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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
I've been experiencing a slight overheating (220*-225*) recently and after combing through my 4 month old cooling system (new rad, new t-stat, new waterpump, new hoses etc) and giving it another flush with no avail... I took a peek under the oil cap.
My XJ is an 01 with the 0331 head. I've always been careful with it, but I guess not careful enough. I have never let it overheat into the red.
I have not experienced any common symptoms of a cracked head (coolant loss, milky oil, or milky trans fluid)... only this recent overheating and a slight sheen in the coolant overflow. Oil pressure has been fine.
Could someone experienced take a look at these pics and tell me if its a crack? Just to give some orientation of the photos, the top is facing the drivers side.
If this looks like a cracked head, could someone still point me in the direction of where I can buy a TUPY/updated head? Is clearwater still the recommended company? I would like something I can drop in and not have to worry about swapping valve springs / valve stem seals
Also, since I hope I caught it early... just swapping the head should be sufficient right? Is there a complete list of what I need? I'm assuming, head, valve cover gasket, head bolts? Do I need intake manifold / exhaust gaskets or can I copper spray and reuse the ones on there?
i don't have enough experience to tell from the pic, but if it can be of any help it usually cracks between cylinder 3 and 4. is that the area where you noticed this?
Definitely looks suspicious, if that is between cylinders 3&4 and the area circled is exhaust valve boss.......
Also I see what looks like seepage tracking along crack.
i don't have enough experience to tell from the pic, but if it can be of any help it usually cracks between cylinder 3 and 4. is that the area where you noticed this?
Originally Posted by bigbadon
Definitely looks suspicious, if that is between cylinders 3&4 and the area circled is exhaust valve boss.......
Also I see what looks like seepage tracking along crack.
Yep this is between 3 & 4, peeking through from the oil cap!
Does anyone know if the heads from clearwater are complete? (valve train & rockers?) or will I have to swap those over from my current head?
If in fact the head does need to be replaced (I can't tell for certain from photo but may be and early one), yes you do need all of those gaskets "New" never reuse.
Most heads can be ordered complete if that is what you want. Be sure the block is very clean and looks good with a straight edge on it, not the best but in the Jeep only way I know of.
If in fact the head does need to be replaced (I can't tell for certain from photo but may be and early one), yes you do need all of those gaskets "New" never reuse.
Most heads can be ordered complete if that is what you want. Be sure the block is very clean and looks good with a straight edge on it, not the best but in the Jeep only way I know of.
It seems like there are no rockers on it. I guess I would have to just swap my current ones over? I was under the impression the heads were complete and ready to go?
Yes, always go with all new gaskets. They are one-time use only. FelPro is good.
As long as the valves and springs are included with the new head, you reuse your rockers and pushrods, or buy new ones if you wish. You can also put in new lifters while you're in there, with the head off.
Those cracks do NOT always cause coolant to leak into oil. In your photo it looks like crack is leaking combustion gases around exhaust valve.
I wonder if this would be causing my minor overheating issues?
Originally Posted by Firestorm500
Yes, always go with all new gaskets. They are one-time use only. FelPro is good.
As long as the valves and springs are included with the new head, you reuse your rockers and pushrods, or buy new ones if you wish. You can also put in new lifters while you're in there, with the head off.
Great. Thank you for your input! Looks like its time to bust out the wallet and start ordering! lol.
This is what my 2001 0331 head looked like. I was having strange coolant loss with no visible leaks for about 2 months when I found the crack. Replaced it with a Clearwater head and now have over 35000 miles with no problems.
This is what my 2001 0331 head looked like. I was having strange coolant loss with no visible leaks for about 2 months when I found the crack. Replaced it with a Clearwater head and now have over 35000 miles with no problems.
Did it come with the rockers, or did you have to swap over your old set? No damage was done to the rest of your block I assume?
I went with the "loaded" head, with refurbished valves and springs and saved about $65, paid $415 with shipping. I reused my rockers and pushrods. Block looked good, used a new head gasket and exhaust gasket and new head bolts.
Last edited by lamart72; 06-08-2016 at 12:47 PM.
Reason: more info
06-08-2016, 06:34 AM
Is this a crack in my 0331? (pics inside)
