Hey I am replacing my head gasket in my 2000 jeep cherokee 4.0 this week. Can you guys give me any advise on the things that I NEED, and any pointers I should know before embarking on this project.

 

You sure the head isn't cracked as well? Usually HG's fail when overheated, and when 2000 XJ's overheat they crack heads.

 

Agreed. The 0331 head is extremely susceptible to cracking.

Give us details on how you came to this conclusion. Leave nothing out.

 

It was an unexplained loss of coolant, coupled with the fact that my oil pressure is low (10-15 psi when warm) I did a pressure test that came back normal with no leak and mechanically checked the guage which was spot on. I also sent the engine oil out to have it checked for coolant and that came back positive for minute traces antifreeze.

 

Luckily, if the cylinder head is cracked, I have one out of a 1996 cherokee I can use in a pinch...I just hope it will fit.

 

A pressure test doesn't always catch a small 0331 head crack. And the oil pressure should really be no lower than 13 psi at hot idle (verified as you mentioned).

Because of the history of this head (I've worked on a few of them), there is a good chance that it has a small crack. Either way, the head has to come off.

Once it is off, perform a very close visual between cylinders 3-4 with a good light. Most of the time you can see the crack or cracks if they exist. If you see a crack visually, you must replace the head. And if you don't see a crack and want to re-use that head. it should be verified for straightness and for cracks at a machine shop using pressure testing or magnafluxing. Personally, when I pull an 0331 head off, it never goes back on unless it is a 2003 or newer one which has been redesigned by a foundry in Brazil.

And, let's not forget the lower end of your engine. I you have low oil pressure AND a cracked head, it is almost a certainty that the bearings inside of the engine have been damaged. However, if the oil analysis shows only a small amount of coolant, you may have caught this early enough to save the engine.

Don't drive this any more though until this is resolved.

Here is a link to some light reading on the history of the 0331 cylinder head cracks....

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

Good luck!

 

dude they went talking about a cylinder head they are talking about your head head where your exhaust and intake manifold hook up

 

No no I think you are smoking dope, he was talking about a cylinder head...and don't call me dude.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylinder_head