Hey,

This is my first post, but I have found quite a bit of helpful information in this forum over the years. I have a 2001 XJ with 180k miles on it. It just recently overheated and just barely made it into the shop under its own power. After what I have read it would have been better to tow than to drive that extra mile or two.

I am asking for advice on whether I should just get the head gasket fixed (what should that cost?) and hope that nothing else has gone wrong below it or should I purchase a used one to replace it (all in that is going to cost about $2600). I have seen where many think it is an at home fix with a basic set of tools. If that is true can I get a link breaking down that process.

Thanks ahead of time!

 

For a mechanic? It is probably $500 - $1000 (if it goes well), for the head gasket.

 

Replacing the head gasket and pressing on is a gamble. A used engine is a gamble. You can do either yourself with common hand tools. I have pulled two Cherokee engines in my yard, on gravel. I have replaced a head gasket under the same conditions. Neither is a particularly complicated job. I'd say they are more tedious than difficult.

If you are going to pay to have it done, I can't see any reason that an engine removal and replacement should cost $2600.

 

YEAH, BUT! It's that infamous 0331 head! It looks like the mechanic was smart enough to realize it COULD be the head as well, not just the gasket.