Cjjcalhoun

I have an 88 XJ that I have just begun the slow process of restoring. I have had several big problems (head gasket, power steering, and rear main seal) that I have already repaired. I want to stroke the engine that is in it, but I live in the Florida keys and the machine shops are just too expensive here. I am moving to California this summer so I will just keep patching the engine until then.


My last big problem is the engine blow by. I am loosing about a quart of oil a week (about 400 miles) from the hose coming from the valve cover. I must mention that the engine feels very strong. This is my first 4.0 but I don't suspect it has lost too much power from the blow by. I have removed the hose and installed a PCV valve but, that only slowed the leak a small amount.


While searching for a fix I came a cross a product called CERTECH. Has anyone had any experience with it? I have ordered it and it should be here Tuesday or Wednesday. I will try to post any results I get.

Turbo X_J

Engine repair in a can is just snake oil, does nothing except lighten your wallet, it can also make problems worse.

Cjjcalhoun

Do you know about this product specifically? I hate to generalize all products as a scam. I know that some injector cleaners can do a fantastic job. I have had experience with Bars Leaks Head Gasket Fix and I know that it will temporarily fix a head gasket problem. Pretty much that is all I am trying to do. I want the Cherokee to run for another six months then I can, hopefully, storke it.

Turbo X_J

Quick Google produced:
"No downtime for repair. Simply add Premium CerTech Gels and drive down the road, or off the road – you choose. Fixes Transmissions, Gear Boxes, Hydraulic Systems too."

I guess I'm selling all my tools.

cruiser54

The hose coming from the valve cover should be going to the air cleaner.
Here's a diagram of the vacuum hoses. If they're messed up, that could be the whole problem.

Cjjcalhoun

I guess I will see when it comes in. I refuse to pay $700 to have my block machined (not including rods, crank, or cam bearings)

Cjjcalhoun

That is an awesome diagram. It was hooked up correctly though. I removed the rubber boot in the valve cover (it tore apart in the process) and replaced it with a PCV, so it is not hooked up correctly anymore.

highmileage

In the general reading on the product it would seem to work?
Best head gasket/cracked head product I have ever used is from IRONTITE, won't clog up your radiator but if you like having a heater I don't suggest it(doesn't clog it, just thickens the walls to the point it won't heat properly).
Does the machine shop price include dis-assembly?, you can save 100+/- if you do that on your own.

89cherokee2gtmudy

Do cruisers valve cover mod. I did it to my 88 which solved the extreme blow by I had. The tubes inside the valve cover simply go to far down and sucks oil off the top of the head, I cut a half inch off mine and it stopped. I also did this while I had the valve cover off to replace the leaky cork gasket.
Also try to keep the the vacuum and breather systems relatively stock for California smog.

89CherokeeLee

My jeep has some blowby as well. come pring time I will either modify my valve cover or get a new one and mod it if I need to. I get moisture blown right into my air filter fron the damn thing, so I will need to make a P trap with an evacuation valve to be able to drain it.

cruiser54

Make sure the line from the back of the valve cover to the intake manifold is clear as well as the fitting on the manifold.

Cjjcalhoun

So, I have changed my mind on the CERTECH gel stuff. I am not going to use it on my engine. I am currently loosing 1 quart of oil for every 200 miles (maybe less, it gets worse every day). Because of the rapid deterioration of the engine I figure a ring must have broken. I have ordered remanufactured, engine. I found one on Ebay for less than the cost of the machine shop here. If anyone wants to give the CERTECH gel a try send me a message. I am sure we can work something out, and I would like to see if it has any effect. just don't want to waste it on my engine. As for the tubes in the valve cover, mine doesn't have them. I did remove the original fitting on the top of the valve cover and installed a PCV valve but that doesn't seem to be helping much.

89CherokeeLee

It seems to have pretty good negative pressure, so I think it must be alright.

Turbo X_J

How much did they soak you for?

Cjjcalhoun

about $100.