1983 jeep cj7 overheating problems

SOURCE: overheating

Well, assuming that the water pump is turning the correct way, looks like you are going to have to pull the radiator out & take it to a guy who cleans radiator interiors. Seems to me that you may have some sediment built up and the water is not circulating thru the rad. This would explain why the top is warm & the bottom cool with no thermostat. Whilst the rad is out, flush the block with water. See what comes out. Don't use a "flush kit" just yet. In my experience, the flush kits that you buy are not good for this issue, have it done by a pro, but, after he cleans it, then get a flush kit & flush the block anyway. If there is sediment in the radiator (from sitting), there is def sediment in the block.

The timing would have to be WAY OFF to make it overheat.

SOURCE: CJ7 Proportioning Valve - 1983

http://www.bustedjeep.com/projects/yjbrakes.asp

Check out the last paragraph, re: which proportioning valve should I use?

It says that either will work, but the YJ valve is cheaper

SOURCE: I have a 88 jeep comanche it started over

Check to make sure the air is bled out of the system by removing the cap on the bottle and the heater hose at the thermostat housing. When fluid starts running out of the housing, reattach the hose and test again.

SOURCE: Have an '85 CJ7--put in new radiator and

Take out the thermostat and run it like this for while. If the motor still over heats: Look over by the battery, do you see where those two hoses from the radiator and the water manifold are going into the firewall? Take the hose going to the manifold from the firewall off of the connection at the firewall and connect it directly to the water pump. I think the manifold hose is the one on the right just make sure it's not the one coming from the water pump. You'll have to remove the hose coming to the fire wall from the water pump where it is connected at the pump but, that's OK for now just tie/tape it to something out of the way. Now then, your water pump will be sending water directly to the water manifold without any obstruction. When you run the motor for a little while and find that it stays super cool, I then suggest (if you want any heated air this winter) that you have the heater core (there behind the firewall where the two hoses were going) flushed clean or replaced and hooked back up. Once water can flow freely through the system your thermostat can probably be reinstalled w/ out overheating the motor.

SOURCE: replacing front shackle 1983 jeep cj7

Shackles are pretty straight forward. Remove the existing bolts, change the shackles and reverse the procedure to install. Good idea to change the bushings while you're in there if they are at all questionable. It's best to do this with the CJ in the air, supported on the frame and use a floor jack under the axle to lift/lower the spring in/out of the shackle, one side at a time.

Testimonial: "But what if I am doing this in my garage without a lift?"