Mossycherokee

Found a clean low miles Cherokee for a really good price. Seller says it overheated a couple times but he pulled over immediately. Originally it was a leak from the thermostat housing. After the fix, a leak started at the block a week later.
Also said oil change didn’t show coolant. But mechanic says head gasket needs to be replaced. He claims that the block is not cracked and he is pretty sure it is not warped. But how could he know.

My question: Would you risk buying this knowing it has overheated? Does it take a really bad overheating to warp?

Ralph77

My first question is how much?

Mossycherokee

I can probably get it for under $1000. A bit over 100k miles. Clean inside and out. Limited. Leather.

Ralph77

So going in assume the worst.
Going to have to put in another motor.
Is this something you can do yourself?

Mossycherokee

Eh I guess I’m hoping to just replace the gasket. I can do the motor but it would be more of a project than I’d like at the moment.
But yeah you’re right.

Ralph77

You could chance it but think that would be a waste of time.
First thing would be to pop the valve cover and see what head is in there.
My guess is the original 0331 head.
If so I would not even waste my time with that head.
Google 0331 head to see why.
I would get a TUPY head. Maybe get it checked out first. Maybe chance it.
New head gasket see what happens.
There is an outside chance that the head already cracked and was replaced.
If you open it up and see the letter TUPY on the head then I would chance it and just go for the head gasket.
Realizing how much of a crap shoot this is.
Cause the lower end could be trashed by the coolant getting down in there.
Thing with me and repairs on my Jeep is that my time is not worth anything.
Semi retired and have plenty of it. LOL.
So to me the cost of fixing something is strictly in the price of the parts.
But that is assuming it is something I can handle.
Low ball the hell out of the guy.
If you are willing to deal with the worst case scenario probably still worth it in the long run if the Jeep is as clean as you seem to indicate.
The only other thing is I am guessing that you can't drive the Jeep.
So have to go on faith that it is just the engine.
And you have to take into account all the maintenance stuff that you should do to a Jeep when you first get it.
Once you get a handle on where you are at.

Mossycherokee

Thanks for the wise words
I’m familiar with the 0331 head though I’ve never owned one. I’ve also read mixed things. Some indicate that only a small percentage of these heads have the issue. But checking inside may provide a bit of clarity.
thanks again
Cam

Mossycherokee

I’m gonna bail on it. Thanks for the advice

tjwalker

It's a crapshoot with the 0331. But any overheat really ups the odds of having a cracked 0331 head. Two overheats, I'm betting big time on this one having a cracked head.

I'd bail on it too unless you are willing to entertain at minimum a different head, and possibly an engine rebuild or replacing the engine.

MaskedMallard

Where is the Jeep located? How clean is it? I'd rather deal with an engine replacement, than deal with rust. Is there a link?

Mossycherokee

It’s in the Pacific Northwest. I haven’t inspected it but looks to be in really good shape. I talked to the mechanic who inspected it and it would needs a new engine. Would love to do it just can’t swing it right now

MaskedMallard

I hate to make it sound like I'm spending your money, but you might be able to talk to a bank & get a loan for the KBB of the Jeep. Then you could buy the Jeep for $1000 & have a rebuilt engine put in, to include labor. I believe a rebuild engine goes for about $1500-$2000. Labor is about 11 hours to R&R (remove & replace). Just make sure the rebuild engine does not have the 0331 cylinder head. Find one with a TUPY cylinder head. Might also want to consider a new radiator, new waterpump, & thermostat. I'm a fan of the HESCO waterpump & thermostat housing. I installed a new 3 row (a 2 row is fine also) radiator, HESCO waterpump & HESCO thermostat housing, & I now see the XJ run afew degrees cooler.

- You could do a used engine, but you really don't know what you are getting. If you did go used, I'm 90% sure everything will be fine. I just quickly looked in the Seattle area, and used engines with 100,000 miles plus, those engines are starting at $1000.

- So, assuming some numbers here.
- $1000 for the XJ.
- $1700 for a rebuild engine with a warranty (I only looked at eBay).
- 11 hours of labor, ASSUMING $100 an hour is $1100
- $500 for miscellaneous (radiator / waterpump / sparkplug / NEW MOPAR Crankshaft Position Sensor/ moving some parts over)
Total About $4,200 and you have an XJ with an engine warranty of some sorts. So, your bank loan would need to be for about $3200, providing you buy the Jeep with your own pocket money. Figure a 12 month loan at $300 a month & the Jeep is paid off. An 18 month loan would be about $200 a month.

Jasper Engines has a pretty decent warranty, I don't know what they charge for an engine...

99XJ4.0

I would buy it in a heartbeat especially if you able to do the work yourself if you need to pay someone to do it, it will cost a little more and you may end up with 3000 or so in it. Most likely it needs a head gasket and the 331 head is probably cracked I highly doubt if the block is cracked or warped Worse case scenario you put a used motor in it at least here in Ohio I see decent mileage engines all the time on Craigslist and the Facebook selling wall for 500 and sometimes less not sure about where you live but here in the rust belt Cherokees that are in good shape are getting harder and harder to find especially a rare Cherokee limited.