2006 Liberty CRD

130,000 Kms (around 80,000 miles)

have been running the "low end" fuel pressure signal modification chip for a few years
have been ignoring my check engine light (EGR code) for years

have been towing heavy loads (5,000 lbs) up and down mountain passes for years.

been running the stock fan clutch until recently, in hindsight , it was doing very little in terms of running the mechanical fan when needed for years.

When towing, temp would also go up on big hills, and I would turn on the heat and back off the throttle, holding the temp gauge at or bellow 3/4.


a few months ago, it developed the "low coolant" issue. I thought it might be related to me changing the fan clutch, so I didn't worry too much, the other day I finally decided to investigate further.

long story short, I failed the "run engine for 30 seconds when cold and see if there is any pressure under the cap" test. (although the jeep ran flawlessly for months with the low coolant issue, but every time I would add water / coolant, it would over-flow and go back to "low")


So now I'm preparing to tear into the engine to fix it.

so far my plan is:

New head gasket kit (need to get old gasket out before ordering as there are 3 different types)
New timing belt kit (belt, tensioners, water pump, etc)
pressure test head (and have it straight edge tested)
physically block EGR passage with aluminium plate (assuming mine is jammed open)
clean intake runners (sounds like it's clogged with exhaust nastyness because of EGR)
send ECU off to get "eco" flash

I do have some questions:

#1. FSM said head is not resurface-able... but what if it's not cracked and is warped? still throw it away?
my experience with multilayer steel head gaskets is they need a mirror finish to seal properly, what kind of head gasket does this motor use?

#2. does the green diesel ECO tune also prevent the check engine light (as well as disabling the EGR) ?

#3. What kind of speciality tools am I going to need? FSM mentioned a cam sprocket removal tool and a flex plate tool to stop the motor from turning... I'm a pretty good "back yard" wrench head, should I be able to improvise, or should I just buck up and get the tools.

#4. Gut feelings after reading this: Is my head or block cracked, or is it just my head gasket.

#5. I considered arp head studs, but after researching, it sounds like they're not worth it, the factory TTY bolts look pretty good, and ARP doesn't even have a kit for this motor (altho there has been talk of using off the shelf bolts) anyone have any feedback / opinions on this subject?

Thanks in advance for the replies.

Been there, done that. Here's what I learned in researching my own situation.

#1: Don't throw it away, when you get a new head, they'll want the old one back, regardless of cracks or warps. Maybe not if it had a big chunk out of it, but it is an aluminum head, and with the right tools, can be repaired. Just can't grind off a layer to make it flat.

#2: In general, no, doesn't shut off the CEL. It DOES, however, shut off the EGR so IT no longer causes a CEL.

#3: There are a couple timing pins for the cams. Don't attempt to do it makeshift. It doesn't take much of a screw-up to cause major damage later.

#4: Blown head gasket is certain. Cracked head highly probable. Block damage unlikely.

#5:no opinion here.

Finally, absolutely do get the Hayden fan clutch. It is as wonderful as the stock one is junk. It won't prevent running hot, but it WILL kick in when you need it and make all the difference in the world keeping the guage below 3/4 mark.

Where are you located?

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2006 Liberty CRD Limited

Provent @ 43,000 km
SEGR in progress
SAMCO Sport hoses @ 48500 km
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac LT225/75R16

The hayden clutch I have already (thankfully), unfortunately, it was swapped in AFTER the damage was already done.

So I take it your head was in fact cracked when you did yours?

What about resurfacing if it's not cracked,but IS warped? no go?

Are these head gaskets multilayer steel?

Vancouver Canada

I understand they heat them close to melting and "bend" them back
Here's a write up on it.

http://www.acl.co.nz/Tech/Straightening ... 0Heads.pdf

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)