For your xj guys the mid 1999-2001 heads were the bad casting, get yourselfs an aftermarket head that fixes the weak spot and swap it out the head casting number is 0331# get the aftermarket 0331 so the coil pack on the 00-01 will bolt back on and you wont have anymore problems.Just get a new head gasket and head bolts and your all set. Yes I've been here an fixed that.

 

Do u mind if I ask you how much ur paying for that new head u ordered?

 

Yeah, I heard that 1999-2001 XJs have that problem. Thanks for the advice.

 

I get the jest about the cylinder head also have 2000 so what does one do to fight this doesnt it crack from overheating really cant expect any engine to survive constant high temps can you thats why when buying used change the t-stat and antifreeze plus flush rad.

 

Received the new head in 2 days and it was $425 to the door via UPS. New head looks good and was well packaged. Goes on next week hopefully. The old head will be sent back in same box. They pay to ship old head back to them. Wish me luck!

 

IMO, I don't believe there is anything you can do to REALLY prevent the 0331 head from cracking... as long as you don't overheat it. Mine had 125K miles and I noticed that the coolant had dropped about 1/2 inch in the overflow bottle (when cold). I looked in the oil filler hole and there was the "green" (coolant) indication that the head is cracked. The hottest this vehicle ever got (by the dash gauge) was the needle at the "zero" of 210 degrees F. ...and that was on a 95F+ summer day in traffic.

 

Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

 

I paid 375.00 for mine with the strengthend casting and 3 angle valve job, but that was 5yrs ago at least, so the price has gone up I haven't had a problem since.I also replaced the whole cooling system too (all parts).3 core rad,new water pump, hose's,dealer 195 t-stat etc.I also put in a new cam and lifters pushrods were still good and replaced any rockers I thought were wore, also a new timing chain and gears.Theres no reason to do all this unless its wore, I just had it all apart and decided to do it thats all . good luck.

 

Update: ... New cylinder head from Clearwater installed with Fel-Pro gaskets throughout, and w/new Fel-Pro head bolts. All appears OK and oil pressure is 50+lb. running and 20 at idle (hot). Running temp is just below 210 (60F outside ambient). Total cost of parts right at $560.

Hopefully, I caught Daimler-Chrysler's "defective 0331 cylinder head Snafu" before any engine bearing damage was done. Now that the price of gas is quickly rising, it is time to get rid of this beast! Maybe a nice low mileage Toyota 4-runner is in order!

 

WOW..........That sounds like a great answer!?!?!?!?!! I would just drive the fixed xj, at least you won't look like a conformist while driving. Ha Ha