Are there any casting numbers, or some other way to make sure that an engine I will be looking at will fit my '98 Cherokee?
It is supposedly out of a 2000 Cherokee. How can I be sure?
The engine has been pulled from the vehicle, and is on a stand.

 

no reason it shouldn't

 

The block should have a casting number on it. I would also look at the head about halfway back from the front just below the valve cover lip for the casting number. Being as its out of a 2000 I'm sure its the 0331 head. Might want to find one from a 98 with the 0630 head.

 

What casting number(s) should I see, or do I need the exact same casting # as on my present engine?
Is there some problem with the 0331 head?

I am trying to get by as cheaply as possible ( well, duh!). I am spending the company's money, and in case you have not noticed, the construction-related industries are not experiencing record profits at the present time.

 

If they say the motor is out of a 2000 than it has the 0331 head unless it was previously replaced. Search the 0331 head here, jeepforum, or naxja. The head is prone to cracking between number 3 and 4 cylinders. The 0630 head that was used from '96-98 was more durable and also had larger ports on the head. I personally would try and find one from a '96-98. Just out of curiousity what happened to your old motor? Piston skirt?

 

The crank is shot. I pulled 4 of the con rod bearing caps. All were VERY rough. There is also somewhere about 10 thousands inch out of round on at least 2 of the journals.
I could probably have the crank reground, but time is of the essence, so dropping in another engine is the quicker, and therefore preferred route.
However, if the bearings on the "new" engine look as bad as the present engine, I will regrind the crank on the present engine.

 

yeah the 0331 heads due tend to crack but if you keep the engine clean and everything it should be fine

 

There are guys that are meticulous about upkeep and keeping the engine cool and still have the head crack. It's always in the same spot as well. Between the #3 and 4 cylinders.