Hey there CF. I just got back from the shop and appparently my jeep is starting to show the signs of bad head gasket. I'm pretty handy, but I'm kinda foggy on the specifics of this fix. I also don't want to spend $1200 for a shop to do it for me. What I really want to know a step by step guide of how to do it, what tools I'll need, and the difficulty level of the fix. If this is unrealistic as a DIY job, I'd like to know before I start tearing apart my engine compartment. I know its a tall order, but I have faith in y'all. Thanks.

 

Go get yourself a Haynes or Chilton manual and study up on it. Only you can make the call if you can do it or not.

 

The actual procedure has a fair amount of detail in it if you've never done a head gasket before. Best to get a factory service manual and review it closely before you start.

Legal, licensed actual factory service manuals for $7.95. Good deal.

http://www.pacificcoastmanuals.com/F..._cherokee.html

I don't see one for the 91, but you could get the 92 FSM and that shouldn't have much for changes.

 

Hello. I had the same problem a few years ago and was told about the same price by a shop. Had actually given up on the Jeep and was looking to buy something else. But since it was a Friday evening and I had nowhere to go I figured, "What the hell", and started taking it apart using the Haynes manual as a guide. Long story short if you are an average skilled home mechanic (Alternators, starters, water pump, etc) you can do this no problem with just basic tools and a torque wrench. Just take your time. Label everything you take off. Use cardboard to keep all the bolts and rods in the correct order to reassemble and above all torque everything to the specs and in the order that is mentioned in the book! It`s an all day job but completely do-able.

 

you will have a hard time finding a step by step year specific write up all are pretty much basically the same just parts look different thru the years one thin i do suggest remove head and intakes together and replace freeze pplug while its off here a basic write up head should be checked while off or get rebuilt head to just drop back on return yours as core,.....http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f140/...cement-598875/

 

It's not bad job at all ( depending on age and shape of jeep). One tip; pictures. Lots of them from different angles. I always forget one label and where a stud goes instead of a bolt.

Also if you do decide to do it. Rear drivers side head bolt stays in ( tape it up ) and put it in place before putting head back on. Also, install manifolds before putting head on. Much easier to torque the bolts then. Get a new set of head bolts ( about 36 at napa ) as well as a head kit will have all the gaskets you will need plus valve seals. It might not hurt having head fluxed and a valve job done (350 at my machine shop) just to make sure there's no warping or hidden cracks. The only special tool beside 12 point socket and a torque wrench is a fuel disconnect tool.

Hey if she can do it... Just kidding, but she did put the throttle cable bolts back on for me, lol

 

little hands are deff a plus

 

I'm amazed at things her and her brother can do! I could eliminate half my extensions/wobble sockets if I had hands and arms like theirs. Lol

 

lol

 

But back to the OP. if you've never done a head job before, I couldn't think of a better vehicle to do it with. It's not an OHV, or a V-anything to double the work. And the engine is very forgiving.

 

X1000 on the pics, saves that what is this moment at the end. Have a buddy to help lift the head off, it weighs around 60lbs, not to bad but its awkward position to lift.

 

A fel-pro gasket set is about 60 at Oreillys. Like others have said take it to a machine shop and at least get it fluxed and checked for flatness. Cost me 45 a head on my old mustang. I would also get new head bolts.

 

Alright. Thanks guys. I've got a Heynes manual and this would be my first big fix I'm doing myself. There is some other stuff I'm going to do while I'm at it and all the help I really appreciate.

 

Ic you got questions, ask them. More than happy to help.

 

I'm do have one. What are the specific tools I'll need? I looked it up but all it said was mechanic tool set