Hey guys – looking for some insight before I dive into this.
Background:
I’ve got a Jeep I’ve owned since 2009, with a 2.5l 4 cyl and about 120k miles on the motor I had installed in 2012. It’s always run pretty well (untill it doesnt), but lately, it’s been showing signs of something going wrong.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed a few red flags:
It’s been sporadically losing coolant, but there are no visible leaks and nothing hitting the ground.
Oil looks clean (no milkshake), but I’ve had occasional rough starts and unstable idle.
It’s also been running hotter than normal, creeping well past 210°F and into the 230s, especially during last week’s heat wave (mid-90s).
Then a few days ago, I was on the interstate with the A/C on (cue 4-banger jokes), and the temp gauge spiked into the red. I killed the A/C and got off the highway, and weirdly, the temp dropped back down really fast, even without turning the heater on. When I stopped, I popped the hood and saw the coolant reservoir boiling, which I’ve never seen it do.
I checked the oil again after the incident – still not milky, but it was critically low. I’m thinking oil might be getting into the cooling system, lowering the boiling point, even though there’s no obvious mixing.
At this point, I’m suspecting a failing head gasket—maybe just starting to go. But before I jump into my first head gasket job based on a hunch, I’d love some second opinions.
I do all my own wrenching and I’m only slightly afraid to tackle it, but here are the other things I’ve considered:
Bad radiator cap – changed it with a new one
Bad radiator – replaced 2023 posible but unlikely bc it doesnt explain the oil loss
Thermostat sticking – unlikely, installed a Robertshaw 330 series hi flow balanced sleeve thermostat when i did the radiator in 2023
Water pump failing – possible, replaced in 2023. Does not explain the oil so unlikely.
What do you guys think? Should I go ahead and start prepping for a head gasket job, or is there something else I should rule out first?
If I go through with it then I will read through previous posts about the pitafalls. Im sure others have had this happen.
I should add that it still runs and i could drive it but im not. Im already afraid i did damage running it low on oil and it overheating.
Shes my baby though, I just cant let her go. Appreciate any input.
Background:
I’ve got a Jeep I’ve owned since 2009, with a 2.5l 4 cyl and about 120k miles on the motor I had installed in 2012. It’s always run pretty well (untill it doesnt), but lately, it’s been showing signs of something going wrong.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed a few red flags:
It’s been sporadically losing coolant, but there are no visible leaks and nothing hitting the ground.
Oil looks clean (no milkshake), but I’ve had occasional rough starts and unstable idle.
It’s also been running hotter than normal, creeping well past 210°F and into the 230s, especially during last week’s heat wave (mid-90s).
Then a few days ago, I was on the interstate with the A/C on (cue 4-banger jokes), and the temp gauge spiked into the red. I killed the A/C and got off the highway, and weirdly, the temp dropped back down really fast, even without turning the heater on. When I stopped, I popped the hood and saw the coolant reservoir boiling, which I’ve never seen it do.
I checked the oil again after the incident – still not milky, but it was critically low. I’m thinking oil might be getting into the cooling system, lowering the boiling point, even though there’s no obvious mixing.
At this point, I’m suspecting a failing head gasket—maybe just starting to go. But before I jump into my first head gasket job based on a hunch, I’d love some second opinions.
I do all my own wrenching and I’m only slightly afraid to tackle it, but here are the other things I’ve considered:
Bad radiator cap – changed it with a new one
Bad radiator – replaced 2023 posible but unlikely bc it doesnt explain the oil loss
Thermostat sticking – unlikely, installed a Robertshaw 330 series hi flow balanced sleeve thermostat when i did the radiator in 2023
Water pump failing – possible, replaced in 2023. Does not explain the oil so unlikely.
What do you guys think? Should I go ahead and start prepping for a head gasket job, or is there something else I should rule out first?
If I go through with it then I will read through previous posts about the pitafalls. Im sure others have had this happen.
I should add that it still runs and i could drive it but im not. Im already afraid i did damage running it low on oil and it overheating.
Shes my baby though, I just cant let her go. Appreciate any input.
