Hi everyone.. Just purchased a 2000 4.0 6cyl auto with 147,000 miles on it.. I just got it home and checked my coolant level to see that it was almost completely empty.. Ive heard that this model and make has head gasket problems.. Should i just fill the coolant up, drive it and see how much and how quickly i lose coolant to start troubleshooting? Anything else i should look for? 1st jeep ive ever owned and have basic mehanical knowledge

 

Swamp mud* in the oil pan + cracked cylinder head = new motor, welcome to the forum.


* coolant & oil milkshake.

 

as said above, the 2000/2001 models have a different head casting and are prone to cracking. check under oil cap for sludge as this could be a sign.

refill and see how you get on. a brief internet search on 'jeep 0331 head casting' will tell you all you need to know.

 

I just purchased my first Cherokee as well. Do you mind if I asked what you paid for it??

 

Catalytic....

Here is a thread that is required reading for you. Gets into all the details of the 0331 head. The 00-01 has a potential "head" issue, not head gasket.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=391831

 

Not that you asked but I just paid $2800 for a 98 w/ 120K, NP242 bone stock. Clean, no rust needs rear springs.

 

I bought my 98 sport 4x4, no rust, 120k miles, sitting bone stock two weeks ago for $1900 cash with a pretty kick *** stereo already installed.

 

I paid $2300 for it.. Has rust on the hood.. Needs tires, muffler, wiper blades, all the fluids changed.. And yes i dO have a dark brown sludge all over the bottom of my engine.. Wtf.. As far as i can tell it runs fine.. Oil temp is 40-50..no smoke or smells

 

Oil leaks aren't uncommon. What does it look like under the oil filler cap? Any signs of sludge or goop?

 

@ radi.. No looks fine under oil fill cap. Normal color and thickness

 

However before i filled my coolant i did see globs of something in the coolant jug base..

 

If i need to shell out 1000 bucks for a head gasket im just gonna push the thing off a cliff.. I cant afford it and have no other vehicle

 

I'll take it off your hands for ya! Lol.

 

Fill the coolant, drive it and keep a very close eye on fluid levels. An empty coolant reservoir could be 10 different things, from a minor leak to a neglectful prev. owner.... not necessarily worst case cracked head.
I'm assuming just the reservoir was low, not the entire system?

 

Why a new motor? What's wrong with just replacing the head and flushing the coolant and the oil?