No takers huh? Yeah I'm kind of baffled on what the best way to go is with this too.

 

The rust is pretty much the worst thing to me. Tough to stop that once it gets going. 124k is pretty low. As for the HG stuff, I'd make sure it is leaking before doing anything. Compression and leakdown tests, have the coolant checked for the presence of exhaust gases. Then check/change all the plugs and check the coils on the cylinders that are misfiring. As long as it isn't leaking coolant into the oil and running pretty good I'd keep driving it. The cost of replacing it would likely be way more than the 1300 if you do go that route.

 

That 1300 is the best estimate I've found so far through Midas of all places. They also claim that worst case scenario would only had a few hundred to the job if things are cracked. The Jeep dealership quoted 1600-1800 and a few other local mechanics said they are a pain to work on and that you may get lucky with just less than 2 grand but it could spiral closer to 3 if things are worse than first anticipated.

I also pondered those "pour in" sealants, but there seems to be a lot of variance in opinions when looking online about that stuff. It seems like it's either they praise the stuff or are very against it, so it's hard to see what's legit and what isn't when opinions are split like that.

Just curious why you think it may be way more than 1300 too. I've heard that a few times where others have made it sound like a better case than that.

 

I was talking about it costing way more than 1300 to replace your KJ with a different decent vehicle. The rust still worries me the most.

I know you haven't had it long so you don't know if it was ever overheated. I did my own HGs after an overheat due to a failed fan relay. Had the heads resurfaced for about 125 and took my time. I didn't rebuild the heads. Put another 20k on it after that but just donated it a couple days ago after finding an 05 limited with 44k on it last December.

I don't like the sealers but have used them a few times in emergencies. I'm still not convinced you have an HG problem. I'd avoid them if possible but, if you follow the right dose for your system volume, you're usually ok. I've never plugged anything up. My 01 Subaru actually gets a dealer recommended dose with every coolant service due to the crappy HGs they put in them.

 

I was talking about it costing way more than 1300 to replace your KJ with a different decent vehicle. The rust still worries me the most.

I know you haven't had it long so you don't know if it was ever overheated. I did my own HGs after an overheat due to a failed fan relay. Had the heads resurfaced for about 125 and took my time. I didn't rebuild the heads. Put another 20k on it after that but just donated it a couple days ago after finding an 05 limited with 44k on it last December.

I don't like the sealers but have used them a few times in emergencies. I'm still not convinced you have an HG problem. I'd avoid them if possible but, if you follow the right dose for your system volume, you're usually ok. I've never plugged anything up. My 01 Subaru actually gets a dealer recommended dose with every coolant service due to the crappy HGs they put in them.

I noticed that the Liberty I have actually has a decent trade-in value. Even in rough shape it's listed close to 3 grand, so I see your point there, and that's why I'm actually pondering getting it fixed. And don't get me started on Subaru HGs...LOL. I've been down that bumpy road more than a few times (which is why I drive a Rav4 now instead)

 

I would be curious as to why the head gasket would need replacing, assuming thats what it is. If its been overheated to the point of ruining the head gasket then a valve seat falling out may be in its near future.

My 04 has 103,000mi and I would easily replace the heads/gaskets if it just randomly had a bad head gasket. Ive always watched the temp VERY closely with my scan gauge and also have both the electric/mechanical fans. The rockers are starting to bubble and I plan on cutting them out and replacing them myself. Its coated in fluid film at the moment.

Im amazed these things sell that cheap. To me I dont really look at the vehicles value as much as looking at what its worth to me. I can do all of my own work and to replace the Jeep would cost me well over $10,000 since Im not going to buy a high mile vehicle. Ill buy used, but low miles. Right now I drive a 94 ZJ with 250,000mi. Its worth nothing to anyone else but its my DD and its worth a lot to me... Next in line is my KJ as a DD and Im hoping it will see well over 200,000mi...

Please dont use any sort of sealer.. That stuff is junk.