Cooling System
10-05-2017, 12:30 PM
#1
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Cooling System
I am needing all 7 of my freeze plugs and radiator replaced. Then get the engine flushed and heater core back flushed. To do all of the labor and parts the shop has quoted me a price of about $1300. Is this a good amount? Labor would run about 10.5 to 11 hours.
10-05-2017, 03:07 PM
#2
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Model: Cherokee(XJ)
not so much labor for most parts except the freeze plugs that asks for quite a few hours them are not easy to get to. i cant say for sure if thats a fair price.. i like the idea of doing it myself and knowing i saved that much money 
marc
marc
10-05-2017, 03:53 PM
#3
The ones on the side of the block can be done by removing the intake and exhaust. The one that will cause all the labor is the one on the back of the block. You have to either remove the engine or remove the trans to get to it. Remove/replace either will definitely take the bulk of those hours.
The rear freeze plug was leaking on my wife's '99. I did not have time to do it myself since it involves trans or engine removal. Dealer charged ~$1200. $3.00 for the freeze plug, rest was labor so your price seems fair.
Why do you need the freeze plugs replaced? Can you see one leaking or are you seeing coolant leaking from the bottom of the bellhousing? If you don't know for sure that one is leaking, I would not preemptively replace them. I had to replace an engine that the PO had put well water in (rusted the thermostat shut). I replaced the freeze plugs on the replacement motor and removed the plugs on the well water motor (just out of curiosity) and they all looked good.
I did not see the one the dealer replaced so have no idea how bad it was. The leak was pretty minimal and I think I caught it very early.
The rear freeze plug was leaking on my wife's '99. I did not have time to do it myself since it involves trans or engine removal. Dealer charged ~$1200. $3.00 for the freeze plug, rest was labor so your price seems fair.
Why do you need the freeze plugs replaced? Can you see one leaking or are you seeing coolant leaking from the bottom of the bellhousing? If you don't know for sure that one is leaking, I would not preemptively replace them. I had to replace an engine that the PO had put well water in (rusted the thermostat shut). I replaced the freeze plugs on the replacement motor and removed the plugs on the well water motor (just out of curiosity) and they all looked good.
I did not see the one the dealer replaced so have no idea how bad it was. The leak was pretty minimal and I think I caught it very early.
10-05-2017, 07:53 PM
#5
CF Veteran
On a 4.0 there is one inside the bell housing. If there is a problem, it will probably be there. Murphy's Law
10-06-2017, 12:06 AM
#6
No, I don't lick fish.
OP, why do you need all of your freeze plugs replaced? Is it just something they're recommending due to age or what? If they're not leaking, leave 'em alone!
10-06-2017, 08:33 AM
#7
If you have not dealt with the freeze plug on the back of the block leaking, I could see why you'd think you don't need to remove the engine or trans. Not sure why, but the one in the back seems to be the one that leaks the most frequently. The other plug on the back of the block covers the cam shaft.
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10-06-2017, 08:38 AM
#8
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
On Monday I got home and coolant was dumping out the back of engine block and hitting the fire wall. I got a mirror out and two small pin holes. I cleaned off the plug and put jb weld on the plug as a quick fix to be able to drive the jeep prior to getting fix.
i need the radiator replaced because of rust issues in my coolant.
How many hours should it take to replace all 7 plugs? How long for the 5 below manifold and how long for for 2 against fire wall?
i need the radiator replaced because of rust issues in my coolant.
How many hours should it take to replace all 7 plugs? How long for the 5 below manifold and how long for for 2 against fire wall?
10-09-2017, 06:04 PM
#11
No, I don't lick fish.
If you're on a budget, just have that one replaced. It's not common for the others to start leaking unless you have too high of water concentration in your block during freezing temps.