Replacing head freeze plug back of motor. 99 xj 4.0
10-24-2018, 05:33 AM
#1
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Replacing head freeze plug back of motor. 99 xj 4.0
Ok gents. I was driving with my lovely 4 month old in the back. Heard a loud pop and smoke started filling up the jeep and comming from under the hood. Needless to say with my daughter in the back i freaked out lol. But my freeze plug decided to pop out. Which i belliieeevvveee was due to the stop leak i put in my radiator ( couldnt afford a radiator at the time thought itd save me the hassle for a month or 2) usually im againts stop leak... well that didnt work... Now the area is a complete bittch to get too.. I really dont feel like tearing the top end of the motor apart, although it seems that way. Was wondering if anyone had any luck getting one in there withouth doing that? Its a 99 4.0 straight 6 xj. With all your typical hit the lock button the lights inside come on. Its a beaut 😆 oh one more off topic question on heating system everything has been replaced, flushed about 10 times no blockage... Exceptt the heatercor hasnt been replaced, is it possible for it to be bad without leaking? Just curious i need to replace the evaporator core in the hvac so ill do the heater core anyways while ive got it all apart. But curious. Thanks for any feedback guys! Much appreciated!
10-24-2018, 06:17 AM
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Yes, everything has been flushed about 10 times as i stated. No blockage at alll runs clean and clear everytime, everything been replaced well except the blower motor but thats not it and the core itself
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10-24-2018, 12:10 PM
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if you need to replace the freeze plug in back of head I think you can us one of the expandable rubber ones you just stick in the hole and use a wrench to tighten it up
10-24-2018, 12:23 PM
#11
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You are completely sure that it was the freeze plug? Did it pop completely out or did it blow a hold in the rotted plug? Did you shut the engine down before it went over temp?
If it really is the plug I would not bother trying to get a temp plug in the back. Just pull the head do it right. The 4.0l head is a very simple removal install. There is no timing chain or belt nonsense. Keep everything clean and in the same order. This also gives you a chance to replace the "eh good enough" factory headgasket with an MLS gasket. Check block and head deck for warp. Find a 1/2 12pt deep socket for the head bolts before you begin. I always reinstall with head studs but it's not necessary for stock. .02
If it really is the plug I would not bother trying to get a temp plug in the back. Just pull the head do it right. The 4.0l head is a very simple removal install. There is no timing chain or belt nonsense. Keep everything clean and in the same order. This also gives you a chance to replace the "eh good enough" factory headgasket with an MLS gasket. Check block and head deck for warp. Find a 1/2 12pt deep socket for the head bolts before you begin. I always reinstall with head studs but it's not necessary for stock. .02
10-24-2018, 12:59 PM
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You are completely sure that it was the freeze plug? Did it pop completely out or did it blow a hold in the rotted plug? Did you shut the engine down before it went over temp?
If it really is the plug I would not bother trying to get a temp plug in the back. Just pull the head do it right. The 4.0l head is a very simple removal install. There is no timing chain or belt nonsense. Keep everything clean and in the same order. This also gives you a chance to replace the "eh good enough" factory headgasket with an MLS gasket. Check block and head deck for warp. Find a 1/2 12pt deep socket for the head bolts before you begin. I always reinstall with head studs but it's not necessary for stock. .02
If it really is the plug I would not bother trying to get a temp plug in the back. Just pull the head do it right. The 4.0l head is a very simple removal install. There is no timing chain or belt nonsense. Keep everything clean and in the same order. This also gives you a chance to replace the "eh good enough" factory headgasket with an MLS gasket. Check block and head deck for warp. Find a 1/2 12pt deep socket for the head bolts before you begin. I always reinstall with head studs but it's not necessary for stock. .02
Considering i heard a pop and coolant was pooring out the back id say it was a plug lol i agree on doing right it had one of the rubber ones in before... Plug probably blew and a shop must have replaced it by throwing one of these things in... Forgot to get a new head gasket but the one that was in it is minntttt!!! Looks brand new so easy to say im a lucky girl lol telling you guys if you were looking at this motor youd be in awee its the cleanest straight 6 ive dug into
10-24-2018, 01:30 PM
#13
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I would recommend a new headgasket and bolts. As well as a new exhaust gasket ....the felpro one with the metal inserts
Last edited by Cummins93; 10-24-2018 at 01:32 PM. Reason: More info.
10-24-2018, 02:42 PM
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Head gasket seems like it was changed recently it was minnttt... No warpage on the bolts came out like butter. The motor never overheated before. I shut if off right when i heard the pop. Manifold was fine as well. Everything was in suprisingly mint condition