Yadkin_Valley_4x4

Glad to be here.

I just purchased @ 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. It was a gift from a friend. ($400)
I did not know of the 0331 head issues but this unit appears to have been maintained fairly well.

I do have to to tackle the heater core and evaporator as my first work on the rig. I have not done a dash removal in several years, last one being our 1987 VW Jetta.

Looking forward to learning and working on this Jeep with my sons.

We will be leaning on this excellent forum to make it happen.




Purchase Day



Purchase Day



Reinstalled Fender Trim

Rogue4x4

Welcome to the forum, and back to Jeeps!

The 0331 head issue is a fine line. They can go at any time, great maintenance or not. It is a bad casting that can let go at any time. Overheating increases that chance, but just be aware. Run it. If you see it overheating at any point, stop immediately. IF you run into that, do what you need to to verify the head is fine, compression tests, coolant test for exhaust gasses in coolant, and oil tests for coolant in oil. Not a show stopper, until it is, haha. There's lots of info here on the site for dealing with it if it becomes an issue.

Good to see you're involving the young lads, it's something that will stay with them forever. Some of my best memories are working on cars with my pops.

Again, welcome, and keep us posted on your progress, start a build thread and share! You can do so here:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/

Also, if you haven't done so already, get a FSM (factory service manual) for your Jeep. Best $8 you'll spend on it and can be found here:

http://www.pacificcoastmanuals.com/j...e_manuals.html

XJwonders

Welcome to the forum. Good thing it is not that hard to replace the head gasket and/or the cylinder head. So if it ever happens. No worries. U can easily replace it anywhere with regular tools; no special tools required.

Yadkin_Valley_4x4

Thanks for the great links and responses.

Got a quote ($500) from a reliable shop/warranted work to do heater core and evaporator while dash is opened up. Thoughts?

Is there a quality replacement head that is commonly used?

XJwonders

Clearview heads seem to be the go-to guys. Or u could find a TUPY 0331 head from 2002-2004 grand Cherokees or 2002-2006 wranglers

I personally did the tupy head myself. And had good results.