So am I correct in assuming that only 00-01 XJ's had the 0331 head WITHOUT a distributor and had a coil pack? I'm asking because I have a 98 Sport that the PO had installed a new motor in, from a newer Cherokee he said, and my head is now cracked...the only one I was able to source was a 0630 from my job as the direct replacement. (I work at O'Reilly's) I am trying to determine if I need to get the adapter plate for the exhaust manifold or if I'm fine without it. I would appreciate any help before I just go to the shop and dive under the hood myself before work.

 

They actually started putting the 0331 heads in mid 99 but not many had them. You don't know what year the engine was from? Anyways it should be stamped on the side of the head telling you what you have.

 

Yea, no clue what year the engine is from. The head is actually at the head shop and my mechanic hasn't picked it up yet. I did go down just a few minutes ago and took a picture of where all the plug wires go to, I believe it's a distributor? I have some mechanical knowledge but mainly basic stuff.
Sorry about the crappy cell phone pic.

 

Yes that's a distributor.

Look on the other side to find the casting number.

In all honesty, the 0331 head is only a bad head if you overheat it. Don't overheat it and you'll be fine.

 

Will a 04 wj 4.0 head with the stamps 3023 TUPY on the head work on my 01 cherokee sport 4.0?

 

Disreguard my last post. I see the 0331 now

 

This is true!
If you are lucky you only blew t a head gasket. Just because it is a 0331 head doesn't mean that the head is cracked. Yes they do crack easier then the other but they don't always crack.

 

Sadly I know its cracked...I ordered the 0630 head as a replacement (see original post) and I'm trying to make sure it will work fine without the adapter plate that the guy from naxja makes that fits between the head and the exhaust manifold. Also this is the link to when it first happened if anyone's curious. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/need-help-asap-148072/

 

Alright guys, I just got the head back from the mechanic for the core. The one that was in it was a 7120. Sounds like the PO didn't know what he was talking about...Who knows how many actual miles are on the engine...Now my new question is will my 0630 head that I got bolt up to my exhaust and intake manifold without any modifications such as the 0331 to 0630 adapter plate? Or do I just have another headache on my hands?