taroo wrote:
Sure hope you are going to do a write-up and show some pics for when the rest of us get there. So, any thoughts on why it blew? Think the ARBstuds would have prevented it?
Well to tell the truth, I'm following in the footsteps of a quite a few people here at LOST, so have relied heavily on other threads on the board from LMWatBullrun, CMPbiker, Geordi, RacerTracer, Dirtmover, Papa Indigo, Squeeto and many others. I've taken a few pictures, but don't really have much to add to the wealth of knowledge on this forum. I'll post pictures of anything your interested in.
I'm planning on installing ARP studs since this seems to have helped on TDI's suffering the same issues. I'm also considering blocking off the coolant flow to the EGR from the head and removing the return line, simplifying the plumbing.
The head gasket didn't technically blow, inspection show it is complete with no damage, but I've had a small leak for a while that has gotten progressively worse in the last 10,000 miles. I had a hard time deciding to pull the head as the engine runs fantastic. no other symptoms. I just decided that if I wanted this thing to last, I needed to solve this now. I have another truck and can afford to have the Jeep offline for a few weeks.
I've had two thermostats go bad as well as the fan clutch. I've had issues with overheating while towing and temp spikes while driving in a cross wind for no apparent reason.,all occurring between 75k and 100k. None of the incidents were catastrophic or for long periods. Down shifting or slowing down always resulted in returning to normal temps quickly. I never had the engine derate or go into limp mode. I have 135000 miles on it now, but the coolant loss has become more apparent in the last 10,000 miles although I think its been going on since around 100,000 miies. Lately I've had to add a pint once a week or after a long trip.
Anyway, I had the time and money to fix it, reviewed all the threads I could find on others experience and finally dove in. So far I have about 4 days into this and expect at least 2 more weekends although I'll bet it will take a bit longer. I'm not in any hurry, want to do it right.
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2005 CRD "
Ol' Blue"
Red Ryder carbine-action, two hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time.
My build page- RL Komodo Rear and TJM Front Bumper, armored, lifted, JBA Steel D30, 4.10s and ARB air lockers.