Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Head gasket maybe??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 18, 2010 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
RENIXBEAST's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Effingham, N.H.
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default Head gasket maybe??

89 xj 4.0 auto. I have an oil leak from the rear main seal and it leaks a fair amount. The problem is my oil always reads full??? I have been checking my radiator coolant and I loose maybe a cup every 2-3 weeks. My dipstick occasionally shows white sludge and sometimes tiny bubbles. It doesn't overheat or run hot at all, it actually runs a little cool like 180-200 on hot day.. I was wondering if it is a sign that my head gasket needs replaced. My engine has 240,000 is it worth a head gasket??
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2010 | 09:44 PM
  #2  
redrunner's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee
Default

Compress test both the engine and cooling system. Do you get any white smoke? That is a sign of burnt coolant. The white foamies in the oil is a sign of water getting into the oil some way. Head gasket or a crack some place.
Compression testing the motor would or should show a low cylinder that could be leaking coolant into a chamber. When you pull the plugs see if any show signs of moisture on the plugs themselves. What about any bubbles in the cooling system. A radiator shop can test the water to see if it has any compression gases getting into the water. It is a simple dip test. Does take very long or cost much. I have done the head on my and it is not that bad of a job.

Hope this helps.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2010 | 04:00 PM
  #3  
RENIXBEAST's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Effingham, N.H.
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

No smoke at all. I will try a compression test. thanks
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2010 | 05:50 PM
  #4  
JeepingDan's Avatar
CF Veteran
Premium Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18,786
Likes: 14
From: CT.
Year: 88
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

have you crawed underneath and looked for green? Theres a freeze out plug behind the flexplate that rots out
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2010 | 02:23 PM
  #5  
RENIXBEAST's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Effingham, N.H.
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

No green underneath. Its weird cuz the oil leak isn't constant. I replaced the oil pan gasket and had no leaks at all, then all of a sudden oil will leak from every seal. One day it leaks the next day it doesn't. One day my oil pressure will be 40 at idle the next 10-20. Its weird
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cpnwrench
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
May 5, 2024 12:21 PM
91cherokeeSC
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
41
Oct 29, 2015 01:49 PM
Karmageddon
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
5
Oct 5, 2015 08:29 PM
Crazynut1997
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
15
Sep 29, 2015 08:14 PM
Dr.Capacitor
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
Sep 28, 2015 10:26 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:44 AM.