fmishin

Hi all, New to the forum, I see lots of great info & advice here and I could sure use some of both.
Got 3 kids and 3 Jeeps, 01 Cherokee Sport, 01 & 02 Grand Cherokees.
Done brakes, water pumps, tune ups etc. been a while since I did any serious engine work but I guess I'm due.
02 WJ Limited needs a head gasket & possibly head. Anyone know where I could get a head with valves new or refurb (depends on $$)
Thanks in advance

andrewmp6

Some people like http://www.cylinder-heads.com/ their site is a lil screwy you might wanna call or email them.

dave1123

Welcome to CF!

I bought one from Odessa Cylinder Heads, more commonly known as "Clearwater Cylinder Heads" for $455 complete with valves and shipping BOTH ways (core return). Their website was a little confusing which one to order, but a quick phone call and I had one on the way that day. Mine came quick because they have a warehouse here in NY. It's guaranteed for 5 years not to crack as long as it's not overheated. There is a 260* telltale tag on it for that purpose. It weight 85 lbs, 7 more than the original.These are new heavy-duty castings. Much better than the 0331 head.

fmishin

Dave & Andrew Thanks for the info Clear water seems to be a popular choice, good to know they have distribution in NY. Really appreciate the feedback. Going to call them tomorrow
Hope this reply goes through already sent one 30 mins ago not sure how long it takes or if I'm doing something wrong it said it would be reviewed but haven't seen it yet. John

Fred/N0AZZ

In 02 the 0331 head had been replaced hadn't it with a better one? If so It may be a lot cheaper to have his rebuilt.

dave1123

According to my research, Fred, the head was recast SOMEWHERE in the 02 production run with a new casting made in Brazil with more nickle in it. These are stamped with a "TUPY" on them. If he has one of those, he may just need a head gasket, who knows? Chrysler never admitted the 0331 head had a cracking problem and said the problem had to do with poor maintenance or overheating. I find that amusing because of the attempt to "fix" it. To my way of thinking an 0331 head in any form is a ticking time bomb. JMHO however.

Another point. With all the changes made to the 4.0 in 99, all they gained was 10 hp! Hardly seems worth the effort.

andrewmp6

The word tupy is inside the head but you can see it if you open the oil cap and look inside the head down between the rockers.Dave i have heard the same thing from mid year to late 02.

fmishin

I just checked no text or numbering visible on the head through the oil cap.
Got steam coming out the exhaust and around the head like an iron. Any idea what the chances are the mating surface of the block got damaged along with the head if it was really overheated?

andrewmp6

I kinda doubt the block has any damage most just crack the head.

dave1123

Generally, the only time the block gets damaged is if the gasket is blown between 2 cylinders and the flame of combustion is allowed to melt the surface between them, as in driving the vehicle too long before doing something about it. My head cracked into an exhaust port, so I had coolant dripping out of the tailpipe and lots of steam. No coolant got into the oil, thank God for that!

Fred/N0AZZ

So much for my bright idea

dave1123

No worries Fred! Sometimes it's an offhand comment the fires up brains! He COULD have his head Magnafluxed, but that's expensive from what I've heard. With mine, I just got rid of the problem with the Odessa head. I needed it fixed quickly for my business.

fmishin

Got the new head, bolts & gasket kit from Clearwater. Removed the head with manifolds attached, exhaust bolts came off ok broke 1. Took 3.5 hrs to remove everything and got it on the bench. Antifreeze in # 2&3 cylinders only. Head gasket
Was deformed between cylinders 3&4 gasket looked funky between 2&3.
Didn't see any obvious crack in the head. Took another 7 hours to be up & running.
Really couldn't have gone smoother which was nice since I was teaching my son along the way (it's his jeep) so now he wants to lift it...
Thanks for the input & direction on the forum hope the pics load ok.