My water box is clanking.

[enzo]

I got a 98 Sj and was putting the water box back in when I found out something inside has broken loose and is clanking around on the inside. I assume it is a bafle. Any way to get it out with out cutting the thing open? Is it OK to just run it the way it is?

Thanks

 

[#ZERO]

Try to put a small inspection mirror inside with a flashlight shinning on it.

If it's a broken baffle you're going to have to cut that thing open at the weld seem.

If its rod bearings or piston rings, they come out just by shaking most of the time.

 

[Watty]

I ran a waterbox with a broken baffle for years and never had a single problem. I did cut it open a while back, but I probably didn't need to. The centre pipe that connects the two chambers comes loose and clunks around, but that about it.

When you cut it open (if you can be bothered) make sure you cut down the side of the plate that runs through the middle, otherwise it will take you a long time, and have to get a new plate put in as well!! Thats not likely to happen anyway. When you have it all apart, clean the hell out of it and also clean 1/2" around the are to be welded (both baffle and box itself) with a polyfan/flapwheel. Doing this will make it easier for the boilermaker to weld, and will cost you less and you are doing all the prep.

 

[enzo]

It is a large Heavey piece of metal. I am just gonna run it.

 

[DAG]

If its rod bearings or piston rings, they come out just by shaking most of the time.

:bigeyes:

 

[Mike W]

If its rod bearings or piston rings, they come out just by shaking most of the time.

If this is the case than you have big problems. More than likely its a baffle.