TrevorNelson

I did the Oil Dye test, and it seems to be that my head gasket on the passenger side has a small leak. Can I just get a new gasket and bolts to fix the problem? Or would I need anything else?

RTorrez1

What year is it? If it's the 2000 that you have listed on your profile. I would make sure to check the head really well for cracks. Since the 00-01 have the crappy 0331 head that always crack. If the head checks out fine you should be good to go. Just buy all the gaskets for the upper end.

TrevorNelson

yeah, sorry. It is the 2000

RTorrez1

Yeah 2000, Like I said have the head check really well. If I am not mistaken the normal place the 0331 head cracks is between number 3 and 4 cylinders. If I am wrong on the cylinders please chime in.
Good Luck
And keep us updated on your findings.

TrevorNelson

Oh I will, but it will be a week or so before I get to it. Is it safe to drive for that long? I need to drive to school which is about a hour long interstate drive.

Davicl81

mine had a few issues (2001) and I kept driving it. Then one day i lost all response and the temp shot up. I pulled over and opened the hood to find chocolate milk colored oil/coolant mixture all over my engine. SO, if it were me I would not drive it until you are positive you do not have a crack.
1. what color is your oil?
2. are you experiencing any coolant lose?
3. the '0331' crack is usually between 3-4 cylinder. Which if you take the oil cap off and shine a good flash light down there you may be able to see the crack (if its cracked) and there might even be some crusted coolant there.

I replaced my cylinder head but i was also never able to find the crack.

just my two cents. Hope you get up and running like you are supposed to be soon.
:-)

If you have any questions feel free to inbox me as I just swapped my head 2 weeks ago.

Flowpro

My 2000 XJ did the same thing. As a temporary fix I cleaned up the area with carb cleaner then put a little high temp silicone along the head gasket until I had the time to replace it.

My CJ with a 258 inline 6 did the same thing. Must have something to do with the long cylinder head warping slightly in the middle and causing the oil leak from the push rod drain back area.

I did replace the head gasket on the Cj and that cured the oil leak......the XJ is still waiting. The silicone "temp" fix is still holding for over 6 months now. I did look thoroughly between #3 and #4 cylinders when I replaced the valve cover gasket, no cracks visible.

RTorrez1

First thing you want to do is check you oil and make sure that you don't have water in it. If it looks milky I would NOT drive it at all. It will destroy you bearing and you would have to do a complete engine rebuild. Also check you radiator to see if you have oil in it. If you absolutely have to drive it (Not recommended until repaired) I would check the oil and water every time I run it. Just keep looking ant the oil on the dip stick and pull the oil fill plug and watch for milky oil. I do understand on having to wait until you get paid to do the repairs. But, It can cause you a lot more to repair it after the fact.
Personally, I wouldn't drive it. I would try to get rides to school until you can repair her.
For your sake. I do hope that you don't have to do a complete rebuild.

GOOD LUCK!

TrevorNelson

Just checked the coolant over flow tank (I think that is correct term) And it is a good inch below the "add" line

TrevorNelson

Also, approximately how much would a whole new Cylinder Head and gaskets be?

Flowpro

If that is the case you might want to disregard my silicone advice. Good luck.