Troy Okum

Hi all,

My 2000 Cherokee Sport started having the oil pressure drop a few days ago. Once engine went to proper temp psi was at 25ish on highway and 7 or less at idle. It may have been a failing sensor bc there were NO signs of engine malfunction, noises etc.

But regardless before i could diagnosis it the temp needle spiked (not gradually, but to 260 red, in an instant). The engine would instantly drop/cool after five minutes. No gradual change.

Radiator intake hose felt stiff, water/coolant on the passenger floor, and minor bubbling in the coolant taken. No weird engine noises or performance issues or milky oil.

Sounds like a blocked heater core, but the garage is saying its a head gasket, heater core and radiator needs to be replaced for $5,800. They said this was all caused by the previous owner using stop leak and trashing the coolant system. I bought the vehicle 2,000 miles ago.

Im interested on your take of possible causes of this and if you think the garage is gave a reasonable diagnosis.

whats gets me is that there are no signs of headgasket issues fron my perspective except the overheating.

5-Speed

First of all, $5800 for a heater core and radiator is just out of control! Ya the heater core is a big task and takes a while but still, thats bad. A heater core and radiator by themselves will cost less then $100.

Seeing that you have a 2000, I am going to say its most likely a cracked head. The bubbling in the coolant tank would be a side effect to a cracked head. I would go down to your local auto store and get an exhaust gas tester for the coolant as your first step.

awg

agree with above guy,

BUT that price is the mechanic telling you he does not want the job...at all..
I would not have him do the job under any circs

BlueRidgeMark

I agree with AWG. He does not want the job.

Your first order of business is to find a new shop. I have seen quotes for the heater core in the $800 to $1000 range, because it's just a lot of labor. I haven't priced one myself, but I would bet the core is under a hundred bucks.

A shop can replace the entire engine with a new (reman) one and the heater core for less than what you were quoted.

And.... that's likely what you need to do. Check for coolant in your oil. It's likely the PO took you for a ride - this didn't happen in the last 2,000 miles. The head is probably cracked (a known problem on the 2000-2001 models) and your bearings are shot.

You can buy a good used engine, new radiator and heater core for under a grand, and replace it all yourself. It's just your labor that is pricey.

awg

with a dash out job, (or any complicated)

I (used to) politely) ask "have you done these many times before ?"

reason is 1st time I do a job, I allow 4 times book hrs, 2nd time double,
but near mechanic speed after a few times (unless they do it very regular)

On vehicles I am familiar with, and the mechanic not, I am quicker

many mechanics dont like older vehicles, stuck fasteners, everything worn out, customer is penny-pincher lol

they quote a #$%%-off price, and if ur stupid enough...

builders are just as bad