Phaska

My new-to-me 2000 Jeep XJ runs well and I love it. But, the coolant reservoir was emptying fast and I couldn't figure out why, so I did the Blackstone Labs oil test and the results are bad:

Feels overwhelming. I can check the air filter and then could try to figure out if the coolant leak is coming from a blown head gasket or water pump, but is it a lost cause? Should I get some coolant leak repair liquid and drive it till it dies?

may pop

Try removing the oil fill cap on the valve cover. Look inside the engine between the valve springs. You may see a crack running right to left or the residue left from coolant. This cracking is common for the 2000 and 2001 engines.
A leaking water pump will leak to the exterior of the engine not into the oil.
Stop leak products only mask the problem and will lead to more expenses when a permanent is done. This will be clogged radiator and heater core. If you run it to failure it will cost more to rebuild than it would now.
Without actually being at your Jeep diagnosing 100% is only a guess but as you will find when doing more research it a fairly common problem.
It really sucks to say this but with the response from Blackstone a rebuild is in order soon. The coolant in the oil will eat at the engines bearings causing low oil pressure and then catistrophic failure.

Ron

Phaska

Hard news to hear, but makes sense. Thanks for sharing. I am looking into remanned engines and will see what my options and costs are.

00t444e

Sounds like a cracked 331 head, one reason why I avoid the 2000-2001 models.

lawsoncl

I'm willing to bet the previous owner knew about the problem, changed the oil and sold it quick.