Head gasket problems in a 2000 TJ 4.0

[eotheb]

Gonna try to make this short and sweet.
I was driving down the interstate when my shroud somehow came loose and was sitting on the fan. My jeep is straight piped and, since I get to work at the ass crack of dawn, my music was really loud and I did not notice I was overheating until it was too late. I still had coolant and everything (I actually just replaced water pump, thermostat, and radiator because ~leaks~). Now I got the lovely chocolate milk as oil and coolant leaking from exhaust under the cab.

Now, I love this jeep and I actually use it on my farm. When I dive in after that head gasket, what else should I be looking for besides cracks/warps? What's else could've gone wrong? It still runs. I started it up to get it on/off the trailer and everything

 

[Chris]

Gonna try to make this short and sweet.
I was driving down the interstate when my shroud somehow came loose and was sitting on the fan. My jeep is straight piped and, since I get to work at the ass crack of dawn, my music was really loud and I did not notice I was overheating until it was too late. I still had coolant and everything (I actually just replaced water pump, thermostat, and radiator because ~leaks~). Now I got the lovely chocolate milk as oil and coolant leaking from exhaust under the cab.

Now, I love this jeep and I actually use it on my farm. When I dive in after that head gasket, what else should I be looking for besides cracks/warps? What's else could've gone wrong? It still runs. I started it up to get it on/off the trailer and everything

When you're getting into that head gasket replacement, there are a few additional things you should definitely check to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Cylinder Head: Inspect for any cracks, not just surface warping. Sometimes cracks can be hard to see, so a pressure test can help identify these issues.

Piston Rings: If you’ve been overheating, there’s a chance that the piston rings may have taken a hit. Check for signs of blows-by and test compression in each cylinder.

Valves: Make sure the valves aren't bent or damaged. A compression test will help determine if they’re sealing properly.

Oil Cooler: Check your oil cooler. If the head gasket has failed and allowed coolant to mix with the oil, there’s a chance your oil cooler could also be compromised.

Hoses and Belts: Given that you’ve had overheating issues, inspect all your hoses and belts for any signs of wear or damage. You don’t want to have to dig back in after putting everything together.

Thermostat: Since you just replaced the thermostat, double-check it to ensure it's functioning correctly. Sometimes new parts can also be faulty.

Cooling System: After the job is done, be sure to flush the cooling system thoroughly to remove any contaminants.

Gasket Surfaces: Ensure that both the head and block surfaces are clean, free of old gasket material, and in good condition before installing the new head gasket.

Lastly, it could be worth getting a machine shop to inspect the head and block for any unseen issues. Staying proactive can save you from more headaches down the road. Good luck with your rebuild, and let us know how it goes!

 

[B1Toad]

With a 2000 model year and a non TUPY head I can almost guarantee you that the head is cracked right between 3&4. Pull the VC and pressurize the cooling system and watch for coolant to appear right there. BTDT. A new head from Clearwater will fix you up.