Been struggling with my XJ overheating for the past month. Took the car to a different mechanic today and had them do a block test for blown head gasket, they also double confirmed with a chemical test. I guess I have 243 HC in the coolant? They also found massive amounts of stop leak in my coolant...and I have own this vehicle for less than a year

I have always checked my oil, radiator cap, and plugs diligently. There was absolutely no signs besides the overheating.

So in the past month, I have replaced all my radiator hoses, flushed my cooling system 3+ times, replaced the thermostat with a 195 degree one, new fan clutch, water pump, and radiator. At this point, could there be anything else that is causing the overheating besides a bad head gasket?
Also have a completely rebuilt rear differential along with suspension from back in November.

At this point, do I look to do a engine swap? machine heads and slap back on (Mechanic said he would do it for $800)? or do a complete rebuild on my engine since its a 99 with 185k miles on it?

Thanks in advance

 

Pull the head off yourself and bring it to an engine shop to get decked and have then do whatever tests they do to make sure it's not cracked. If you could take the jeep off the road for a few days it could be a lot cheaper.

 

Sounds like its time for a new head gasket. Once thats done flush the ever loving **** out of the entire system with a detergent. Stop leak is awful bad stuff and will clog up your new radiator. Don't be surprised if you have no heat come winter

 

I was working at an gas station back in the mid '60s when some stuff came out. It was called "Silver Seal". Salesman stopped by and gave a demonstration. Using a galvinized bucket he took a flat blade screwdriver and punched 4 or 5 holes in bucket below it's water level. Added one tube of the stop leak. Stirred it until the leaking stopped. Impressive. If you've got a leaking bucket.

 

Overall, a jerk move by the people I bought it from with the sealant. I have hooked up a hose to the block and through the radiator 3 times in the past 2 weeks, and there is still brown gunk coming out of it with fresh coolant.

Guess I am still pondering if I should find a low mile junkyard engine? Or only replace the head gasket and get the heads machined(I just don't know what else would need repaired from the abuse of the previous owners)

 

I'd not replace the engine just for blown headgasket. Replaced one on a 22R Toyota motor with over 200K miles on it and it still runs. Just passed 304K miles.

How did it run before the overheating problem? Chances are the PO was only dealing with a neglected cooling system.

 

If you trust the Mechanic and can afford it a full rebuild would be best.The reason the stop leak was in it was it blew the head gasket before you owned it,And some one used stop leak as a band aid to sell it fast.