Why would a 1995 Jeep Wrangler overheat?

Answer 1

Some possibilities are an old, worn engine; a worn timing belt; and old coolant/antifreeze (you should drain and flush the coolant after every oil change.).

I don't believe they come with a timing belt. (It's a chain)

1) Like stated above old coolant heater core could be clogged (should flush)

No coolant (sounds dumb right some times it's the most obvious things)

2) Bad thermostat. To break it down a thermostat is made (basically) of three things the housing a sort of pin and wax. When the engine gets to about 190 depending on the vehicle the wax expands and pushes the pin out cause fluid to be allowed through. If the thermostat does open it causes to overheat (as coolant can't circulate through the system) best way to check is to let the car run until it get warm and squeeze the upper radiator hose is it firm? If yes the thermostat is good.

3) Bad radiator. Inspect your radiator to makes sure there are not cracks/ fins busted out. Check radiator hoses for leaks.

4) Bad water pump. Check the water pump. Since it's not driven by the time belt/chain it should be to hard to get to. Inspect it for leaks cracked gasket and make sure it spins freely.

5) Bad head gasket. Get a compression test at your local shop. (simple enough) does your heater work? When you start it up does the exhaust blow white smoke? These are all signs of a bad head gasket

6) Bad temperature sending unit. It might not really be getting hot. I can't think of a way to check this. Just trail and error.

6) And finally does it overheat only when your stopped? If so check the fans. Do they turn on when the engine gets hot? If not... They should.

That's all I can think of. I hope this helps