Tom Ryan

I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?

Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
look,
but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
Thanks, Tom

Cherokee-LTD

Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and the
block for cracks.
With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort level
of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is about
the same LOL.
-Brian

"Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
: I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
: that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
: I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
: exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
: like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
: seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
: 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
:
: Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
: look,
: but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
: Thanks, Tom

Cherokee-LTD

Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and the
block for cracks.
With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort level
of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is about
the same LOL.
-Brian

"Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
: I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
: that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
: I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
: exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
: like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
: seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
: 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
:
: Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
: look,
: but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
: Thanks, Tom

Cherokee-LTD

Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and the
block for cracks.
With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort level
of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is about
the same LOL.
-Brian

"Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
: I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
: that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
: I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
: exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
: like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
: seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
: 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
:
: Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
: look,
: but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
: Thanks, Tom

Earle Horton

If you elect to change the head gasket, I recommend checking the head and
cylinder deck with a straightedge and feeler gauge before putting all back
together. You can probably find the acceptable warp factor in a good
service manual.

Earle

"Cherokee-LTD" <spammenot@home.com> wrote in message
news:L2okb.392589$Lnr1.193377@news01.bloor.is.net. cable.rogers.com...
> Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
> discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
> about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and the
> block for cracks.
> With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
> you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort
level
> of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is
about
> the same LOL.
> -Brian
>
> "Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
> : I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
> : that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
> : I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
> : exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
> : like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
> : seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
> : 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
> :
> : Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
> : look,
> : but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
> : Thanks, Tom
>
>

Earle Horton

If you elect to change the head gasket, I recommend checking the head and
cylinder deck with a straightedge and feeler gauge before putting all back
together. You can probably find the acceptable warp factor in a good
service manual.

Earle

"Cherokee-LTD" <spammenot@home.com> wrote in message
news:L2okb.392589$Lnr1.193377@news01.bloor.is.net. cable.rogers.com...
> Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
> discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
> about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and the
> block for cracks.
> With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
> you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort
level
> of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is
about
> the same LOL.
> -Brian
>
> "Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
> : I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
> : that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
> : I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
> : exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
> : like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
> : seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
> : 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
> :
> : Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
> : look,
> : but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
> : Thanks, Tom
>
>

Earle Horton

If you elect to change the head gasket, I recommend checking the head and
cylinder deck with a straightedge and feeler gauge before putting all back
together. You can probably find the acceptable warp factor in a good
service manual.

Earle

"Cherokee-LTD" <spammenot@home.com> wrote in message
news:L2okb.392589$Lnr1.193377@news01.bloor.is.net. cable.rogers.com...
> Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
> discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
> about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and the
> block for cracks.
> With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
> you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort
level
> of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is
about
> the same LOL.
> -Brian
>
> "Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
> : I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
> : that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
> : I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
> : exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
> : like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
> : seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
> : 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
> :
> : Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
> : look,
> : but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
> : Thanks, Tom
>
>

William Oliveri

Just as a point of reference. I just priced out a valve job on a 4.0L head.
To Deck the head, a 3 angle valve job, narrow the guides, replace freeze
plugs was 260.00 + tax. In addition the gasket kit is another 80.00. So
that's 340.00 w/o labor if you plan to have someone do it.

The question is do you want to invest more money in a high mileage engine.
If you plan to keep the vehicle it might be better to put a new or rebuilt
engine in.

I remember a place around me who advertise replacing an engine with a
remanufactured one for a little over 1000.00. Engine, Labor and all.

bill


"Earle Horton" <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote in message
news:bmt4q4$qlr4p$1@ID-147790.news.uni-berlin.de...
> If you elect to change the head gasket, I recommend checking the head and
> cylinder deck with a straightedge and feeler gauge before putting all back
> together. You can probably find the acceptable warp factor in a good
> service manual.
>
> Earle
>
> "Cherokee-LTD" <spammenot@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L2okb.392589$Lnr1.193377@news01.bloor.is.net. cable.rogers.com...
> > Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
> > discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
> > about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and
the
> > block for cracks.
> > With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
> > you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort
> level
> > of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is
> about
> > the same LOL.
> > -Brian
> >
> > "Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
> > : I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
> > : that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
> > : I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
> > : exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
> > : like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
> > : seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
> > : 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
> > :
> > : Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
> > : look,
> > : but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
> > : Thanks, Tom
> >
> >
>
>

William Oliveri

Just as a point of reference. I just priced out a valve job on a 4.0L head.
To Deck the head, a 3 angle valve job, narrow the guides, replace freeze
plugs was 260.00 + tax. In addition the gasket kit is another 80.00. So
that's 340.00 w/o labor if you plan to have someone do it.

