During my 1400 mile return from vacation, my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee's water pump bearings failed. I sourced the aid of an independent repair shop based on the advice of the good samaritan cab driver that resuced me. The repair tech repalced the water pump, and thermostat. Problems were encountered with a air lock during the replacements. After a test drive, the temp pushed into the read zone and and the cyclinders sounded like they were mis firing. The number 5 cyclinder was misfiring. At this point I decided to take it to a local jeep dealership as it appeared my problems were outside the scope of the local mechanic. Now I'm faced with a $3600 repair bill (parts and labor) to replace the left bank of the cyclinder head. Apparently, the Valve seat has dropped in one of the cyclinders. Are there any reputable sources for a rebuilt cyclinder head in the St. Louis area? Is this a reasonable cost to repair? 11 hrs labor at $126/hr and $2,081 in parts.

 

Whoever gives $3600 estimate for head replacement has to be instantly shot.
I don't believe that happened, unless it is a common problem for that engine.

 

Two thing wrong,you broke down in St.Louis.that sucks!And you went to the dealer,not a bad idea.however,that is about the right price they ask.For labor they do......Sorry,about that bro if
Closer to you,hell I would pick you up and help fix it.I may be a shade try mechinc...
Is there fellow Cherokee.com there.Around to help sort it out ?And by the way stay away from the East and south side?

 

It would help if you listed what engine we are dealing with. For a 6.1 L a new head for the left (drivers) side with valves & springs runs about $600.00. I guess it comes down to what condition the rest of the vehicle is in, after all it is 5 years old. If $3600 is too much for the repair, might want to source another vehicle. You may also have better luck with responses posting this in the Grand section.

 

Is it the 4.7 or 6.1?

 

I guess my first question is, did the independent shop cause the head failure?

 

if a valve seat fell into the cylinder while the engine was running you are going to need more than a head I'm afraid, at a minimum it would have damaged the cylinder walls, probably damaged the head of the piston as well. Good luck to you! Coach

 

If you end up keeping the Jeep, you actually need to find a good used engine and replace yours instead of trying to rebuild it.

If the independent repair shop is at fault, they need to pay up or buy the Jeep from you at the pre-damaged value.

 

Engine is 4.7L. Dealer says left bank needs replacement. Vehicle is in excellent condition, and well maintained. 92,000 miles. Mostly highway miles. Thanks for your reply Turbo XJ!

 

At the time while watching the repair, I had the same question myself. This facility was the shadiest I've ever seen. When I asked to use the rest room, they pointed me to the dumpster in the alley. Don't think I have much leverage with these folks. I paid the $275 for the waterpump replacement, thermostat, and new serp belt, and got the heck out of there. I was taking a leap of faith. Thanks for the reply Firestorm.

 

It is a 4.7L. 92,000 miles, well maintained, and excellent condition. I've owned it since 25,000 miles. Purchased it a an wholesaler auction in Dallas.

 

I'm asking myself similar questions as the the extent of the damage. After the water pump was replaced there were airlocks in the cooling system. The valve seat problem seemed to occur after the engine overheated a second time, (during the test drive after the water pump replacement). Thanks for your reply Coach!

 

When I need info in an unfamiliar town, I head straight to the sleasyest, run down funky little local bar I can find. I crooked, faded sign, gravel parking lot. PERFECT! Some local might be able to put you on to a decent mechanic...that doesn't need to charge quite as much as a dealership. Just my .02.

 

Well, to be fair, the damage may have occurred at the first overheat. I'm not sure that a open cooling system such as yours would keep an air bubble in the system long enough to blow a cylinder.

If it doesn't run too badly right now, trade it or sell it. You could also ship it to your hometown, then fly home yourself.

See post #7. Who knows what all is wrong with it. 5 years old, almost 100K miles, I don't know that I would spend $3600 on a gamble at this point. As I said before, I would put a used engine with a warranty in it first. Cheaper in the short and long run.