I've been looking over a 2000 model Cherokee Sport 4x4 for a while. It's the color I want and everything. But knowing it's a 2000 model, it will have that 0331 head that my 1996 model does not have.

My question is, does the 0331 head fail when the Jeep overheats beyond the usual engine temperature range, or does it just randomly crack once the Jeep gets a lot of miles/age on it?

Should I just walk away and avoid the 2000-2001 models and keep looking for a 1996-1999 model?

I wish it were a 1999 instead of a 2000.

 

Dont be to scared of the 0331 head, if it was the exact xj i was looking for i would buy it in a heartbeat. They crack when they get overheated. If it does crack you can just get a head off of a 99 from a jy and slap it in there for 3-500$ after machine work.

There are 1000's of 00-01 models that have never cracked the head and are 200k+ miles. Just take care of it and keep the cooling system top notch.

 

There is absolutely no way to know if the factory 0331 cylinder head is going to crack.

Will all of them crack? Absolutely not. But it is not unusual either.

They do NOT have to be overheated to crack, but that certainly will almost guarantee a crack. Many well maintained 00-01 owners have fallen prey to the cracked head as well.

 

Who cares what head is on it. No matter what vehicle you buy something is going to need to be replaced. It's just a head.

Odessa Cylinder heads have the earlier model heads in stock and ready to roll. Order it up and bolt it on.

 

The "risk" would be in buying it and discovering that it already has a cracked head.

There are two recent threads about that exact situation for a couple of unlucky guys.

And with no warranty, you're left holding the bag......

 

So, that's why you check it out before you buy it.

Either way, when you buy a car you shouldn't spend every dime you have. There's always going to be something you want/need to fix when you get something new.

 

figure out how much a new head is, have the owner take that off the asking price....

when you get home with the jeep, order a new head, when i comes in..put it on


It might crack, it might not....my 2000 had 150k when i sold it....didnt crack at all

but plan on it down the road, replace it right away so it dont ruin the motor

now you got your dream jeep, ready to rock

shoot for the 0630 head...i heard they are the best heads for jeeps besides the 93-93 heads??? (i think)

 

There is really no scientific data on reliability of the 0331 head. I have searched!! I am lucky...I had a slow rad leak my 2000 XJ. It was January 4-5 years ago...and I was lazy, and did not replace the radiator right away (Gee, this car won't overheat in single digit temperatures, right?? WRONG!)

I ran low on coolant, temp gauge went over to 260. But my 0331 DID NOT CRACK!!

I am lucky...I know. I take much much better care of my Jeep's cooling system now. I check the coolant level/color/etc pretty much every time I fill up on gas...If the head does crack, replacing it doesn't seem too terrible, as long as you find it and correct it right away. At least that is what my research has told me. There are plenty of warning signs that will tell you if the head is cracked.

Good luck!

 

Since I don't "need" it and don't really have the money to invest in it right now, I think I may continue to hold out for a nice '96 to '99 Cherokee at a reasonable price (which is nearly impossible to find). *sigh*

I mean, I already have my '96 and a spare '96 that I use for parts.

 

I have 2000 and love it . Bought it used with 145,000 on the clock now with 175,000. No cracked head ,in fact no major problems at all and I like the COP better than a distributor.

 

i have a 2000. and i have overheated it just passed 260 twice and i still have not had any problems with the motor.

 

My 2001 has 258k miles and has the original head, knock on wood!

 

Got my 2000 XJ with 124k. Runs like a top got 136k now. (not like that is alot of mileage in Jeep terms)

 

^^^^ THIS! ALWAYS leave cash from your purchase in your pocket for routine maintenance and something is always gonna need to be replaced. dont just buy it, hop in and drive it.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjwalker

The "risk" would be in buying it and discovering that it already has a cracked head.

Exactly, it's silly when a person has absolutely no idea what to look for when buying used; "Caveat Emptor". Before spending thousands, pop $100 for someone else with experience to look it over. While your at it, the windshield is 110% GUARANTEED to crack so purchase 3 to keep in reserve (ah, better make that 4, you never know).

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I'm still happily buying all 1999-01 Cherokees for $50, save yourself all the expense & headaches.
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