Total engine shut down and blow back through dip stick tube
11-21-2018 | 08:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Total engine shut down and blow back through dip stick tube
I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport with a 4.0 strait 6. It had ran hot a couple times but didn’t think it was extreme. Before I could adress the over heat problem it ran hot on my girlfriend. She stopped the vehicle let it cool for about an hour filled the radiator and attempted to make it home. After about 7 miles it started running hot again she pulled over a mile from the house and we went to get it the next day. I fired up fine drove home a little rough. Maybe missing on one cylinder. I parked it checked the water level added about a gallon or 2 of water shut it off and it hasn’t cranked since. When I try to crank it it just spins over not sounding like it’s getting much fire to the plugs and after spinning the motor over a few times it has a substantial blow back of pressure through the dip stick tube. Is my head blown or could this be a gasket problem. Please help!
Last edited by Jake462; 11-22-2018 at 07:44 AM.
11-21-2018 | 09:41 PM
#2
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,567
Likes: 19
From: ☼ Blackhole Sun
Year: My Jeep is a GMC
Sure sounds like the engine is toast but just to confirm:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/car...test-14912158/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/car...test-14912158/
11-22-2018 | 07:48 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Total engine shut down and blow back through dip stick tube
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1
: Cherokee (XJ)
I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport with a 4.0 strait 6. It had ran hot a couple times but didn’t think it was extreme. Before I could adress the over heat problem it ran hot on my girlfriend. She stopped the vehicle let it cool for about an hour filled the radiator and attempted to make it home. After about 7 miles it started running hot again she pulled over a mile from the house and we went to get it the next day. I fired up fine drove home a little rough. Maybe missing on one cylinder. I parked it checked the water level added about a gallon or 2 of water shut it off and it hasn’t cranked since. When I try to crank it it just spins over not sounding like it’s getting much fire to the plugs and after spinning the motor over a few times it has a substantial blow back of pressure through the dip stick tube. Is my head blown or could this be a gasket problem. Please help!
11-22-2018 | 09:39 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 125
From: Good 'ol WI
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Sorry to hear about your issues. A quick compression test is in order. If you're lucky, it's just a head gasket. Could be worse. Is there good spark at each spark plug? Note the color/cleanliness of each plug when you remove them. That'll point to the problem area. Eventually, you'll have to remove the head, then you can check the cylinder bores for any scoring. Usually if it's the head gasket you can visually see the problem inspecting the gasket (you HOPE to 'see' one!). It may be a split between the layers, or an outright gap/missing piece. Probably want to have the head pressure-tested. On the plus side, these 4.0's are a breeze to work on though.
Start with a compression test and let us know what you find. When you get done with whatever the problem turns out to be, you'll want to flush the engine with purified or distilled water, to get out as much tap water before adding new antifreeze. Tap water will bugger up the radiator and heater core over time. Right now, it's the least of your concerns though...
Start with a compression test and let us know what you find. When you get done with whatever the problem turns out to be, you'll want to flush the engine with purified or distilled water, to get out as much tap water before adding new antifreeze. Tap water will bugger up the radiator and heater core over time. Right now, it's the least of your concerns though...
Last edited by Jeepwalker; 11-22-2018 at 09:52 AM.
11-22-2018 | 12:49 PM
#5
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 419
Likes: 59
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Not trying to be an alarmist but it sounds like your coolant system fluid is finding its way into the oil pan. Hence the rapid emptying of the coolant system for the very few miles driven, and oil pumping out of the dipstick tube. Oil being the lighter fluid, water beneath it is buoying it up to the level of the bottom of the dipstick tube. Time to drain the oil pan immediately to check for this condition. A head gasket can be blown in a manner that isn't outwardly visible, such as water vapor exiting the tail pipe. It could be blown in a manner that opens a path between the oil and water galleries.
https://gobdp.com/blog/what-are-the-...n-head-gasket/
https://gobdp.com/blog/what-are-the-...n-head-gasket/
11-22-2018 | 10:45 PM
#6
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 166
From: Hunt County Texas
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Do a compression test, but judging by your blow by though the dipstick tube I'm guessing the rings are shot to hell or it got so hot it scored up the cylinder walls. You're probably getting plenty of fire to the plugs but little to no compression.
11-23-2018 | 12:25 AM
#7
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 669
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
If the head gasket is blown or worse, normally a close examination of the inside of the oil cap, will reveal a creamy residue, even if the oil isnt creamy yet. Then a compression test
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dzywicki
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
12-17-2022 09:03 PM
shapeb1
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
11-04-2018 02:52 PM
Shawn MacMurdo
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
09-25-2018 12:25 PM
Eric90XJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
04-19-2010 11:42 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)