Pathfinder
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Atlanta
Bought my 98 XJ new, and after a few years, sent it off to college with my daughter. She passed it on to next daughter, who drove it for several years after her graduation. Last September she blew the head gasket, and after some debate she bought a new Jeep and I got the XJ back.
I had the dealership check the head, and there were no signs of cracks or warping. Being short on time, I had them put it back together, and have been driving it daily since. I have used the same dealership and advisor for over 10 years, spanning 2 Wranglers, 2 Grand Cherokees, and a Durango with a good history of service and repair.
Last week my check engine light came on, and there was some gray smoke spurting out the exhaust. Code showed a misfire on cylinder 1, and when I pulled the spark plug, I found that the plug on cylinder 1 was wet with coolant.
I am inclined to think that the head gasket is leaking, and needs to be replaced (again). It bothers me that it was done less than a year ago and is potentially a problem again, implying that perhaps the head was slightly warped or some other defect wasn't caught in the first go-around.
Having more time (and less money) I'm thinking I need to do it myself this time around. I'll talk to my service advisor, but based on nearly 10 months of dependable service, I don't expect them to warrant the previous repair.
The XJ has 184k miles, is in otherwise great shape, and I just installed a 3" lift and 31" BFG ATs less than 3 months ago. I'd like to keep it.
So, is there anything other than a leaking head gasket that I may be overlooking for coolant in the cylinder? I don't want to start that project without some confirmation that I'm looking at the right issue.
Based on a previous repair of the head gasket, should I expect a new repair to last longer than the first one, or do I have an underlying issue with the head or the block mating surface?
Would dropping in a remanufactured motor be a better, long-term solution?
Would welcome any ideas, thoughts, or suggestions.
I had the dealership check the head, and there were no signs of cracks or warping. Being short on time, I had them put it back together, and have been driving it daily since. I have used the same dealership and advisor for over 10 years, spanning 2 Wranglers, 2 Grand Cherokees, and a Durango with a good history of service and repair.
Last week my check engine light came on, and there was some gray smoke spurting out the exhaust. Code showed a misfire on cylinder 1, and when I pulled the spark plug, I found that the plug on cylinder 1 was wet with coolant.
I am inclined to think that the head gasket is leaking, and needs to be replaced (again). It bothers me that it was done less than a year ago and is potentially a problem again, implying that perhaps the head was slightly warped or some other defect wasn't caught in the first go-around.
Having more time (and less money) I'm thinking I need to do it myself this time around. I'll talk to my service advisor, but based on nearly 10 months of dependable service, I don't expect them to warrant the previous repair.
The XJ has 184k miles, is in otherwise great shape, and I just installed a 3" lift and 31" BFG ATs less than 3 months ago. I'd like to keep it.
So, is there anything other than a leaking head gasket that I may be overlooking for coolant in the cylinder? I don't want to start that project without some confirmation that I'm looking at the right issue.
Based on a previous repair of the head gasket, should I expect a new repair to last longer than the first one, or do I have an underlying issue with the head or the block mating surface?
Would dropping in a remanufactured motor be a better, long-term solution?
Would welcome any ideas, thoughts, or suggestions.