Just got back from Jeep Jamboree - Coal Mountain

TerryMason

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Staff member
I took the family to the 2025 Jeep Jamboree in upper Pennsylvania. It was a blast! I was able to get two Jeep badge of honor badges, one for Barney Rubble trail and one for Fern Ridge trail.

The trip started off on the wrong foot. I had made it 2 hours out of Virginia when the temperature began to climb. I was okay on the interstate but it would overheat if I came to a stop. I ended up buying a water pump thermostat and fan clutch in New Jersey and then installing them at 11:30 at night outside the Airbnb in Pennsylvania. I actually had to install the thermostat and water pump twice because the first time I didn't scrape the gaskets off totally and it leaked like crazy.

I haven't tested it in boiling water, but I think the thermostat was the culprit. It looked pretty crusty

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Once I got my heating problem fixed it was smooth sailing. The trails were a lot of fun and very challenging. Especially Barney rubble, if it weren't for the spotters I would have had a hard time.



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It was a great time and I certainly wouldn't mind going back next year. The food was awesome. Buffet for breakfast and dinner, and a bag lunch all included in the price.


I managed to take some video with my new GoPro. We've got a section going through some brush, then a hill climb, and finally the Barney rubble trail.



Not sure how it worked out, but the whole trip from start to finish ended up being 1001 miles. A pretty good trip for a 20 year old Jeep with 181k miles.

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Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
 
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Dang wish I was there.

You were near old stomping grounds.

That is more Central PA than Northern PA. Historic route [emoji6] is northern.

I was in The Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton area or NEPA


It was more the big chunk of metal in front blocking airflow.

Above 35 mph you shouldn’t need a fan.
If your RPM was up in the > 2500 rpm trying to do 70 that will push the system.
Keep 62-65 or less than 2800 rpm and there should be no issue.

I drove 525 miles each way across PA and Ohio. When my thermo went it failed open.
I just turned the heater on high and rolled down the windows.
Does your heater work??
Clean the fins. You just did this.
Make sure the side gaskets around the radiator are there so air is forced through the radiator.

Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
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You just fixed the fan shroud. Is this an OEM radiator? Gaskets around the radiator there?
The wench blocks a lot of airflow.
Im sure it is not an easy pop off and on item. And you would not want it to be.

Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
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