Knucklehead97 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I kind of want a Cherokee and my friend just so happens to be selling his. It's a 1998, 2wd, 4.0/aw4, with 188k on the entire thing. Had no problems until he was going up a mountain and the waterpump went out apparently. Blew the headgasket according to his mechanic. My friend is moving and doesn't want to mess with it. He's selling it for 1000$ but said I could have it for 700$. But that was a couple months ago. I may be able to get it for 500$ now. It's clean. Tan interior, red exterior. How much in parts am I looking at and is there anything I should be worried is messed up other than the gasket and pump? I could either flip this thing or sell my car and have an XJ and two MJ's haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 Also how tough is a headgasket? I've kind of looked into it but never really paid attention to how hard it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big66440 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I've never done one myself but it shouldn't be difficult at all with our 4.0's, I've done intake/exhaust manifold gaskets a few times and once you have them removed pulling the head seems like a breeze ( except for the fact that the head is HEAVY), if you end up buying it DO NOT buy cheap knock off gaskets, I work at an engine parts warehouse and you get what you pay for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Be prepared to take the upper half of the engine apart: valve cover, intake and exhaust manifolds, and lots and lots of wiring. Use masking tape to label all the wires and connectors. Bag-N-Tag all loose nuts and bolts. Be sure to take pictures of all the parts before removing them. This way you can see how it was on there originally. For parts, you will need a new head gasket, valve cover gasket (unless it is a blue FelPro), and to be safe, purchase new head bolts. Since the engine (probably) overheated, you should take the head to a machine shop to have examined and cleaned up. If it warped, you don't want to put it back on that way. Search YouTube for videos of how to remove/install a Jeep 4.0 cylinder head. There are a lot on there. One is "Nickintime." He has a lot of videos on his XJ. There are several on replacing the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankTheDog Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Check your local prices for 96-98 4.0's. You may be able to get a complete engine for about what you would spend fixing that head gasket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Do not skip the machine shop!! Do a valve job and have the head surfaced. It is not fun to do it again, just because you tried to take shortcuts and save a couple of bucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted September 21, 2016 Author Share Posted September 21, 2016 Check your local prices for 96-98 4.0's. You may be able to get a complete engine for about what you would spend fixing that head gasket. I would do that, but I have no way at all to change a complete engine right now haha. Sadly I got to crunching numbers and I couldn't afford to keep my MJ, Ford, and the XJ if I got it. I would sell the Ford but it gets such good gas mileage and I drive a long way to work. I may be having to wait on finding an XJ to buy. Theres a 4 cylinder, stickshift, 4×4 older model up the road that's clean ad ever but never moved from it's spot. Thinking about looking into it since it's older and would be cheaper on insurance, would get better gas mileage, and is 4x4. Just things to think about. Gotta talk to my buddy selling the blown head gasket one as well though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989 comanche mj Posted September 22, 2016 Share Posted September 22, 2016 Head gasket is real easy on these. The head really should be decked, and look close at the block deck. If it has a crack or little valley it has to be welded and decked also. You can use a thick composition head gasket and hope for the best with no machine work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 Bringing this back. Talked to the guy today... he'll take 400$ just to get it out of his yard because he is moving and doesnt want to move it. I'm thinking 400$ for the Jeep, 50-100$ getting it to my house, 50$ for the title swap, and should be able to get the rest done for about 400$? My new plans are to buy this Jeep, fix it, and resell it since it's newer and is very nice. He paid 3000$ for it. If the oil is mixed with coolant I'll need to do an oil change correct? And what if the head is warped, grab a junk yard one and have it resurfaced? Really would like to take on this project and see if I could flip it and make some extra cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 Whether you keep the existing head or pick up one from a JY, you should at least have it looked at by machine shop. This way you will know if its any good before proceeding with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 Whether you keep the existing head or pick up one from a JY, you should at least have it looked at by machine shop. This way you will know if its any good before proceeding with it. it's going to get checked and cleaned up professionally no matter which I get. Just wasnt sure about trusting a junkyard one. How much does head work usually cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 Depends on where you are and the condition of the head before work. I just spent $350 to fully recondition the head from a 93 XJ. (Actually, it was bartering. I was told that was the value.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 I think there might be an outside chance that is an 0331 head and it belongs in the trash. Junkyard head from something that looks like it drove, bolt on, change oil, drive happily into the sunset. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 The OP said he engine came from a 98. I thought the "dreaded" 0331 was '00 and '01. I may have the years wrong. If it is a 0331, then make it a boat anchor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 The OP said he engine came from a 98. I thought the "dreaded" 0331 was '00 and '01. I may have the years wrong. If it is a 0331, then make it a boat anchor. I want to say as early as late 98 they could show up... I've seen them (fail) in 99s personally. One of my apprentices has a 99 TJ with one right now. It's cracked. He ran it until it wiped out the bearings. We're going to fix it at some point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 As Tim said, the 0331 heads were first used on XJ domestic models starting in 2000, and on the Grands in 1999 models. If you are getting a 98 XJ, no worries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 As Tim said, the 0331 heads were first used on XJ domestic models starting in 2000, and on the Grands in 1999 models. If you are getting a 98 XJ, no worries. I always worry. The thing is 18 years old. If a guy like me owned it there's almost a 0% chance the factory engine is in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 A guy like you would eyeball the 0331 head casting number and would have nothing to do with it. :thumbsup: The 0331 cracking problem was all fixed by 01 and were ID'ed by "TUPY" letters. According to the guys at Hesco, these heads were the best flowing heads ever manufactured for the 4.0 and the most desirable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desbennett004 Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 I just blew a water pump gasket in my MJ yesterday, it's about $50 CAD for a waterpump, gasket included. That, plus some antifreeze, oil, filter, head gasket kit, and possibly some head work and you should be all in. If you were going to keep it, maybe there would be other stuff to do while it was all apart, but if you are going to flip it, that's about all you need. