that drip is being caused by something else. the weeping head gasket won’t leave puddle like that. time to start digging.

 

Everything for the head gasket, $85.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FPBHS9076PT3


Valve cover gasket, $38.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FPBVS50458R

 

Amen to that Martlor... almost no truer words about used vehicles could be stated.

Whenever I get a new (to me) used vehicle of any kind... I always have that undefined "break-in trust" period. To where I've had it in enough normal situations that I get a decent overall sense of the true condition after purchase. If it were me, and you know you have a gremlin like that already... I personally wouldn't roll the dice on a trip like that with it just yet. But that's just MHO on it.

 

I completely agree with Martlor and Rocket.

 

 

Drain just a bit of it and see if it separates in the drain pan.
That does look pretty green though…

Check the radiator filler neck, too, under the cap and see if any oil as risen to the top there.

 

That is a beautiful XJ. If the body looks as clean and well kept as the engine compartment, you have a true gem!

I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned more directly, but if you're not aware the 00-01 Jeep I6 4.0L's had a serious casting defect in the head (the head stamp is 0331) that causes the head to crack. I'm nothing close to an expert, but if you're even -talking- about doing a head gasket on a 00-01, you should commit to the full head replacement. There are a lot of quality options - the one mentioned early on in this thread seems to have a good reputation and folks seem happy with it, so that's what I'd do.

It's a little more $$, but on the bright side you don't have to worry about all that valve stuff or machining the head to make sure it's true to spec. Then you also can be rest assured that you're not sitting on a ticking time bomb.

On a side note, I put 305k miles on a TJ with the 0331 head and never had any issue with cracking or head gasket problems. The worst thing I had was a broken valve spring when I was 500 miles from home on a business trip. It threw a "critical" CEL (flashing light) but it limped back to the hotel and then limped to the repair shop.

 

May have some bad news. i just took it to get an oil change and the guy said the oil has a greenish tint to it and thinks the guy put some sort of product in it to reduce an engine knock because once he changed the oil it seems to be knocking. I haven't picked it up yet to hear but it doesn't seem like any good news......My buddy said if it is a knock low in the engine then I basically need to replace the engine......I'm praying that is not the case.


Wish me luck

 

Ok so I just picked it up and there is a slight tapping, nothing like the way he described it and it goes away when I hit the gas. He gave me a cup of the oil that was drained and it has a greenish tint to it, doesn't look normal. he was saying he thinks they put one of those fluids to reduce engine noise or something in it. I will upload a pic of the oil when I can free up space on my phone to take the pic.

I'll also try to get a video of the the engine noise.

 

ummmmm a green tint is probably antifreeze...the cracked head we have been telling you about...you can do a little checking around....perhaps pressure test the system.

 

Keep your chin up RealDeal. Motor work is better than body work IMO. Throw a new Clearwater head on and enjoy your XJ. Then you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you have a clean looking and running XJ.

Oh and for those who saw I had the same issue: I do not have a cracked head. -Sorry OP- Took it into my trusted Jeep shop and had the HG replaced. While there the motor was examined from bow to stern and got excellent results. I was going to put a new head on while there but I was assured there was really no need giving the condition of my internals. This shop has seen there fair share of cracked 0331s and said I was in the clear. Happy to have Sully back on the road and purrs like a happy cat.

 

Thanks bud, I'm trying to not get frustrated. I'm never gonna hear the end of it from the wife if I have to replace the engine. haha

here are some pics of the oil.

 

I read the rest of your thread and hope you don't need a complete rebuild. I did want to chime in on the head gasket kit. I have used this MAHLE/Victor Reinz set twice and have bene really impressed with it. Here is the complete list from RockAuto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ket+/+set,5412

I used the complete head set but they do sell just a head gasket. It's really nice layered steel. I had used Victor Reinz on my Mercedes and was happy with it so went with it for the Jeep too.

 

 

I had the same ticking; mostly heard from inside the cabin and only at idle. Your oil does look to have coolant in it. Like said above, I doubt you'd need a whole new engine provided there is no internal damage. I would think you could just replaced the head/bolts/gaskets and do a coolant flush. Might be a good time to check your heater core while pressure testing your cooling system.

Here's a link for a new head:

Keep us posted and keeping our fingers crossed for you man!