JeepsterXJ89

Hey all, after selling my beloved XJ, I stumbled on this 95 ZJ Laredo. Picked it up cheap (or so I thought)

Already swapped in a 231, and that works great. (Interesting taking apart the transfer cases, that input swap is cool)

Upper radiator hose blew on me, so I shut it down, replaced hose, thermostat, and coolant, limped it back home.

Huge white smoke show, looks very much like a head gasket gave way. Pulled sparkplugs, 2 on each side were wet. 3-5 and 4-6.

Jeep still starts up, but is blowing water intermittently (not steam, visible water) from tailpipe.

Engine oil is chocolate milk. Def exhaust gases in coolant as well.

The question becomes, do I try to find a JY engine, or take a chance and do the HG on this one? Or just part it out for what I can get of it?

Thanks for any advice/tips you gurus might have. This site was the most important tool I had while building my XJ.

tiwvr1

If you can do it yourself I would say replace head gaskets, have heads checked, and be all good. My 94 with 5.2 has almost 220k on it and runs great.

stomper27

[QUOTE="JeepsterXJ89"]Hey all, after selling my belove

stomper27

Hey man nice job on that 231 swap. I'm doing a rebuild/swap myself. I might send you a PM or two and get some advice if you don't mind.

JeepsterXJ89

Any time brother. I did not take any pictures that day, but will be happy to help any way I can. I'm currently with 3ID at benning.

JeepsterXJ89

I've never done a head gasket, but have above average mechanical ability. I.E. split open two transfer cases, put one good one back together, and installed it successfully.

My ZJ has 235k on it. I'm mostly worried about tearing it down, fixing the HG, and finding out the block is cracked or something crazy...

I guess I just don't want to waste time and money, if that makes sense?

stomper27

Don't worry about the pics! Hey thanks I appreciate the assistance on this.

I think I went on a deployment with 3rd ID, are you at school down there or is it your permanent duty station? Damn that weather at times! Lol Good luck brother stay, safe stay positive.

johnbanghart

ide do the head gaskets, or better yet look for a 360 for it ahahhah

99 Purple XJ

Bore it and Stroke it

johnbanghart

AGREED@!!!!!!!!!!!!lol

JeepsterXJ89

so the tear-down begins. I suppose I have to get it apart before I really know my options. Please stay tuned, I may have some questions as this goes.