Looking at a 2001 Cherokee with 170k today. Has had the 0331 Cylander replaced as well as the thermostat. They did say it over heated but doesn't now. They are asking 4, I want to offer 3. Would others walk from this?

 

What kind of head did they replace this with? Might be a TUPY from a '02 and up Jeep. Can see the TUPY stamping through the oil filler cap. That would make me more comfortable. What kind of shape? I paid $1500 for mine with 147K. Running but not really drive-able. A/C compressor seized and they lost the belt. Decided to chance it. Some surface rust paint issues, mostly hood and roof, and the little things that are always wrong with them. Check the oil for the milkshake looking crap. Look inside the valve cover for the same. See what level the anti-freeze is at. Take it for a good run. Get her nice and hot. See what the oil pressure is at a very hot idle. See if she lost any coolant. Bring a scanner if possible to check that they did not clear a CEL and that all the monitors are in a OK status. I think 3K still might be a little pricey but I am not there to see her. Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the advice. Keeps in general demand a premium where I'm at. I have a tj I daily, but it's not very comfortable on longer drives.

 

No problem. Also be aware that it is my understanding that all '01's are CA Emissions. My '00 is too. Not a deal breaker but life might be easier without the 4 O2 sensors and that dual cat set up CA ones have. Also heat soak. After you take it for the good run shut her down for about 20 minutes. The restart her. If she stumbles and runs rough on start up it could indicate that problem. What happens is the heat in the engine compartment vaporizes the fuel in the fuel rail and injectors when sitting. Causing the rough start and possible misfire codes.

 

LOOK UP ^^^^^^^^
Right at the top of this thread
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/loo...osting-224555/

 

This is my second Cherokee, I know then pretty intimately, I've had an 01 and had heat soak and it was an easy fix. Didn't mind the CA emissions and extra 02 sensors.

I was wanting opinions on the head replacement. How long will that last? It was with a heavy duty replacement, not another aluminum one. I'm also concerned with the over heating and they didn't replace the full cooling system, just the thermostat. 4K seemed high, was wanting opinions on price also. I'm in dfw.

 

Aluminum what?

 

LOL. I thought the same thing. Aluminum???

 

There is some risk to be sure. How much? Nobody can answer that for you. Obviously it had the cracked 0331 head. Did they catch it early enough before there was engine bearing wear? Not a real easy way to tell with inspection, other than checking oil pressure, which is a must here. You should check coolant level as well, but if its been topped off, you wouldn't really know.

Yes, you would want either a beefed up cylinder head like from Clearwater Cylinder Head OR a used TUPY head as mentioned. If it doesn't have one or the other, definitely walk away.

98-99 is the sweet spot for the XJ IMHO. If you buy this one, factor the risk of worst case (engine replacement or rebuild) into your offer so that you're not feeling burned if that happens to you.

 

Any 15 year old vehicle with almost 200K on it is a crap shoot.

If you're willing to go $3000 after you check it out, offer $2500 to give yourself some negotiating room. I'm assuming it's a 4X4.

Don't fall in love with it. But you are there, and we are not.

Ultimately it's your money and your decision to live with.

 

I ended up passing on the deal. Looking at a 92 with a new motor and transmission for 2k. Looks clean hope it runs clean!