighborhood in your video

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@arizonajeepadventures I don’t. Haha. I’m not even sure where that is. But I’m in Texas.

[@Georgia4Low]

Great video Dan.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Thanks for the support! I hope it helps a bunch of people! Project Maple Leaf starting SOON! about two weeks!

[@mromatic17]

Don’t use cheap autozone and oreily thermostats they open up at like 225 and will make it run hotter. Mine was doing this and I put a 180 mishomoto and it stays dead center!

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Yea. I did the mishimoto and it didn’t change anything. It took longer to heat up…but the fan still cycled at the same temps…so once it got hot…it stayed hot. That’s what most people say about the cooler thermostats in these modern vehicles. Maybe you just live in a cooler area. But at the same time…if you have a JKU….it can still be in the center and get up to near 230°…it doesn’t start moving above center until above 230°

[@mromatic17]

@@WarPaintOffroad looking at it i actually ordered the ripp supercharger 180 thermostat. not sure if they are made by the same company or not. the stat in my 17 JKU was replaed like a year prior to me buying it by some independant mechanic shop. it was a 203 and it was running up to the 3/4th on the guage and if you kept floring it would turn on the coolant light. it would mainly hang in the middle of the 1/2 and 3/4 the half way if 200 and the 3/4 is 250 from what i read. now after the 180 was put in it doesn't go past the half way point and I still have a great heater. the degree on the thermostat will still have the engine run 10-20 degrees hotter than what it says it looks like its running at about 190-200.

[@SpectreOZ]

*What no thermal sensor switch hack?* 🤨

[@WarPaintOffroad]

No one these computers. They are programmed with a resistor. So the higher the temp gets the faster the fan spins. I don’t know of a way to do that and hide it from the computer. It’s also not necessary if you have a clean radiator fan shroud. They work well.

[@SpectreOZ]

@@WarPaintOffroad That is the hack... place a low value resistor inline with the thermal sensor and the computer will turn the fan on sooner.

[@Christianlucer07]

my gladiators tempature will keep climbing the faster i go, i cant drive faster than 65 mph or im at 230 f and climbing the faster I go, any guesses ??? probably need a new radiator?

[@thomaspistole1883]

Thermostat.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

I’m sorry I didn’t see this sooner. But if the fan is working…it’s definitely a thermostat.

[@robertknowles4550]

What if i remove the thermostat and it still gets up to 230f up hill at 75mph?

[@WarPaintOffroad]

You have a different issue. Did you rinse it out like in this video? If so…and you are sure the fan is working…you might have casting sand to b the block somewhere..or maybe someone put the wrong coolant in and it’s starting to gel. Lots of things can cause it.

[@robertknowles4550]

@WarPaintOffroad thank you I'll look into it more

[@JerseyPR84]

My jeep has creeped up to nearly 238.. Then went down not sure if thats normal..

[@WarPaintOffroad]

@@JerseyPR84 yea. It can be depending on the conditions when it crept up. Going up that high when climbing steep hills on a hot day when towing or with larger tires…that’s okay…as long as it comes right down.

[@falcon9gxgc]

Mine keeps going up and down, on idle and on the road. At 18k miles dealership finally changed the engine, said it was a leak. Now at almost 27k miles, the problem seems to have crept back up again. At idle sits at 230 and fan spins like a jet engine. Also just saw leaking at the front diferential. Can you hose from the front?

[@ferrasrotator]

Someone sent me the link to your videos last night.. I did everything today.. I can't believe how much crap came out!

[@WarPaintOffroad]

I’m glad it helped! Woohoo! It’s pretty amazing isn’t it?

[@user-wg3wj6ur9z]

3,6 crap. My JL is baddddd on the fixes needs thousands just to keep it on the road. Smiles per gallon tho.

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Sorry to hear. They are usually pretty reliable and trouble free. But anytime they make millions of them…there will be a few that aren’tz

[@TheSchmed]

I have the 3.8 and the 3.6 versions, and the 3.8 is a much better motor.

[@shekharmoona544]

That thermostat housing is trash and the oil cooling system in the middle of the valley is the worst design ever.

[@EstherAndTheStraightRazo-rq8sd]

“You’re gonna understand that the cooling system does some kinda funny things” ; translation, this is a POS

[@EstherAndTheStraightRazo-rq8sd]

I would ask why these things are such pieces of shit, but that leads to a more important question, why would anyone buy one? Is it the concept of an American flagship of Jeep? Any Jeep you surely buy today doesn’t meet any standards of the old Jeep. Why is there still a following? I’m about to tear apart one of my soldiers vehicles with the same POS motor cause his oil cooler failed. wtf would anyone buy one of these?

[@johndoe5162]

Yeah the 3.6 pentastar is trash man I'm about to throw my Jeep on the junk yard I had up to here with mine

[@WarPaintOffroad]

Well…I’m going to disagree with that. Far from trash. They make good power and fuel economy. There are MILLIONS of them on the road and they aren’t stopping them. There are articles of them going over 500k miles with nothing but basic maintenance. I have a couple vehicles with this motor…and while I’m not claiming it’s the best motor in the world…it’s far from trash in my experience.

[@RedFury0]

can't relate I got a 3.8

[@sweetabang5292]

Don't give up Bro. Jeeps have been around since the Vietnam War. There's hope.

[@gunztommiegunz]

@@RedFury0that motor’s worse, easier to work on but a reason they’re not used

[@mylesharvey6488]

​@@sweetabang5292WWII yah mean!

[@skulldaddygraphics]

Needs to be a solution to control the fan and when that turns on

[@WarPaintOffroad]

There is one. But it’s super expensive. With the winch mounted low enough…it won’t get as hot. Especially when the radiator is clean.