Camyoung79

Hey guys I'm new here and have a question!! I have a 2000 Cherokee 4.0 that I have been having problems with for a few days it will run at a little over 210 and then all of a sudden spike out to 250.... I spent $30 and got a thermostat gasket and reaturn like for the heater core( had a small leak...... So I thought I fixed it and it did it again so I brought it to the shop and they tell me it's the head gasket.... I'm not a pro wrencher but I feel like I know enough where I could fix it my self.... Idk what I'm really looking for here lol.... Advice step by step parts list torque specs.... Bake and reseal the head or grab one out the junk yard haha I'm just lookin for anything

My names cam young btw thanks verry much guys!

Camyoung79

They tell me it will be around $1500 i said **** that I'll do it my self

TheJerm

Search for cracked head issues too. 2000 and 2001 are known to crack when overheated, not all the times but its happens. Easiest way to tell is milkshake cooled oil either on the dip stick or under the oil cap on the motor.

Pick up a repair manual at the store and it will tell you everything you need to know, also have a buddy to help cause the head is heavy

sluggy

i belive?? the earlier heads are better as well, so maybe pick up a good second hand one and chnge that at the same time?

TheJerm

It take some craftiness to make earlier heads to work on 2000 and 2001 because of the coil packs

sluggy

ah, very good point lol

HeepJeeper

Camyoung79

I figured I could go to robbins and have it baked checked for cracks and sealed? I got a guy who does machine work and have him put it on a machine......... Can I take the intake plenum and header off with the head so I can put it on the bench and try not to break the manifold bolts.... Orrr should they come off first?

Camyoung79

I was gonna do the gasket sealer but I just figured i would just fix it I guess lol

bigboy813

Head gasket sealers just cause other problems from what i hear.

Camyoung79

Yea I wanna check the head to

tjwalker

The 2000 and 2001 XJ came from the factory with the infamous 0331 cylinder head, which has a known casting defect between cylinders 3-4, making it susceptible to cracking here.

You have symptoms that very likely indicate a cracked head. The head cracks way more often than the head gasket fails here.

Below is a thread that is required reading for anyone with an 00-01. You really need to figure this out ASAP, as if it is a cracked head and it is not resolved quickly, the coolant that mixes with the oil (even a small amount) will eventually destroy the engine bearings. And then you have bigger fish to fry.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=391831

Good luck! And I would not recommend using any sealer here.

TheJerm

I would recommend removing the intake and exhaust 1st. It just makes it easier to remove the head from the engine bay cause its so long and heavy

s14unimog

You might be jumping to conclusions. I would do a leak-down test and be DAMN SURE you've got a head/head gasket issue before tearing stuff apart.

The deal about the gauge is normal, they are setup to spike out a certain temp and flag the "check gauges" light. This is meant to alarm the operator BEFORE something actually happens. It might be okay.

Camyoung79

I did do a leak down test and I was getting exhaust gas on the gauge.... Just priced out parts at Robbins ( all new gaskets, water pump, thermostat, 10, of heater hose, 2 02 sensors, complete oil change, antifreeze, heavy duty radiator flush,speed sensor, clamps, new headbolts,) anything I'm missing? Would be greatly appreciated!!! I got a head off a 2000 that I'm gonna have magnafluxed... Secondary cooling fan and radiator form my buddy's jeep and all I have to do is give him some lobsters when I come back from my trip tomorrow... Haha I love having friends who are packrats!...... Anyone know torque specs or should I just get the chiltons manuel?
Thank u guys so much you guys saved me $2200 that the guy wanted to charge me!