[SuzXJ]

New to the forum here. Did a search here but have not found the details I need.

Here's the situation: My father is in the process of buying a 2000 XJ 4x4, 4.0 Litre, auto tranny. It has 85 k miles, very clean, no mods/ strickly stock. He went to pick it up from the dealer and the dealer informed him they discovered the head gasket was shot (coolant in the oil) and needed to be replaced, so the dealer is in the process of doing that now. The dealer claims the head is fine and the gasket was shot because the thermostat was stuck closed and the engine was overheating. The dealer has replaced the thermostat.

My concerns:
Is the dealer full of crap ? I have read on this forum about the 2000 being subject to head cracking...news to me. My concern is the head is cracked and not being replaced.

My questions:
My wife has a 1999 XJ without issues, whats the difference between the 1999 and 2000 XJ heads ?
How likely is the 2000 head gasket to be shot and the head to be fine (as the dealer claims) ?

Unfortunately I am about 1,000 miles away from my father so I cannot personally inspect anything. Should I tell him to not buy this XJ ? It appears to be in fine shape other than this concern. The dealer is giving him a 30 day warranty.

Thanks much for your input.

[jmundale]

if its te head thats cracked, youll know a couple days after the first oil change anyway if you find coolant

[mecompco]

The head casting was changed in '00 to part number "0331". This head, generally after a severe overheating, is considered by many to be more prone to cracking than the earlier models.

If you've got a 100% parts and labor 30 day warranty I would say you'd be OK. If the head is cracked, you should know well within that time frame.

[danw77]

Originally Posted by mecompco

The head casting was changed in '00 to part number "0331". This head, generally after a severe overheating, is considered by many to be more prone to cracking than the earlier models.

Some of the '99s have the 0331 head also. The # is stamped on the side of the head (driver's side).

[Vaj]

It doesn't take much coolant in the oil to severely wear on the main bearings, something the dealer will neglect to even look at, even if he has to replace the head. I'd keep looking.

Cliffs: Your dad is on crack if he buys a 2000/01 with coolant in the oil!!!

[SuzXJ]

Thank you much for the good feedback. Great forum.