I had the same work done on my 4.2 a year ago, included 2 new
valves, valve spring shims, the gasket set, new seals, and
surface grind the head for about $175 at my favorite local shop.
(Upper midwest)

William Oliveri wrote:

> 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.ne t.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.googl e.com...
>>>: 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
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

I had the same work done on my 4.2 a year ago, included 2 new
valves, valve spring shims, the gasket set, new seals, and
surface grind the head for about $175 at my favorite local shop.
(Upper midwest)

William Oliveri wrote:

> 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.ne t.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.googl e.com...
>>>: 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
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>