Shucks.
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
Shucks.
Another 0331 bites the dust. I've been doing a lot of getting-ready-for-summer maintenance and noticed that my coolant was down a little bit. I had added maybe a quart of coolant throughout the winter and thought I should take a gander. Didn't like what I found. Time to start sourcing a new head I guess.
Thought I would just post a picture of this in case anyone who might think they have a crack knows what it can look like. I had no idea that it would be so apparent, actually. Turned the car on and watched it seep out of a 2" long crack. This picture is right below the oil filler cap.
Anyone have a rough estimate on the time it takes to replace it?
edit: I am from the grand rapids area, does anyone know any mechanic that they trust with such a repair? I normally do all of my own work, but I don't have a garage at my apartment complex and would prefer to keep the car out of the elements while half of the engine was removed.
Thought I would just post a picture of this in case anyone who might think they have a crack knows what it can look like. I had no idea that it would be so apparent, actually. Turned the car on and watched it seep out of a 2" long crack. This picture is right below the oil filler cap.
Anyone have a rough estimate on the time it takes to replace it?
edit: I am from the grand rapids area, does anyone know any mechanic that they trust with such a repair? I normally do all of my own work, but I don't have a garage at my apartment complex and would prefer to keep the car out of the elements while half of the engine was removed.
Last edited by XJ-kee; 04-10-2015 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Listed
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Gainesville,FL
Posts: 989
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
To replace the head takes a day with hand tools. I only say because as we all know, the XJ will sometimes throw you a curve ball. Estimate between 3-5 hours if you take your time and make sure you don't miss anything. Look up head bolt tq specs, along with the pattern to tighten those bolts. When installing the valve cover always start from the rear and work your way forward. Good luck
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
To replace the head takes a day with hand tools. I only say because as we all know, the XJ will sometimes throw you a curve ball. Estimate between 3-5 hours if you take your time and make sure you don't miss anything. Look up head bolt tq specs, along with the pattern to tighten those bolts. When installing the valve cover always start from the rear and work your way forward. Good luck
Last edited by XJ-kee; 04-10-2015 at 06:20 PM.
#5
Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I can't recommend in a shop in your area, but I can recommend a Clearwater cylinder head. I ordered mine last month. It was $440 delivered to my door. It's a brand new casting with brand new valves. The valve springs are used, but they check them before they install them.
As you are likely aware, the head from Clearwater is an improved casting designed to eliminate the cracking problem. Mine has been running for only about a month, but so far, it's been great.
As you are likely aware, the head from Clearwater is an improved casting designed to eliminate the cracking problem. Mine has been running for only about a month, but so far, it's been great.
Trending Topics
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
This. Even if your oil pressure is OK for now, the damage has probably already been done over the winter, before you discovered the crack.
I guess I've always figured that by the time and money has been spent to do just the head, it's not a whole lot of more trouble to just get the whole thing out and rebuild it. Might be easier to take off the accessories while the engine is out and on a stand.
I don't like putting a new head on a worn engine.
I guess I've always figured that by the time and money has been spent to do just the head, it's not a whole lot of more trouble to just get the whole thing out and rebuild it. Might be easier to take off the accessories while the engine is out and on a stand.
I don't like putting a new head on a worn engine.
Last edited by Firestorm500; 04-11-2015 at 10:14 AM.