Hello everyone,
I am new to the forum and am a first time Jeep owner. I recently picked up a '95 Cherokee Country for practically free, the vehicle has a blown head gasket and possibly a cracked head. It is in OK shape otherwise, mechanically speaking there are a few things to address but nothing I can't handle, the paint is faded but it doesn't look like there are any major dents or body damage and more importantly no signs of rust as of yet, the interior could use some TLC as well. The engine has about 250k which is why I am considering installing a fresh engine altogether, the local rebuilder estimates $3400 to $3800 to refresh the old 4.0L, this seeming kind of steep I've been looking at other avenues. Not being a Jeep guy I have yet to learn the best resources for the XJ, I did come across Quadratecs website and found that they sell replacement engines, a new engine for a '95 would run me $2,385 and am really leaning towards this route. The engines come with a 3 year warranty and looks to only be missing covers/pan/housings which is an easy transfer from the old engine, looks like it even comes with all the needed gaskets. My only hold back is that I don't know Quadratecs nor ATK Engines reputation, both companies seem legit from what I can see and the savings would allow for other repairs/upgrades. I hope that you guys can chime in and give me some insight as to whether this would be a good decision or not

I have also played with the idea of replacing the cylinder head and gasket to allow earlier entry into upgrades and I could then replace the engine down the line once it finally gives but am not too fond of going this route. An Edelbrock cylinder head would be a nice midground to all this though...

Plans for the Jeep (for those interested):
My plans for the Jeep are to first get it in good working order, restore it mechanically and then focus on upgrades, I would like to have a reliable daily driver as well as a capable off-roader, I would use it for camping and I ultimately would like to take it to Moab some day. My plan of action is to:
1. Replace the engine
2. Repair any and all mechanical defects
3. Repair Headliner
4. Detail interior
5. Add noise dampening insulation
6. Replace or overhaul auto trans
7. Start the uprgrades

Upgrades/Mods I intend on doing
1. Headlights (something with better light output, thinking Truck Lites)
2. Flowkooler Water Pump (although I've heard mixed reviews about the high flow pumps)
3. Hesco Thermostat Cover (to compliment the water pump)
4. Trans Cooler
5. Smittybilt front bumper
6. Winch (idk which one yet)
7. Fender Flares (idk which ones yet)
8. 4.5in lift *maybe* (thinking Rubicon express)
9. 33's (thinking Pro Comp Rims and BFG K02 tires)
10. Built Dana 44 for the rear (Would likely get it from ECGS)
11. Smittybilt rear bumper (idk if i'm going with the tire carrier or not)
12. Sound System
13. Updated front clip and fenders
14. Paint
And we'll see all what else I come up with after much more research. I have many questions and look forward to being apart of the community, I also hope to get the chance to wheel together once time permits!

 

You don't need Quadratec you can get ATK motors from Napa. I've heard mixed reviews about them but you will see that with all companies that build reman motors. If you are installing it yourself find out if they will warranty it at all. If your local builder has a good reputation that may be cheaper in the long run. Getting a Clearwater head and seeing if she will run with that and get the bottom end rebuild if needed might be the cheapest option.

 

Thanks for the reply, looking at Napa's website idk if they rebadge them but its listed as Napa Iron Clad, although the part # does have ATK in it. The engines do seem aesthetically different by a small amount and there is a price difference, Quadratecs engine looks just a bit nicer
Quadratec
NAPA

I may look into a Jasper engine although I have seen mixed reviews about them when searching. Quadratec does have a promising write-up on the ATK which instills some confidence

"ATK engines with cylinder heads are engineered & fully remanufactured, using only the highest-quality parts and precision-machined tolerances. These Engines are backed by a 3-year - Unlimited mile warranty! All of ATK's manufacturing facilities are both QS-9000 and ISO 9001 certified, making them one of few engine remanufactures in the world to do so. Every engine is tested for compression, oil pressure, oil leaks, engine noise and general operating condition before shipment. Engines are shipped by truck freight. When you're ready to return your exchange core - the process is simple with our 360-Degree Core Guarantee. Simply stated, your engine core need only be the same type as the one supplied, complete with no visible damage and be able to turn over 360 degrees. Core pickup is easy. Place it in the crate and call the pickup number provided with the bill of lading. We pay the freight back."

 

Is there coolant in the oil, and has it been sitting or run that way for any length of time. If so, the bearings might be trashed. What's your skill level? I'd do a leakdown test and compression test to try and confirm a head gasket issue, then pull the head and see if it's cracked. If the head looks fine, maybe have a shop go over it, then reinstall. If things look trashed, button it back up since you need to return a core. Or look for a lower mileage used engine.

Did that local quote for $3400-$3800 including the actual engine swap too? That would probably be about $1000 labor by itself. Doing the engine swap isn't hard. It ust takes a while and paying lots of attention to what goes where as you go (cell phone pictures and video really help). Holler if you go this route and we can give some help hints such as removing the upper bellhousing bolts first,and unbolting and leaving the t/c in the trans, etc.

