View Poll Results: How many miles on your 0331 header AND did it crack?
< 50,000 miles; still fine.
6
2.05%
< 50,000 miles; cracked!
1
0.34%
50,000 - 100,000 miles; still fine.
32
10.96%
50,000 - 100,000 miles; cracked!
13
4.45%
100,000 - 150,000 miles; still fine.
89
30.48%
100,000 - 150,000 miles; cracked!
34
11.64%
150,000 - 200,000 miles; still fine.
69
23.63%
150,000 - 200,000 miles; cracked!
16
5.48%
> 200,000 miles; still fine.
28
9.59%
> 200,000 miles; cracked!
4
1.37%
Voters: 292. You may not vote on this poll
How often do 0331 cylinder heads crack? Please vote if you have a late '99 to '01 XJ
09-14-2013, 08:07 PM
#76
Senior Member
I have 3 XJ"s 99 01 and 01 all between 100,000 and 150000. All are OK
09-15-2013, 03:25 AM
#77
Seasoned Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Sucka Free East Bay Cali
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
09-15-2013, 10:24 AM
#79
CF Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: salem, OR
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
11-05-2013, 09:46 AM
#81
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: mid-coast, maine
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: straight 6
126k and kraked!
my 2001 sport finally cracked and i ordered a replacement from clearwater cylinder heads inc. (http://cylinder-heads.com/automotive.cfm) - i didn't order just any ol' replacement part, they built one for me (worth the extra $$ i.m.o.) so that this baby will last 4evrr!!
03-29-2014, 01:23 AM
#84
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Central MA
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Not all 0331 heads will crack. But plenty of them do. I've worked on a handful of them.
The key is good preventive cooling system maintenance (religious!!) and some good luck. Just because you keep your cooling system up is no guarantee that the 0331 head won't crack. But it sure helps and it also prevents the chance of an "overheat", which virtually guarantees a cracked 0331 head.
If you own an 00-01, your new hobby is to keep a very close eye on the coolant reservoir, as the #1 symptom of a cracked 0331 head is "unexplained coolant loss". The key is to get to it and resolve it early, otherwise the engine bearings will be toast.
The key is good preventive cooling system maintenance (religious!!) and some good luck. Just because you keep your cooling system up is no guarantee that the 0331 head won't crack. But it sure helps and it also prevents the chance of an "overheat", which virtually guarantees a cracked 0331 head.
If you own an 00-01, your new hobby is to keep a very close eye on the coolant reservoir, as the #1 symptom of a cracked 0331 head is "unexplained coolant loss". The key is to get to it and resolve it early, otherwise the engine bearings will be toast.
2. luck favors the prepared
Squelchtone
03-29-2014, 08:40 AM
#86
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: VA
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So, it looks like just under 19% have had problems. Which also means over 81% have not. I fall in the later. 189,000+ and no crack. The PO over heated the engine at least 3 times, that I know of. I got it after it broke a piston skirt. PO removed the T-stat and it still ran hot, replaced the radiator, but still no T-stat, and it didn't run hot anymore. After the broken skirt, I got it, unaware of the head problems. I rebuilt the engine, and have been running it, less than 100 miles on the engine, but now checking the oil fill hole constantly. Knocking on wood that I got a good one.....RR
03-29-2014, 08:52 AM
#87
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: STL Metro
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I just acquired another '00 that pretty much matches mine in color and features, and it also has 155k on it and no problems to report so far. Haven't been able to run it much yet due to money issues. Plan to work it some this summer, so I can find any other issues. But it appears to be a great purchase at $900. Bonus it's build date is 2 months later than my other one. Let's keep the thread going.
Jeff
Jeff
03-29-2014, 09:08 AM
#89
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: ☼ Blackhole Sun
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Year: My Jeep is a GMC
On this site, real world statistics probably less than 5%. Greatest factor is due to the fact that no one has opened the hood in XX years just keep putting gas in it. Then when the temperature gauge suddenly swings in to the red and leaves em stranded at the side of the road they get concerned.
Last edited by Turbo X_J; 03-29-2014 at 09:11 AM.
