hi all, I had just bought a 2000 cherokee sport from my buddy that was going to take it to the scrap yard, local shop said it was a headgasket. Im mechanically inclined and plan on doing the headgasket myself but have some curiosities before i start to dig into it.

Just had been serviced in november for:
New radiator
Thermostat
Water Pump
Coolant flush
Oil change

155k mileage

He said they had to add some coolant to the resovior every now and then because it got low, oil cap has milky gunk on it leading to any headgasket issue. I asked if it had ever overheated and they said it has.But i pull the dipstick and it has absolutely NO milkyness at all to it. Also, the radiator cap isnt tight on the rad, but doesnt pop off when at normal operating temp. (not sure if jeeps are like this, I work on imports)

It runs very well, no knocks or ticks what so ever, Im stumped on why they said it was a headgasket but the oil is normal color and smell. I plan on doing a pressure test on it here soon but am looking for some answers in the mean time. Thanks !!

 

Look up 0331 heads on this forum

 

if you have a block tester they work wonders if not napa sells them for about $50 basiclly how it works is that you remove the rad cap fill it up w/water the tool fits in the cap opening u add a special dye that comes in the kit and if it turnes i belive its green theres traces of combustion in the coolant in most cases thats usually a head gasket... if your machanicly inclined it not that hard of a job ... prob 6-7outa 10 skill job

 

I am aware of the crappy head that is on the 00's. If it turns out that the head is cracked, how to I go about repairing the crack(s)? Tig weld?

 

I would say scrap it. It is cheap enough that I wouldn't want to have to deal with the weld not taking and have to pull the head again. If you do weld it I would say pressure test the head before you reinstall it.

 

prob. better to find a one from a salvage yard ,used and get it tested&planed by a machine shop

 

If the pressure test comes back as passing, what do you think the problem could be?

 

Wait you just said your radiator cap is loose. If it won't build up the pressure you are going to have some problems. The pressure raises the boiling point

 

The cap goes on the rad as any normal cap, but you can wiggle it back and forth, that's not normal but it doesn't leak out

 

The #1 clue of a cracked 0331 head is a continuing loss of coolant in the reservoir.

This is likely a cracked head.

Pull the valve cover. With a good light, inspect closely between cylinders 3-4, MOST cracks in the head (not all) can be found with this technique. I even saw one where I could see the crack right through the oil filler cap.

 

update:

Pulled the VC to confirm its a cracked head, I ordered a head from Clearwater. Purchased all new gaskets and head bolts. I have a Haynes also, just wondering if there are any tips or tricks to putting on the new head (i havent done a head swap before)? Im not sure what to do with the pushrods when i install the new head. And a confirmation that i DO NOT have to worry about timing?

 

Does anybody have any info please? Much obliged

 

do a compression test its cheap and it will set your mind at eezz if the compression is low in more then one cylinder then its most likly the head gasket if its low in just one then the head is cracked and over heating the motor is the quick and easy way to blow the gasket i know this because i had the same problem and replaced the same stuff on my 2001 and actully i did my head gasket change last sunday it took me 21hours from 11 to8 the next day but i dont have another car to drive so i had to get it done anyway its running 10x better then it was and heres a post i did with some help and pics hopefully this helped https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/hea...llow-up-73319/

but i would suject doing as many tests as you can before tearing in to it if its your daily driver

 

The head is already off. Confirmed cracked head. Thanks for your help !

 

Correct. Timing is electronically controlled, and cannot be adjusted. You also do not have to worry about adjusting the lifters - they are hydraulic and self-adjusting. Makes this job simple on our engines. Also pay attention to the different torque values for different bolts. One bolt requires sealant on the threads.

The only thing to make sure of is to keep the rods and rockers matched and in order. A lot of people use a box with numbered holes punched in it.