Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here! ZJ (93-98), WJ (99-04), WK (05+)
All ZJ/WJ/WK specific tech questions asked here!

intake/exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gasket

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-13-2015 | 06:16 PM
  #1  
JJCIII's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default intake/exhaust manifold gaskets, valve cover gasket

LDP code plus an annoying whistle. I guess I let the vcg leak a little too long. Doesn't help that the manifold bolts weren't as tight as they should be.

Name:  ForumRunner_20151113_181319.png
Views: 1937
Size:  531.1 KB
Old 11-13-2015 | 06:55 PM
  #2  
dave1123's Avatar
Old fart with a wrench
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 730
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Okay, so you're saying the valve cover leak ruined the manifold gasket? Seems likely. Good to know. Thanks for sharing.
Old 11-13-2015 | 07:15 PM
  #3  
JJCIII's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Yes, the oil caused the layers of the gasket to separate. Waiting at stop lights got to be annoying. So sick of that whistle sound. It got louder over time.

Last edited by JJCIII; 11-13-2015 at 07:30 PM.
Old 11-13-2015 | 07:56 PM
  #4  
Auger's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L V8
Default

I will be sure to put this on my list as there is quite some seepage on mine.
Old 11-14-2015 | 01:14 AM
  #5  
JJCIII's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Don't wait too long. Oil made it past the gasket and into the intake. There is carbon buildup on the valves. As well as creosote buildup in the intake and head ports. I'm going to pick up some brake clean and some carb cleaner tomorrow so I can clean everything before I put the gaskets on and bolt everything back together. I'm also thinking of picking up some gasket tack too.
Old 11-14-2015 | 07:15 AM
  #6  
dave1123's Avatar
Old fart with a wrench
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 730
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

When I changed my 0331 head, I used a Victor-Reinz multi-layer steel gasket that probably won't separate, but you never know. I also used one of their steel&rubber valve cover gaskets. It's just like the Mopar reusable trans pan gasket. So far, nothing's leaking.

Interestingly enough, when I replaced the head with it's new valves, the engine started using a little oil between changes, more than before. I attribute that to higher cylinder pressures because the valves are sealing better now. The first thing I checked was the rear main seal, but that's dry. After all, it's got 182K miles on it. It's not smoking at all either.

Question; I'm using Valvoline Synthetic 10W-30 oil in it but because of price, I'm thinking of going to their Max-Life semi-syn. What do you think? I've worked for Ashland before and have always used Valvoline oils in all my vehicles, so don't tell me to use Rotella.

Last edited by dave1123; 11-14-2015 at 07:21 AM.
Old 11-14-2015 | 10:13 AM
  #7  
JJCIII's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Nothing wrong with that. Maxlife is supposed to be good. Plus semi syn will work better on a new or remanned head for the break in process. I've got Mobil 1 in mine mostly for the fact that I can go 6 months between changes. I'm using felpro gaskets on mine.

Last edited by JJCIII; 11-14-2015 at 10:19 AM.
Old 11-15-2015 | 01:53 PM
  #8  
JJCIII's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Just test drove the jeep to burn off anything on the exhaust. I must say it does run better now since I also used a toothbrush on the intake and cleaned the head ports. I actually bought the maxlife semisyn to try it out too. I'm letting it cool down now, then I'm going to clear the computer again and drive cycle it up the the highway. I'm quite confident the monitors will clear with no issues this time.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kstopp
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
11-14-2015 09:02 PM
madmanmarty
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
11-14-2015 08:16 PM
ButtStripe
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
11-13-2015 11:27 PM
Snow play xj
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
11-12-2015 07:33 PM
CherrocarGuy
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
11-09-2015 08:54 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:25 AM.