New user here -- I did read through plenty post and have questions.

I have a 97 XJ Sport 4.0. Maybe (2) weeks ago started to hear valve tapping. Now the heat always goes to mid point on the themo gauge and never goes beyond that point.( She's done this sine I've had her.) Started to notice that the radiator overflow is empty again. I have not noticed any performance issues and the oil pressure is always @ about 40point when idle and well over the 60 mark when driving. I have recently replaced - thermostat and housing - hoses - plugs - wires. When mashing the gas down you hear the clickity-clickity- and if you let off a bit when accelerating you can hear like a back lash type click. I was told I needed to replace the cylinder head and with that the hd gasket would be replaced. Now the quote given to do that is 800 dollars. What do fellow XJ'ers say to this? I believe it to be way too much since re-man heads are about 200 here in Chicago. Just thought I would be able to pay half that to have it done and not miss work doing it. I'm okay with doing it myself being the hd gasket and cylinder hear installation but just want ot really make sure something else is not the true problem- Thanks for your help
Ex Scout owner now Jeep Owner
in Chicago 60634 in the event anyone can recommend a "Jeep Mechanic"
thanks
george