brand new engine, and over heating

[completelyhis]

I put a newly rebuilt engine (2.5L) in my 95 wrangler, new water pump, radiator, thermostat, radiator cap, the whole deal, after running for a couple of minutes, it starts to get quite hot, I shut it down at 210-215, but it shows that it would keep going if I let it.

I rechecked the plug gap, its at .035, I confirmed that the timing is ECM controlled, so it's not advanced, but the top and bottom hose off the radiator are getting hot, though the top seems to be more "radiant" heat than actual water heat. I confirmed the coolant resevoir is at "full." The fan's turning good, good mix of coolant, I just don't know what the problem could be. I have a couple of theories:

1. bad rebuild. Not having enough time, I had a VERY reputable shop do my rebuild for me. Maybe they messed it up?
2. air pockets in the coolant system. I tried driving it around, revving (not above 2,500rpm), thinking it would "burp" any air pockets out. no luck.

any ideas?

Thanks,

Ian

 

[redrooster]

Sounds like air pockets. Point the Jeep up hill with the radiator cap off. Mybe that will get the air out.
Also check the fan clutch.

 

[B192734]

So Completelyhis also says:

Tried jacking it up and running without the cap on. Fan is turning well, but the radiator is cold. He's put on 2 thermostats, brand new. It's a brand new rebuilt engine with all new parts put on.

 

[redrooster]

Take the thermostat out for now and see if the radiator ever warms up.
Check the fan clutch by sticking a rolled up newspaper in it at idle. If the newspaper is able to stop the fan, then the clutch is bad. Watch your fingers.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

210 isn't "quite hot" for a 2.5 Wrangler. Pretty much everyone I've ever talked to says theirs run at 210 all the time, including mine. It bumps up over 210 gradually when first started for a minute or so until the thermostat is fully opened.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

210 is normal, don't be afraid to let it go up a bit more to see if it levels off soon after passing 220.

 

[jfrabat]

Yeah, mine will show about 190 when cruising, but while standing still (like at stop lights and such) it will go up to 210* where it levels off (on hot days it's go a bit higher, but not much).

 

[LVRockCrawler]

running lean for some reason? had that problem w/an old 440 i built and the hotter it got the leaner it ran and the hotter it got and the leaner... well you get the upward spiral... a spacer fixed my prob but yours is injected so dont think this will help but wanted to throw in my $.02 - g'luck! and welcome to JEEPZ!