I took my 2000 Cherokee in for an oil change and they told me it was sludgey and had antifreeze in it, and said I have a cracked head or my head gasket is bad so to fix it it will be $1000 or more what other signs are there to kno what they said is true cause I don't trust them as much help?

 

The 2000-01 4.0 is known for the cylinder head to crack and cause the coolant to get into the oil. Have you been losing coolant but see no signs of a leak anywhere? A grand for a cylinder head replacement is not unheard of if that includes the new head in the quote.

 

You can get a test kit a the auto parts store that will check the antifreeze for oil particulates mixed in which is one indication of a blown head gasket or cracked cyl head. 1000 plus is not uncommon for labor and parts to fix these issues in some places. The kit is cheep. You can always bring it to someone else and get a second opinion. A compression test may also be a good idea.

 

The key word here is new--not reman yours.

Not another 0331 either.

I hope your bearings are OK after having coolant contact for who knows how long.

 

Just check your oil if there coolant it will be choclate milk looking ove time .

 

boxboy,
Was there any evidence of the car not running properly?
I am wondering how "stealth" a cracked head really is.
If it drives fine, what if you just changed the oil once a week and drove it until it seizes up?
$30x52 = $1500 Hmm, nevermind.

 

i see that you live up in Waukegan, IL. Im just south in Libertyville. there are a few of us jeep guys right around you. i can ask around and we could probably do the work for you at the cost of a case of beer

 

At bimmer
Well it drives fine if coolant was in the oil wouldn't it loose power?

At xj -92
Lol beers can work haha

 

At bustedback
I am loosing coolant but from my previousoil changes I never saw any sign if it, and I see a spot of coolant on the ground and think its my coolant tank tht has a minor crack in it

 

before you went to the dealer ... when was the last time you checked your coolant or oil?

 

Coolant I have to out in once a week but its from the add line to the full line so its not alot

 

what was the color last time you checked it?

 

That's a pretty good leak if you have to add that much every week.

 

I mean I see the trial of coolant in my engine compartment and the spot on my drive way

 

why not replace the coolant tank first since you say it leaks, then see if you are still "loosing" coolant.