New jeep, new head problems?
#1
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
New jeep, new head problems?
Hey guys. Just bought a 2000 xj with 230k miles as a project truck. The jeep will need a lot of attention, but there's one problem that has become the first priority. Antifreeze in the oil!
I've done my research, have a list of symptoms, and did a compression test. Learned afterwards that holding my throttle open while testing helps? For now, I'm looking for input from all of you. So here's what I've got going for me so far:
1) White foam underneath oil cap
2) Steam coming out of valve cover, along with bubbling and fizzling
3)No sludge/milkshake on my dipstick. There are a few small bubbles at the top of the oil reading though
4)No exhaust bubbles in radiator while the jeep is running
Other thinks worth mentioning:
-Does not overheat at idle, elec. fan kicks on around 220
-Exhaust smells sweet, but isn't white
-Warms up faster than my old xj did
-Vehicle has a lifter tick
Compression test results:
DRY:
Cyl. 1-----135
Cyl. 2-----160
Cyl. 3-----130
Cyl. 4-----175
Cyl. 5-----165
Cyl. 6-----170
WET:
Cyl. 1-----175
Cyl. 2-----180
Cyl. 3-----155
Cyl. 4-----195
Cyl. 5-----190
Cyl. 6-----195
I might have time on Sunday to make up a tool to compress each cylinder individually and check for exhaust in the radiator again. For now, the compression test isn't showing me too much. Any input?
I've done my research, have a list of symptoms, and did a compression test. Learned afterwards that holding my throttle open while testing helps? For now, I'm looking for input from all of you. So here's what I've got going for me so far:
1) White foam underneath oil cap
2) Steam coming out of valve cover, along with bubbling and fizzling
3)No sludge/milkshake on my dipstick. There are a few small bubbles at the top of the oil reading though
4)No exhaust bubbles in radiator while the jeep is running
Other thinks worth mentioning:
-Does not overheat at idle, elec. fan kicks on around 220
-Exhaust smells sweet, but isn't white
-Warms up faster than my old xj did
-Vehicle has a lifter tick
Compression test results:
DRY:
Cyl. 1-----135
Cyl. 2-----160
Cyl. 3-----130
Cyl. 4-----175
Cyl. 5-----165
Cyl. 6-----170
WET:
Cyl. 1-----175
Cyl. 2-----180
Cyl. 3-----155
Cyl. 4-----195
Cyl. 5-----190
Cyl. 6-----195
I might have time on Sunday to make up a tool to compress each cylinder individually and check for exhaust in the radiator again. For now, the compression test isn't showing me too much. Any input?
Last edited by turver; 11-22-2014 at 07:11 AM.
#2
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Search for "0331 head" and do a little reading, looks like that could be your issue.
Last edited by pbiancardi; 11-22-2014 at 09:35 AM.
#3
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Year: 2004 WJ, 1998 XJ
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.7 HO
Did you drain the oil? What did that look like? Has the jeep been sitting? Maybe it's just a little condensation if you're lucky????
I'm an optimist.
I'm an optimist.
#4
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Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
Yank the whole engine out and rebuild everything, except the head.
Use it for a doorstop or a boat anchor and buy a brand new aftermarket replacement. The original head is not restorable. The used 0331 heads are no good either.
If you're going to keep it.
Use it for a doorstop or a boat anchor and buy a brand new aftermarket replacement. The original head is not restorable. The used 0331 heads are no good either.
If you're going to keep it.
Last edited by Firestorm500; 11-22-2014 at 11:27 AM.
#5
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm afraid he may very well be correct from the way it sounds and the mileage on it for that year/head combo. The head is good for nothing but its weight for scrap, I would imagine that the block will be fine for a rebuild.
#6
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Year: 2000
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Thanks guys. I've been looking up info on the heads on my year and can't say I'm happy with what I found. With this many miles on the vehicle, I was considering buckling down and learning to rebuild it anyways. Hopefully the block will be alright. The jeep looks like it's been maintained pretty well. If nothing else, the jeep is worth keeping for the body, it's in great shape.
The oil I drained from the pan didn't show any signs of coolant and had no metal shavings. The exhaust also isn't blowing white smoke. So maybe if I'm lucky it will just be condensation.
Thanks again, love this site!
The oil I drained from the pan didn't show any signs of coolant and had no metal shavings. The exhaust also isn't blowing white smoke. So maybe if I'm lucky it will just be condensation.
Thanks again, love this site!
Last edited by turver; 11-22-2014 at 01:19 PM.
#7
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Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
Hold on. Not all 0331 heads are junk. 02-04 WJ (grand cherokee) and 02-06 TJ (wranglers) have TUPY 0331 heads, they are revised and improved designed heads. Direct bolt in on 2000 and above blocks.
Much cheaper than buying brand new heads.
That's what I did.
Much cheaper than buying brand new heads.
That's what I did.
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#8
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Year: 2000
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Now if I were able to find one of the TUPY heads at a junkyard, would I have to look into bringing it to a machine shop? Could my rockers and springs be switched between a TUPY and non-TUPY head?
#9
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Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0
I didn't take my head to the machine shop because I checked the flatness with a granite surface table and feeler gauges (I work at a machine shop myself) and it was still straight (I got lucky and the head had only 109k miles on it). I simply took a stone and cleaned the mating surfaces and replaced the valve stem seals and did some general cleaning.
#12
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Year: My Jeep is a GMC
Why no mention of oil pressure, have you checked with a mechanical gauge?
Last edited by Turbo X_J; 11-22-2014 at 06:59 PM.
#13
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Year: 2000
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Engine: 4.0L
Out of curiosity, how is oil pressure related to the issue?
#15
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Year: 2000
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Engine: 4.0L
I'll see if I can't get ahold of an oil pressure gauge once I'm paid. I'm a little tight on cash after buying the jeep! I'll keep you guys updated.