Originally Posted by jessep95

So a new problem I noticed, the coolant reservoir was almost empty over the weekend. I topped it off and have been monitoring it everyday. The level in the tank drop about an inch or so everyday. And when I leave it parked at an idle it starts to form a small puddle leaking out of the exhaust pipe.

so pretty much assuming that the head is already cracked at this point. Trying to figure out what to do. Had a local shop quote me $4200 for an autozone motor parts and labor (3k for engine, 1200 labor). Not a chance of doing that lol.

finances will not allot for a nice reman motor at the moment, and would like to try an get a used engine for it.

what year engines should I be looking for? From what I’ve read a pre 96 engine had an additional temp sensor that wasn’t used in later models and something else about the blocks being a bit stronger. So was thinking of finding a 96-99 with lowest miles possible out of another xj, that way all the accessories will have same mounting points. I know about the different size exhaust manifold, and the fact of needing a bracket for the coil rail. Is there anything else needed to make it a direct swap in without any issues?

Also I live in Atlanta and would like to see if anyone has some locals shops that could help me tackle this project (help source a good engine/install) without destroying my bank account. I have someone that I might be able to use for install at a reasonable rate if I get all the parts necessary so that’s also why I’m curious about what else is needed for a swap if I go that route.

Originally Posted by Ralph77

Found this:

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...102190924.html

Originally Posted by jessep95

Another faulty head located in California. Don’t think that’s gonna help me out