Project Red Roof Inn

[Ted_Z]

I guess before you tear it down, maybe do a leak down test to be sure it truly is a head gasket. I have a compression tester set up if you'd like to borrow it. Also you could try one of the chemical testers that can tell if combustion byproducts are in the cooling system.

Oh, don't put an electric pusher fan in, blocks more airflow then it adds at highway speeds.

[jsteves]

Some of you probably saw that I had some cooling issues and likely smoked a head gasket at GSW. Going to use this thread to chronicle some of those repairs as well as the other items that I plan on replacing/repairing while I'm in there.

So far I'll be doing:

-head gasket
-port/polish???
-intake plenum gasket (maybe the Hughes kit)
-water pump (Flowkooler?)
-radiator (may do OE replacement, may upgrade, $$ is the big factor)
-radiator hoses
-bypass hose
-thermostat
-header panel
-new headlights
-repair the a/c line that assploded
-full ignition system
-Taurus fan? Or maybe just an electric pusher on the front?
-clean the crap out of everything

If I pull the motor completely out of the Jeep I'll do more, like the rear main and oil pan gasket. For now though I'm going to try and keep it in.

Flow cooler is shit. Just a Chinese pump with extra find on it. Just get an OE one.

[BigDaveZJ]

I guess before you tear it down, maybe do a leak down test to be sure it truly is a head gasket. I have a compression tester set up if you'd like to borrow it. Also you could try one of the chemical testers that can tell if combustion byproducts are in the cooling system.

Oh, don't put an electric pusher fan in, blocks more airflow then it adds at highway speeds.

I'm planning on testing it to make sure, I'll let you know if I need to borrow your setup.

And the only time my ZJ really sees highway speeds for any period of time is on my trailer, lol.

[fpkites]

Pusher could block airflow for even a short amount of time. I convinced Scott to cut them off this year.

[JohnBoulderCO]

I told Scott to take them off for years. I'm glad you were able too.

[BigDaveZJ]

Ordered a block tester today, hope to have confirmation on the head gasket this weekend.

[BigDaveZJ]

Good news and bad news . . . . it's not the head gasket. No f'ing clue where the leak could be now.

[Stealth Crawler ZJ]

How did you test To reach that result? The reason I ask is because mine tested ok too but I kept having coolant blowouts that after 6-7 blowouts and overheating issues when I took it apart the end result was a small gap in the gasket that would only leak through when under great pressure for extended amounts of time. Hopefully it's something waayyy easier and cheaper but I would say don't rule this out yet..



Because Jeep.

[BigDaveZJ]

I used one of the 2 chamber block test kits that tests for exhaust gas in the air in the radiator. Basically it's a turkey baster you hook up to the rad neck and suck air through a chemical. If it changes colors you've got exhaust gas in the cooling system. Colors didn't change.

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[BigDaveZJ]

Going to dump some uv dye in the coolant and get one of those pressure test kits, hopefully nail down a spot that's leaking.

[MoonyJohn]

Your jeep down from moab too?

Im tracking down some wobble wobble wobble

[BigDaveZJ]

Your jeep down from moab too?

Im tracking down some wobble wobble wobble

I thought it was the trackbar johnny joint and bushing? Figured that would've nipped it in the bud.

[BigDaveZJ]

Coolant system holds pressure just fine. Only thing I can think of at this point is some type of temperature dependent leak. I.E. it gets hot enough that air starts getting pulled in but can't replicate it in the shop.

[Kraqa]

ever considered a cracked head?

i've had a 5.2 with one. would run fine till it got hot then over the period of about 30 min it would pressurize the coolant system.

[BigDaveZJ]

I did, but the block tester should have tested positive if it was the head.

[Stealth Crawler ZJ]

Coolant system holds pressure just fine. Only thing I can think of at this point is some type of temperature dependent leak. I.E. it gets hot enough that air starts getting pulled in but can't replicate it in the shop.

Exactly what mine did..



Because Jeep.

[BigDaveZJ]

Started tearing it down tonight, got the accessory bracket off and now the front of the motor is soaking in degreaser, shit was NAAAAAASTY.

[BigDaveZJ]

[Stealth Crawler ZJ]

The suspense is killing me!...



Because Jeep.

[BigDaveZJ]

Then come over and help!! Lol!







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[K2]

Amazon needs to work on their packaging!

[BigDaveZJ]

Gaskets appear to be in decent condition. Time to take the heads to get tested.





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[Ted_Z]

You should just move all your running gear over to another ZJ

[ELLLLLIOTTTTT]

This looks much more doable than the 4.7L in WJ's. Such a PITA.

[BigDaveZJ]

Well, my UPS guy is about to hate me. Local engine shop wanted $170 to clean and test both heads, which is certainly fair. But given the probability of it being the heads, and the price I found for a reman'd set I'm just going to get the remans: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272218404105...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Also going to order new head bolts, all the gaskets, water pump, radiator, hoses, etc etc etc.