Looking at 2000 Monday need some advice

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Aug 20, 2011 | 11:19 AM

#16

ornery owl

Newbie

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

From: Pennsylvania

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick761

What oil and filter? How many miles? I've seen a lot of cherokees that run great and hot idle 15psi... I guess I will change my range to 15-30 :-)

Been using 10W30 Rotella T5 and a Purolator PureOne filter, I'm around 115000 miles.

Aug 20, 2011 | 01:09 PM

#17

2kxj1

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 125

Likes: 0

From: NW Ohio

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjwalker

The current owner said the head gasket was replaced. I'd be darn sure that there is not an actual problem with the head itself that was misdiagnosed as a head gasket problem; I've seen that more than a few times.

The 0331 cylinder head which comes from the factory on the 00-01 is very susceptible to cracking between cylinders 3-4, due to a casting defect in that area. An overheat of the engine almost guarantees a crack in that head. This forum and any XJ forum are full of threads relating to this issue. Be sure to educate yourself about it if you buy an 00-01.

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

After reading that thread, I need to take off the filler cap and then look for coolant seepage?

Aug 20, 2011 | 01:10 PM

#18

Slick761

CF Veteran

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 2,858

Likes: 1

From: Nor-Cal

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee

Engine: The venerable 4.0

Take off the rad cap and start it. Look for bubbles.

Aug 21, 2011 | 08:20 PM

#19

2kxj1

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 125

Likes: 0

From: NW Ohio

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick761

Take off the rad cap and start it. Look for bubbles.

When I talked to him today I asked him if he minded me changing the oil, said I would bring the stuff told him for my piece of mind I wanted to make sure the head wasn't cracked. He said no problem. Also need to remember to make sure it's a Chrysler 8.25 in the rear ( I really hope it is).

Aug 22, 2011 | 06:02 AM

#20

tjwalker

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 5,841

Likes: 117

From: In the middle of Minnesota!

Year: 1999

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Many times, the oil will look fine with a cracked 0331 head. So don't count on that to tell the story. It won't test fine though if you go to the next step and perform a laboratory oil analysis.

Aug 22, 2011 | 01:20 PM

#21

2kxj1

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 125

Likes: 0

From: NW Ohio

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjwalker

Many times, the oil will look fine with a cracked 0331 head. So don't count on that to tell the story. It won't test fine though if you go to the next step and perform a laboratory oil analysis.

Well I bought it, did the radiator test, no bubbles, removed the oil filler cap and no seepage. So hoping its good. It's going to need new floor pans eventually and a new drivers side rocker ASAP. Will post pics later it's time for be I've been up since 1300 on Sunday.