 

No coolant in oil, combustion gases are making their way into the cooling system and coolant into the cylinder. I can handle anything as long as its not fabrication as I'm an automotive tech by trade, I'm certain of its condition although I would need to pull the head to inspect and possibly magnaflux it. Considering the mileage and my desire for reliability, I'd like to replace the engine, the cost from the rebuilder is just to rebuild it which is why I'm considering the ATK engine. I work mostly on import/foreign vehicles but do get my fair share of domestics, any tips are greatly appreciated as I learn more about these XJ's, thanks for your feedback!

 

Maybe there is some difference in them I'm not sure but that's the ATK 4.7 stroker motor in the Napa link.
I went threw all this researching a few months ago. The mixed reviews for everything drove me crazy. I eventually went with Jasper. The mechanic I used was a certified installer. There were two ambulances in the shop at the time getting Jasper motors. Do I trust it? Not really. The warranty covers the motor and $120 per hour labor for 3 years. Reimbursed towing nationwide to the nearest Jasper installer if the motor is at fault. Don't trust that much either but fingers crossed if I ever need it.
I guess my point is you just have to take a gamble with someone. I know rebuilding it myself would of been a huge gamble 😂

 

Oops, I meant to put this one, NAPA , that stroker would be nice though
I appreciate the feedback and will keep up with your posts regarding the engine, It'll be a little while before I get to it due to finances and other projects, and hopefully I'll find a clear path as what to do in the meantime, and agreed I'll leave the meticulous machine work to the pros

 

Sounds like you have it well in hand. If you're doing the labor instead of a shop and money is tight, I'd suggest going ahead and pulling the head and replacing the head gasket if the head looks okay.

 

Good luck with Quadratec.
I ordered items for my lift on June 17 and still have yet to receive my leaf packs. They are blaming it on the manufacturer and saying they are back ordered. I called rubicon express last thursday and they said they have hundreds in stock..... so Quadratec is sandbaggin' me and taking forever to send me my stuff. Probably because the leaf packs go for about $180 or so normally but I found then on sale at QT for $112. So maybe they're hoping I'll get fed up with it and cancel the order. I wonder what QT paid for the leaf packs from Rubicon Express.... or however their system and parts acquisition works.
It also takes them literally about 4-5 weeks to answer emails (even if you send a dozen emails, literally a dozen), and they NEVER answer the phone. I bet I've called them 25 times at different times during their "business hours".
they blame it on covid and say "everyone is at home right now buying jeep stuff...... Yeah I know if i was out of work I would be spending my money on jeep parts instead of the mortgage.....

Off the soap box now.

 

http://www.timbukthree4wd.com/rebuilt-components.php

Check there for nice looking reman's

They will ship, but that might be a couple hundred bucks or more.....

 

For those interested I thought I'd update this thread. Shortly after starting this thread I was able to source a remanned engine from LKQ, a reputable company that we use for recycled auto parts, not having the money then I waited. It turns out that now that I am ready to buy they have no remanned engine for my Jeep, sweet. So after weighing my options, I've decided to purchase a cylinder head from Clearwater as suggested and also from the seemingly good feedback I was able to find. Gonna replace the head gasket, replace the head for quicker turn around, not to mention it was cheaper than getting my head resurfaced at the local machine shop, and pray that that there is no damage to the lower end. If so, off the lower end goes to machine shop. Also, was thinking of going with ARP head studs as these engines do have a reputation for overheating and my Cherokee did just blow its head gasket, but not sure if its worth the cost.

 

My son and I both own XJ's. We ordered direct from ATK. His motor is 6 years old and mine is 3 years old. We got good engines with no issues and cost direct from ATK was only $1,700. I think Quadratec was listing them for much higher and buying direct saved us a good amount. Service was good and they even picked up the old motor's for the deposit back.

We have had no issues with these 4.0 ATK motors and they are running smooth. Thank God we have not had to go through any warranty which even with the best warranty program I can imagine being a real pain.

 

I have a complete running 4.0 high output 95 it's not pretty but it starts right up always dependable.. perfect donor for what your looking for 1000$ it's yours

 

That is waaayy overpriced for a used engine. Not to mention you haven't stated mileage, oil pressure, compression, location, etc.

 

Big thank you to you llamley! I ended up scratching replacing just the head when I reached out to ATK. I \was pleased to find out that they are owned by LKQ! I asked them about an engine for the Jeep, they didn't have any built but told me they could have one built up in 2 weeks and sent out. In exactly 2 weeks I received the engine, very impressed!
I was able to get the same pricing as well but I had to go through the shop to order.
Since then I have been working on getting the engine replaced the last few weekends and finally broke in the new engine this last weekend. Overall I'm happy with the ATK engine, with the only issue I had being with the rear main seal. The lower section of the seal was not seated well which would cause interference with the oil pan gasket but I was able remove refit and reinstall it with no issues. I replaced a bunch of other things the Jeep needed while I was able to as well. The Jeep still needs tons of TLC and repairs but I'm loving the Jeep life thus far! Already looking at all the upgrades and have the H4 connector harness on order from K Suspension, the lighting is terrible at night