Jeep Cherokee 4.0 - Coolant Loss No External Leak?

In this video I have a look at a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with the big 4.0 engine. The customer complaint is that the car looses coolant but it is not leaking where you can see it....or is it 😏 -Enjoy!

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[SouthMainAuto]

So to answer a question that is being asked a lot. "Why don't I just slap a reman head on it for her." Great question. If I was a DIYer I'd go for it but I am a shop. Therefore I have to warranty my work and give the customer my best professional opinion. I see a rotted NYS Jeep with 200k on the engine and an oil pan full of sludge and an unknown history of coolant consumption. Let's say I advise her to put a head on it and it ends up being a $1200 repair (just a guess) Now I change the oil several times only to find out it is full of 20w50 from the previous owner to keep the engine quiet and the oil pressure up because the bearings are bad. So now I have the head on it, correct oil in it, she has a bill and the engine is still junk. Who wins in that situation? Or I slap a head on it and it works, then I am a hero. Not an advisable risk from a shop stand point IMO. -Cheers!

[pantherplatform]

Ever since you fixed my battery my head gasket's been blown...

[MaintenanceMan]

During my days as a service advisor this was always the worst news to bring to a customer. Especially when they were good, genuine people.

[ejo]

Thxs Eric nice info....Pls let us know what the lady decided to do..?

[SmudgyContent]

Person she bought it from 10 to 1 post only issue is battery goes dead over night. But they knew it consumed coolant ...

[joshmindek]

Most common on 0331 heads on 2000-2002 4.0L engines. I've replaced a few of them, Clearwater Cylinder makes a beefed up casting that fixes the issue. They can be replaced by a DIY'er in a weekend. If the oil pressure is more than the minimum 12 PSI at hot idle spec the bearings are still good.

[prototype_xD]

I am just a DIYer myself and people like you help me learn everything there is to know about cars. I'm on a tight single income military (I move a lot too) budget and you make it easy for me to save a bunch of money. I appreciate everything you do. Further your honesty and integrity is simply unparalleled. Thank you for everything you do and I wish you the best.

[sciatl]

The last owner probably know about it and that’s why they sold it

[mainstt]

I think what sucks is the people probably new what was wrong with when they sold it to her

[mikegoodman]

One of the tough parts of your job I'm sure is breaking this kind of news to customers who might not have a lot of money.

[rustyogden]

I just did a head swap on my 4.0. And so far so good. Seems to have more beans and no more lifter knock. But being a shop you gotta take the safe bet

[flagmichael]

"Consuming coolant" - the automotive equivalent of "We found a tumor...."

[Mr.NiceGuy]

I drove my 96 grand cherokee 4.0 for 3 weeks with a blown head gasket. Massive coolant loss.. got it apart, cracked head between water jacket and cylinder. Reman head, new gasket, fresh coolant and flush, oil and filter change. 40, 000 miles later she still runs great. These things are tanks. Especially the 4.0

[anthonybarbee]

I have done all my repairs for my life I’m 50 and I have never found anyone that I would trust to do my repair but you you would be the only person I would trust to work on my truck you do the job the right way not the wrong way and the best way for the customer that’s for your videos

[marcman]

Hey Eric, I’m a 56 year old auto tech and I love your videos. Where I work, or did work before COVID we try to be as professional as you do. You do an awesome job of showing people just what we go through and it’s only getting tougher. I also love your commentary on things as we are very close on how we look at things. Love your shop and how your family is included in your endeavors lol. It great that you and Mrs O work together as I wanted to do that with my wife a few years back but couldn’t make it happen. Do me a favor though...quit being so hard on yourself when you make a batting average is damn good my friend. Great channel and I look forward to your adventures. Be safe and take care. Marc.

[Evilthx]

For Future Reference for these 4.0L Jeeps. Clearwater Heads in Clearwater Florida does heads that prevents these common cracks between cyl 3 and 4 in the 99-00 heads.

[Mountain-Man-]

Your filming skills are great for a part time YouTuber! Rarely do we miss what you're trying to show us.

[rickvance]

Have 2001 Wrangler with 140k two and a half years ago and had the same symptoms but mine cracked at the exhaust port so no coolant was ending up in oil. Pulled it bought a new head out of Florida and rebuilt using standard bearings and pistons and 25k later still running strong. Thanks for the great videos SMA

[grandmackdady]

i knew what it was as soon as you said it had a normal 4.0 coolant leak. the same problem is a common with the ford 3.0 v6

[sporty]

Had a 1999 Cherokee with the same problem @ 104, 000 mi. Parted out the Jeep (actually made
some cash) and bought a new Honda...smooth sailing ever since.