The question is do you want to invest more money in a high mileage engine.
If you plan to keep the vehicle it might be better to put a new or rebuilt
engine in.

I remember a place around me who advertise replacing an engine with a
remanufactured one for a little over 1000.00. Engine, Labor and all.

bill


"Earle Horton" <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote in message
news:bmt4q4$qlr4p$1@ID-147790.news.uni-berlin.de...
> If you elect to change the head gasket, I recommend checking the head and
> cylinder deck with a straightedge and feeler gauge before putting all back
> together. You can probably find the acceptable warp factor in a good
> service manual.
>
> Earle
>
> "Cherokee-LTD" <spammenot@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L2okb.392589$Lnr1.193377@news01.bloor.is.net. cable.rogers.com...
> > Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
> > discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
> > about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and
the
> > block for cracks.
> > With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
> > you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort
> level
> > of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is
> about
> > the same LOL.
> > -Brian
> >
> > "Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
> > : I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
> > : that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
> > : I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
> > : exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
> > : like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
> > : seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
> > : 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
> > :
> > : Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
> > : look,
> > : but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
> > : Thanks, Tom
> >
> >
>
>

William Oliveri

Just as a point of reference. I just priced out a valve job on a 4.0L head.
To Deck the head, a 3 angle valve job, narrow the guides, replace freeze
plugs was 260.00 + tax. In addition the gasket kit is another 80.00. So
that's 340.00 w/o labor if you plan to have someone do it.

The question is do you want to invest more money in a high mileage engine.
If you plan to keep the vehicle it might be better to put a new or rebuilt
engine in.

I remember a place around me who advertise replacing an engine with a
remanufactured one for a little over 1000.00. Engine, Labor and all.

bill


"Earle Horton" <enfermero_diabolico@registerednurses.com> wrote in message
news:bmt4q4$qlr4p$1@ID-147790.news.uni-berlin.de...
> If you elect to change the head gasket, I recommend checking the head and
> cylinder deck with a straightedge and feeler gauge before putting all back
> together. You can probably find the acceptable warp factor in a good
> service manual.
>
> Earle
>
> "Cherokee-LTD" <spammenot@home.com> wrote in message
> news:L2okb.392589$Lnr1.193377@news01.bloor.is.net. cable.rogers.com...
> > Probably just the gasket if it's running fine... check your oil for
> > discoloration and excessive capacity. If it's just the gasket...DIY for
> > about $40... shop probably $300+. When the head is off, inspect it and
the
> > block for cracks.
> > With that much mileage you may be better off doing a little extra "while
> > you're at it" or consider dropping in a low mileage engine. The effort
> level
> > of dropping in a complete running engine and changing a head gasket is
> about
> > the same LOL.
> > -Brian
> >
> > "Tom Ryan" <tommy_google@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:baa0a3f1.0310181915.11f70361@posting.google.c om...
> > : I have a 1990 XJ w/the 4.0; 192K miles and have noticed a coolant leak
> > : that appears to be coming from somewhere behind the exhaust manifold.
> > : I can see several "freeze plugs"(machining plugs,etc.) below the
> > : exhaust manifold but the leak is coming from above these. It looks
> > : like kind of a "pissing" stream with the engine on. Engine does not
> > : seem to have lost any power or running any differently. Head gasket?
> > : 'freeze plug' I can't see? something else?
> > :
> > : Any thoughts? & How much to fix at a shop.?? I might be tempted to
> > : look,
> > : but not with winter rapidly approaching in Chicago...
> > : Thanks, Tom
> >
> >
>
>