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 I just blew a water pump gasket in my MJ yesterday, it's about $50 CAD for a waterpump, gasket included. That, plus some antifreeze, oil, filter, head gasket kit, and possibly some head work and you should be all in. If you were going to keep it, maybe there would be other stuff to do while it was all apart, but if you are going to flip it, that's about all you need. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk I was just looking last night at parts and for the gasket kit (felpro) bolts (felpro) and water pump it would be about 120$ shipped. So add the oil and ect and it would come out to about 200$ that leaves 200$ for head work. Any chance that he possibly blew the radiator? I'll be checking it of course. My mother is worried I will keep the Jeep... I would for sure if it was 4×4. Always wanted a Cherokee but need something that moves all four wheels haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desbennett004 Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 I just blew a water pump gasket in my MJ yesterday, it's about $50 CAD for a waterpump, gasket included. That, plus some antifreeze, oil, filter, head gasket kit, and possibly some head work and you should be all in. If you were going to keep it, maybe there would be other stuff to do while it was all apart, but if you are going to flip it, that's about all you need. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk I was just looking last night at parts and for the gasket kit (felpro) bolts (felpro) and water pump it would be about 120$ shipped. So add the oil and ect and it would come out to about 200$ that leaves 200$ for head work. Any chance that he possibly blew the radiator? I'll be checking it of course. My mother is worried I will keep the Jeep... I would for sure if it was 4×4. Always wanted a Cherokee but need something that moves all four wheels haha. You can probably rent a coolant system pressure tester to pressure test the rad. I have one at my shop, really comes in handy. A 4X4 conversion is easier than you think. I am doing that to my MJ right now. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 I just blew a water pump gasket in my MJ yesterday, it's about $50 CAD for a waterpump, gasket included. That, plus some antifreeze, oil, filter, head gasket kit, and possibly some head work and you should be all in. If you were going to keep it, maybe there would be other stuff to do while it was all apart, but if you are going to flip it, that's about all you need. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk I was just looking last night at parts and for the gasket kit (felpro) bolts (felpro) and water pump it would be about 120$ shipped. So add the oil and ect and it would come out to about 200$ that leaves 200$ for head work. Any chance that he possibly blew the radiator? I'll be checking it of course. My mother is worried I will keep the Jeep... I would for sure if it was 4×4. Always wanted a Cherokee but need something that moves all four wheels haha. You can probably rent a coolant system pressure tester to pressure test the rad. I have one at my shop, really comes in handy. A 4X4 conversion is easier than you think. I am doing that to my MJ right now. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk chances are to get 4×4 I'm just going to get a parts XJ for my 4x4 MJ and replace the transmission that's blown. I prefer the older body style of XJ's :D but if I can make money off this XJ that'd be great... where rents out pressure testers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desbennett004 Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 Not sure in your area. Maybe NAPA? I just bought one, I work on a lot of Chevy vans so I use it fairly regularly. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knucklehead97 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Share Posted December 7, 2016 I just blew a water pump gasket in my MJ yesterday, it's about $50 CAD for a waterpump, gasket included. That, plus some antifreeze, oil, filter, head gasket kit, and possibly some head work and you should be all in. If you were going to keep it, maybe there would be other stuff to do while it was all apart, but if you are going to flip it, that's about all you need. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk I was just looking last night at parts and for the gasket kit (felpro) bolts (felpro) and water pump it would be about 120$ shipped. So add the oil and ect and it would come out to about 200$ that leaves 200$ for head work. Any chance that he possibly blew the radiator? I'll be checking it of course. My mother is worried I will keep the Jeep... I would for sure if it was 4×4. Always wanted a Cherokee but need something that moves all four wheels haha. You can probably rent a coolant system pressure tester to pressure test the rad. I have one at my shop, really comes in handy. A 4X4 conversion is easier than you think. I am doing that to my MJ right now. Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk chances are I'm going to rebuild my 4x4 MJ's drive train (new transmission) to get 4x4. Not a big fan of the newer XJ body style anyways, I like the old blocky type :D most of the money I make off of this XJ (If I make any) will go towards the Mazda MX5 I'm wanting to get. Where can I grt a pressure tester? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 As Tim said, the 0331 heads were first used on XJ domestic models starting in 2000, and on the Grands in 1999 models. If you are getting a 98 XJ, no worries. The 0331 heads were the first to have the bosses for mounting the coil-on-rail coil packs. All 4.0L engines before 1999 for the Grand and 2000 for the XJ used a conventional coil. If the head doesn't have mounting bosses for the coil pack bolts, it's not an 0331. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now