JeepPants

I have a 2000 Cherokee Sport and the 0331 head just cracked on me. I think I need to walk away from it as much as it pains me (I'm a mom with a one-year old, I can't do large repairs myself) I was quoted $1,750 from the local jeep mechanic, $5000 for new engine if I drove it too long with it cracked and ruined the bearings or whatever, I think I caught it right away but can't be sure. I'm hoping to get a $1,000 for it but I'm wondering if that's asking too much and I'm skewed by my love for it ha. I'm pretty heartbroken about it. Is there a more realistic price I should be seeking? It's a great Jeep with a lot of life left in it.


Other info for what it's worth:

In great shape overall, always ran smooth, well maintained

Second owner since 2004

156K

Good tires (1.5 years old)

Recently replaced within the last two years: windshield, heater core, radiator, water pump (have paperwork for almost every repair ever)

Interior very clean, weather striping in good shape

Has some surface rust on the roof that needs attention sooner than later, no rust anywhere else

ShowMe Cherokee

Sorry to hear that.

Where are you located?

Greg

double_0_7

I don't know about your area for the worth of the Jeep...but anyone who told you $5000 for a new engine just didn't want to do the work for you.

JeepPants

I'm in Denver, so I feel like it's a desirable area for Jeeps. I wondered if the price quoted was high, my usual local jeep mechanic dude moved away right before this happened.

double_0_7

I feel like the location should change your sale/purchase price for the vehicle, but not anything with a repair. An engine with a warranty shouldn't cost more than, like, $1500. And I can't imagine a shop chargine $3500 to install it. Someone else might correct me, but even if you need a totally DIFFERENT engine, I wouldn't guess more than $2500, $3000? And that's if you don't just rent an engine hoist, bribe your friends with beer, and find one who knows how to do it in a weekend for cheap.

Martlor13

Seems high to me considering the likelihood of a major and costly repair. I mean, i would set the asking at 1000 just to give you room for haggling and i woukd figure you'll get tons of offers at 500 and then settle in the middle.

JeepPants

Thanks for the replies, very helpful! The mechanic just offered me $300 for it, which I can't do, just no way. I'm getting it towed to my house to avoid driving it. Now I'm wondering if I try and get my husband and brother to replace the head/gasket and hope the engine is okay, reading around here it doesn't sound like a crazy bad repair? They are both reasonably good car guys. It would be a big project for us though, perhaps I'm being naive. Just struggling to part with my Jeep, even if I replace it as a daily driver.

Rogue4x4

Do it. That mechanic over quoted you to make you think it's not worth it, only to offer you 300 bucks to "take it off your hands"....he's scamming you to get a cheap vehicle he can easily repair and flip for a lot more money.

RockinRonnie

I agree with roninofako I think the mechanic is just trying to get a cheap Jeep. Its sad but true too many places see a woman and think easy pushover for them! replace the head and see from there. would be my idea.

Rogue4x4

Replacing the head is fairly straight forward. If your guys have some wrenching ability, they can easily tackle it. You'll need a socket for the head bolts, don't remember the size right off the top of my head, but it's one that isn't common in most kits, but any auto parts store or tool department should carry it. The only other hard part is getting the manifolds lined up properly and getting a couple of bolts underneath.

EDIT: You'll need a 1/2" drive, deep well, 1/2" - twelve point socket.....Posted by CCKen on Cherokeetalk.

firebane

There is a lot more to replacing a head than some sockets. This is not a newbie thing to do.

And all you guys thing 3-5k for a engine is crazy.

Here in Canada you get rebuilt transmissions for 1500-2500 and reman engines for 3-5k depending on options.

With a possible cracked head and unknown engine state... $1000 is too high. You can buy a running and drivable Jeep for that.

Rogue4x4

Nonsense. There's tons of info out there.

OP, Google head replacement for your 2000. There's tons of videos and lots of links on how to do this properly, you can also get a FSM (factory service manual) in digital format online, and several auto parts stores even have links to DIY. Plus, you can always come here for information.

Rogue4x4

OP, I sent you a PM.

WyoCherokee

Are you for sure the head is cracked? Just because its the 0331 head, doesn't mean you couldn't have blown a head gasket. Are you in dire need to get the rig up and running, i.e. only vehicle? Have you husband get a chilton or haynes manual, and read up on head removal. it really isn't all that hard on a 4.0, its just time consuming. I cant remember off the top of my head, but there's an off-road shop in Loveland, up by Centera Plaza. Ill try to think of it. He deals in jeeps allot. I wish i was closer(im up in Northern Wyoming), otherwise ide be happy to pull it apart and do the swap for you.

BimmerJeeper

Amen for some sanity in these forums.

I think she should shop around and get a quote for a head replacement.
Seems like the rest of the Jeep is in decent shape with life left.

If her head is cracked, what are her options?
Where can you order a new one?

Lady, maybe one plan can be to order the head, and get a mechanic to install it ?
I have no idea. This is an advanced repair with "machining" and stuff.