Losing Coolant
#1
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Losing Coolant I Need Help!
I purchased an 01 Cherokee a couple of months ago and have been losing coolant like crazy ever since. I am filling up about every two weeks. I swapped out the thermostat and the thermostat housing, I had the head gasket changed when I purchased the Jeep, and I had a pressure test ran that showed up clean. I dont see any noticeable puddles under the jeep or any signs of it leaking underneath the jeep. I am in need of another opinion on what it could possible be and what I can do about it.
Last edited by seanie11; 09-09-2015 at 09:33 AM.
#2
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Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
The head is cracked. Since this has been going on for a while, the oil is contaminated with coolant. Any lubricated part, especially the bearings, are damaged and possibly destroyed by now.
Your Cherokee was bad when you bought it. The previous owner knew this. This is why they sold it.
If it was mine, I would sell it now with disclosure. If you have a fair amount of money, time, and desire have the engine block assembly totally rebuilt IF it is rebuildable. Buy a brand new, aftermarket head from someone like Clearwater. Your old head is only good for a doorstop or boat anchor now.
Your Cherokee was bad when you bought it. The previous owner knew this. This is why they sold it.
If it was mine, I would sell it now with disclosure. If you have a fair amount of money, time, and desire have the engine block assembly totally rebuilt IF it is rebuildable. Buy a brand new, aftermarket head from someone like Clearwater. Your old head is only good for a doorstop or boat anchor now.
Last edited by Firestorm500; 09-09-2015 at 09:39 AM.
#3
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Year: 2001
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First thing I did on it was change the oil, no milkshake in the oil also I had the head checked no crack was found. Im not getting a white smoke or weird smell from the exhaust and my floor is dry.
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Year: 2015, 2012
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Your Jeep has a known factory casting flaw in the head. They typically crack between #3 and #4 valves.
Bench inspection on a cold head doesn't always reveal a crack. It can also be cracked internally where no one can see it.
Bench inspection on a cold head doesn't always reveal a crack. It can also be cracked internally where no one can see it.
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Year: 1994 SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
By filling up with coolant every two weeks it should be quite noticeable.
Stupid question, but when you say you don't see any puddles to you mean after a drive, or have you let it sit while running and get up to full operating temp? Nothing in the engine bay at all?
Stupid question, but when you say you don't see any puddles to you mean after a drive, or have you let it sit while running and get up to full operating temp? Nothing in the engine bay at all?
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
How was it checked?
A lot of people, including "mechanics", think they can look at a head and see a crack.
If your mechanic is one of those people, get another mechanic.
Many cracks are not visible, and only open up when hot and under pressure.
By the way, what firestorm said. You should do some tests to confirm it, but start deciding what you are going to do with a cracked head and possibly ruined engine.
A lot of people, including "mechanics", think they can look at a head and see a crack.
If your mechanic is one of those people, get another mechanic.
Many cracks are not visible, and only open up when hot and under pressure.
By the way, what firestorm said. You should do some tests to confirm it, but start deciding what you are going to do with a cracked head and possibly ruined engine.
#9
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Year: 2015, 2012
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Your coolant isn't leaking on the ground. It is leaking into the engine and being burned. Some of it is getting into the oil.
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Year: My Jeep is a GMC
Losing coolant before or after the head gasket replacement?
Hindsight=20/20 if the head was removed it should have just been replaced.
https://www.cylinder-heads.com/autom...er-heads/jeep/
Hindsight=20/20 if the head was removed it should have just been replaced.
https://www.cylinder-heads.com/autom...er-heads/jeep/
#11
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If I read one of his early posts correctly, it lost coolant before and after head gasket replacement.
Therefore it is not a head gasket problem. It also is not the thermostat, water pump, or heater core.
Few mechanics are knowledgeable about the 0331 head cracking problem.
Therefore it is not a head gasket problem. It also is not the thermostat, water pump, or heater core.
Few mechanics are knowledgeable about the 0331 head cracking problem.
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If I read one of his early posts correctly, it lost coolant before and after head gasket replacement.
Therefore it is not a head gasket problem. It also is not the thermostat, water pump, or heater core.
Few mechanics are knowledgeable about the 0331 head cracking problem.
Therefore it is not a head gasket problem. It also is not the thermostat, water pump, or heater core.
Few mechanics are knowledgeable about the 0331 head cracking problem.
As I begin to do the coolant system, what else should I check for and do?
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