Help!!
#2
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: Portersville, Pennsylvania
Year: 1997 & 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No way to tell. For example, I replaced the engine in my '97 at 235,000, but the head gasket was still ok. It was internal issues. My '98 has 185,000 and the head gasket is just fine. These 4.0 workhorses have infrequent head gasket problems and always have, unlike the Subaru 2.5s from the mid '90s through the early 2000s. They are head gasket nightmares.
Goes to show you how much different the reliability of two very popular SUVs are.
Goes to show you how much different the reliability of two very popular SUVs are.
#3
So I have a 94 Cherokee 2dr 2wd with 158xxx and I'm pretty sure it needs a new head gasket but my uncle a mechanic said there is a reason for the water gasket goin out I should just replace the motor idk
#5
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1
From: Carrollton, GA
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6 4.0L High Output
A lot of people just replace and keep on going just cause something happens doesnt mean that the motor needs to be replaced. I have the same thing a 94 2wd with 168 on it lol nothing ever replaced with the motor in mine as far as block and internals just radiator, starter, vacuum lines, and electrical issues.
#6
Registered Users
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Ny
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0ho
why he said that is because people generally overheat there vehicle a few times before they address the head gasket, and it can warp the head or block, its more common on aluminum engines.
If you just throw a hg in it, its worth keeping the motor.
If you do it right and send the block and head to a machine shop and have them make sure its true / deck the head some etc you'll be out alot more than the cost of a used engine, but with a used engine you never know what you are gonna get.
My advice is just use a straight edge and check the block and head, clean it up really good and put a hg in it. Then address the other cooling system issues, because normally head gaskets dont just go without an underlying condition.
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#8
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,173
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0, comp cam, 99 intake, apn header, neon injectors, Thunderbolt 2.5" High Flow Cat
Just pointing out that yours was a 2000 which means it probably had the 0331 head casting which is prone to cracking. Only reason I'm mentioning it is because it's alot less of a chance his head is cracked because he has a 94, and they didn't start using the 0331 until 99 or 2000.
#9
Yea I am just Gona put a new was gasket in cause I know that my cooling system was messed up I replaced the water pump and thermostat and runs way better and when I was replacing the thermostat I realized I warped the head where the thermostat housing connects
#10
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 1
From: Nashville, TN
Year: 1997, 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Go get the head magnefluxed and decked and reassemble with a new head gasket and you will be good to go. There's virtually no reason to replace the engine unless you find cylinder or piston damage when you disassemble the engine.
#11
Originally Posted by xjsnake
Go get the head magnefluxed and decked and reassemble with a new head gasket and you will be good to go. There's virtually no reason to replace the engine unless you find cylinder or piston damage when you disassemble the engine.