2000 XJ 4.0L

Heard a lifter ticking last night on the way home; started nursing it to ensure I made it 2.3 miles home, only made it 1 mile.

Current considerations:
Rebuild the head and cross fingers with the block? (all new parts)
Replace the entire engine? (buy a new complete engine; find a 'low millage' replacement at JY)

Have a Great Crew at work who will help with the labor; will write it up as a 'teamwork building exercise.' :-)

Looking to be a 2 month project because of budgetary purposes; "I'm debt free" and I don't have any intentions of going back.

I would love some suggestions and ideas.

 

4bt swap lol

 

Is this the original 0331 head? If so, throw it away and replace it. Nobody should ever put money into a non-TUPY 0331 because of their tendency to crack. You can get a TUPY replacement or an aftermarket replacement from Clearwater Cylinder Heads.

Is the block bad? If there's no problem with the block or bearings, you'll probably be fine with just a head swap.

 

Thank you for the heads-up; currently looks like it is 'just the head' as there is no oil on the ground. Going to pull the engine & Transmission next week for 'further inspection.'

Thank you for the information and contacts.