Bill D 1,920 #1 Posted January 14, 2023 (edited) The infamous 0331 head on my 2000 Jeep Cherokee finally cracked. I've got two choices replace the head with a 2002 or later OEM head with TUPY cast into it that's supposed to be less prone to cracking or an aftermarket head. Anyone have this same problem? What head did you use? My other option is a new car. I can fit it in my budget, but I'm not happy about it at $40k and 5% interest. Might be time though. Edited February 13, 2023 by Bill D 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,849 #2 Posted January 15, 2023 A quick search shows that anything other than the 0331 is an improvement. Do you have coolant in the oil? this is from 2012. REPAIR NOTES: - Coolant in Oil: Replace Cam, Main, Rod Bearings + Oil Pump & Sump. - Coolant through Exhaust: Flush system, use new FelPro Head Bolts, FelPro Gasket set - Typical repair shop labor to replace Head: $700+ https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/00-01-xj-cracked-cylinder-head-overview-118922/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,555 #3 Posted January 15, 2023 How many miles? Rest of it in decent shape? If so, a few grand vs 40+ is a powerful consideration... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,920 #4 Posted January 15, 2023 3 hours ago, Pullstart said: A quick search shows that anything other than the 0331 is an improvement. Do you have coolant in the oil? this is from 2012. REPAIR NOTES: - Coolant in Oil: Replace Cam, Main, Rod Bearings + Oil Pump & Sump. - Coolant through Exhaust: Flush system, use new FelPro Head Bolts, FelPro Gasket set - Typical repair shop labor to replace Head: $700+ https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/00-01-xj-cracked-cylinder-head-overview-118922/ Yeah, there's coolant in the oil. I think I caught it early enough that it didn't do any major damage. It's not making any funny noises. It has Castrol synthetic oil in it. Oil pressure was 40 at idle and 60 at road speed. Should I roll the dice and put a head on it. I'm not putting a new engine in it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,920 #5 Posted January 15, 2023 2 hours ago, SylvanLakeWH said: How many miles? Rest of it in decent shape? If so, a few grand vs 40+ is a powerful consideration... 132K. Decent shape. Some rust on the driver side rocker. Cracked A/C evaporator, so no A/C. Just put new tires and rims on it last winter, new front bearings, brakes and axle shaft U joints this fall. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,999 #6 Posted January 15, 2023 Drop the oil pan, pull some bearing caps to look at the rod and main journals, and maybe pull a lifter for a look before deciding? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,099 #7 Posted January 15, 2023 Coolant eats bearing material. At least pul the pan and inspect. Cracked evap. I see the auto manufacturers still haven't improved one of the hardest components to replace on most vehicles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,920 #8 Posted February 13, 2023 (edited) Well, it's alive! Decided to take a chance and put a new head on it. Changed the oil before I changed the head and it still had great oil pressure (30 psi at idle when hot) and no funny noises, so likely no bearing damage. Got the improved TUPY head from a 2004 Grand Cherokee for $200 and had an engine builder friend of mine from work rebuild it for $350. With gaskets and oil I'm in it for about $850. I've got some Seafoam in the oil to help clean up any leftover sludge from coolant/oil mix. Going to run it for about 300 miles then change it again. Currently has Mobil 1 full synthetic, high mileage oil in it. Here's some pictures of reassembly. The last photo is a picture of a TUPY head. The original 0331 head does not have this casting mark. Edited February 13, 2023 by Bill D 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,315 #9 Posted February 13, 2023 Good luck!! Much cheaper than getting into a new 2023 vehicle (I know all to well…bought a brand new 2023 right before Christmas ) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
