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Coolant leak, no idea where

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Old Sep 5, 2011 | 11:17 AM
  #1  
kyle b's Avatar
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From: Grand Rapids, MI.
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default Coolant leak, no idea where

I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0 litre I6 engine. I have a coolant leak and I can't find out where it is leaking.
I have replaced the thermostat gasket because of it leaking and thought it fixed the problem. No such luck. So I put it under the pressure test for the second time and I found out that the upper radiator hose had a pin hole in it.
I replaced that. The leak is still there!! I am losing coolant out of my over flow reservoir and I have to add about a quart of antifreeze every 2-3 days depending on how much I drive it.
The radiator always stays full. The reservoir is the only thing that I have to add anything to. Can anyone help me out??
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Old Sep 5, 2011 | 12:00 PM
  #2  
kyledye25's Avatar
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From: Apollo, PA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Could be burning it. Head gasket could be shot. I know I drove my car(not the jeep) for weeks topping off the coolant here and there before I decided to pull it all apart and check the head gasket. sure enough that was it. You look under the reservoir? There are only so many places that could be leaking if its an actual leak. Can you get a good look at the rad? I had a bunch of small leaks in my rad on my XJ. But didn't notice till I went to replace it. Pulled it out and it was covered in dried up antifreeze.
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Old Sep 5, 2011 | 12:19 PM
  #3  
BLUE 01's Avatar
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From: williamston mi
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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cracked head search 0331 head. common problem on 2000-2001 4.0 especially if been overheated
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Old Sep 5, 2011 | 12:23 PM
  #4  
willsmysticcobra's Avatar
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From: Lake Zurich
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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freeze plugs
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Old Sep 5, 2011 | 12:37 PM
  #5  
Mycherokee96's Avatar
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Check your heater core.....
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Old Sep 9, 2011 | 06:12 PM
  #6  
kyle b's Avatar
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From: Grand Rapids, MI.
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default cracked head??

Thanks guys. I looked at the oil filler cap today and I saw that it has a white gel like substance on the bottom of the cap. Could it be a cracked head??

I have heard a lot from this forum about that being a problem for the 2000 4.0 engines..... If that is the case how is a cracked head fixed?
Is it possible to fix?

I'm at a stand still as to what to do. Thanks for any help...
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Old Sep 9, 2011 | 06:18 PM
  #7  
2000xj's Avatar
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From: East Hanover, NJ
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Check your oil, if it's got a milkshake like look to it, then you should check the head for cracks.

Have you seen small puddles of coolant collecting anywhere? If you have, you may be able to trace the dried antifreeze to the source of the leak.
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Old Sep 9, 2011 | 06:56 PM
  #8  
Zack92MJ's Avatar
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Year: 1992
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
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Heres what you need to do:

1. Pop your hood
2. Turn your jeep on
3. Stand there till it leaks
4. figure out where the leak is coming from
5. Get a very good idea where its coming from
6. Turn jeep off
7. fix problem
8. Go for a drive
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Old Sep 15, 2011 | 05:09 PM
  #9  
kyle b's Avatar
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Found the problem. Cracked head. There is a crack on the head between the 3rd and 4th pistons. Thanks for the help guys.
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Old Sep 15, 2011 | 08:19 PM
  #10  
Zack92MJ's Avatar
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Year: 1992
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by kyle b
Found the problem. Cracked head. There is a crack on the head between the 3rd and 4th pistons. Thanks for the help guys.
Damn sorry bro
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