considering pulling the head off before she blows!

So I've been watching a leak on the outside of the motor and it's getting worse... Here's a picture:

It's coming from the head gasket
Luckily the motor oil and antifreeze are in good shape so I'm not worried about the internals... yet and she's running great. I'll like to nip this in the butt before it becomes a serious problem.

Aside from the obvious needed items, like gaskets and such.
What else should I consider replacing while I'm in this deep?
I know I need an exhaust manifold- it's got the usual cracks. Suggestions on which?
My cooling system is nearly all new- I'll happily reuse.
Any way to better the intake manifold?
ARP bolts? maybe a kit of sorts?
with the head off, can I get to the lifters? (some of then tick) If I change them will it cause another problem like faster wearing on the cam or other related parts because they will be new/stiffer?
Should I have the head checked while off for cracks or damage and get it cleaned- performance (3 angle) valve job too?
I'm not looking to rebuild the motor, just do what's needed and maybe do some preventative maintenance while in this deep. Keeping the costs down is important.

Any comments on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

before you rush off and do the head gasket. double check your thermostat gasket. i have run across a couple of 4.0,s in a WJ and Tj that the thermostat gaskets are leaking and the coolant is running down the parting line of the head gastket on the right side. side you show in the picture. it sure did look like a head gasdket on both of those at first.

It's not the thermostat gasket or any other, it's leaking between the head and the block= head gasket.

It is kind of rare, but it does happen.

what is rare?

Bbasso said:

what is rare?

Click to expand...

An external head gasket leak.

Are you sure that's coolant leaking and not oil?

Cuz most older 4.0 will leak(seep) engine oil at that area. Consenses is that it's not a big deal if it's only oil.

Do you lose much anti-freeze in the overflow bottle with this leak?

I check the oil each day along with the antifreeze and there is no loss of either... I'm puzzled.

I've searched around for oil leaks in that area and haven't come across any pictures that look like mine..

How should I check to verify if it's oil or antifreeze? test kit or some oil fashion method?

birchlakeXJ said:

An external head gasket leak.

Click to expand...

I kinda figured that.

my2monkeys said:

Cuz most older 4.0 will leak(seep) engine oil at that area. Consenses is that it's not a big deal if it's only oil.

Click to expand...

x2. Not a big deal.

you can buy dye to put in oil and antifreeze. id only put it in one or the other so you can narrow it down

I'll give the dye a shot tomorrow. Suggestions as to which one to use?

my2monkeys said:

Are you sure that's coolant leaking and not oil?

Cuz most older 4.0 will leak(seep) engine oil at that area. Consenses is that it's not a big deal if it's only oil.

Do you lose much anti-freeze in the overflow bottle with this leak?

Click to expand...

X3. Mine has leaked there just like that for years. It's not a problem.

if you have a picture of your's leaking I'd feel better

mine leaks from so many places that the entire block and head are generally coated in oil. I know its the oil pan and valve cover.

I am also suspecting the RMS.

funny thing, my front and rear main seals are dry! this is the only wet spot on the entire motor...

I you're not consuming oil nor coolant and neither are mixing, then why do it? It's normal for the earlier 4.0's to weep a little bit. I have a 96 with 209k on it am it doesn't leak anywhere but it has moisture around where yours and on the upper portion of the bell housing. It's no big deal. If your fluids are in order and it's running great then why mess with it?

because the leak is getting worse each day

Like said all ready, get a can of brake cleaner and a bottle of dye. Clean the area as best as you can. add dye. drive for a week. take Jeep to a shop that has a UV light and see if its oil. They shouldn't charge you for this. I don't. If no dye shows up. repeat process with the antifreeze.

I'll give it a try, thanks.
Suggest an dye?