good point. I wasn't thinking someone would machine an original 0331 head and sell it. Definitely don't want to put one back in.

Just frustrating because I like to get parts locally, but it seems in this case it is better to have one shipped in.

I did find a few that say they are new, but more expensive than the Clearwater. Looks like Clearwater is the best deal.

http://www.titanengines.com/jeep-4-0...331-7130-0630/

http://www.quadratec.com/products/51108_1002_07.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/51108_200X_PG.htm

 

The clearwater/odessa head is most likely the best deal. I live in Florida, so when I ordered it late Friday afternoon I got it on Monday. Very fast shipping.

What I meant previously by not ready to go is that you can't take it out of the box and immediately torque it down. Mine came with a ton of leftover casting sand and those studs missing. I had to have the head professionally cleaned and had to order new studs before I did anything. It was off putting to say the least but even after all of that the head is still a pretty good deal.

It sucks that this problem is so common but the upside is that since so many people have done the repair, there's lots of info on what to do. There's even a couple of youtube videos.

 

Just got it back from the shop and the engine checked out ok, no cracks in the head. But they also couldn't find a coolant leak, so best guess is it was full of air bubbles.. although that doesn't explain how I could put 2+ gallons in and still have the overflow tank drain out.

Guess I'm back to square one. Thanks for the help

 

I'm curious what tests they ran. I think there's only two ways fluid is missing. Leak or burn. I re-read the thread but didn't see the answer to this question: Over what span of time is your two gallons disappearing?