Xj_idget
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Cincinnati
Hi All -
I am hoping someone can help me with a decision I need to make with my "new" 2000 XJ limited (4.0/AW4/129K miles). I live in Cincy, purchased from Florida and drove it about 1000 miles back to Cincy. About 1/2 way home, the check engine light came on, but...blah, blah, blah...long story-short: driving around town it overheated and turns out there is likely a blown head gasket involved.
My mechanic (I know I won't have time to tackle a head gasket myself at present) says that it will take about $1400 for a head gasket replacement (including zyglo'ing/refreshing the cylinder head). HOWEVER, he does not recommend it on engines with over 100-110K miles or so, because according to him there is a likelihood of increased oil consumption afterwards.
I would not have thought replacing a head gasket (assuming it's done right) would cause oil usage (whether through excess blowby, or whatever) unless a cylinder wall has been scored or something. Here are my questions:
1. Does it makes sense to expect increased oil consumption after a head gasket change on a 4.0
2. I'm sure many have changed 4.0 head gaskets. Has anyone experienced more blow-by or other oil loss after a head gasket replacement?
Bottomline, I don't want to spend $1400 just to come out with a compromised engine. If I'm getting into that territory, I might consider another engine instead.
Any and all help much appreciated, this community is awesome!
~ Steve
I am hoping someone can help me with a decision I need to make with my "new" 2000 XJ limited (4.0/AW4/129K miles). I live in Cincy, purchased from Florida and drove it about 1000 miles back to Cincy. About 1/2 way home, the check engine light came on, but...blah, blah, blah...long story-short: driving around town it overheated and turns out there is likely a blown head gasket involved.
My mechanic (I know I won't have time to tackle a head gasket myself at present) says that it will take about $1400 for a head gasket replacement (including zyglo'ing/refreshing the cylinder head). HOWEVER, he does not recommend it on engines with over 100-110K miles or so, because according to him there is a likelihood of increased oil consumption afterwards.
I would not have thought replacing a head gasket (assuming it's done right) would cause oil usage (whether through excess blowby, or whatever) unless a cylinder wall has been scored or something. Here are my questions:
1. Does it makes sense to expect increased oil consumption after a head gasket change on a 4.0
2. I'm sure many have changed 4.0 head gaskets. Has anyone experienced more blow-by or other oil loss after a head gasket replacement?
Bottomline, I don't want to spend $1400 just to come out with a compromised engine. If I'm getting into that territory, I might consider another engine instead.
Any and all help much appreciated, this community is awesome!
~ Steve
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