Return to Sender? Possible Head Gasket Leak in New TJ

R

RedWranglerRedWrangler

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Hey All,

Took the TJ I just bought to the shop to fix a coolant leak. While diagnosing the leak, they detected hydrocarbons in the cooling system with their machine, which they say indicates a blown head gasket or other significant head, valve, and/or block leak. Incidentally, the seller didn't provide a valid smog certificate when they sold me the car, which they're required to do in California.

Regardless of if the vehicle will pass smog, should I try to void and undo the sale on the basis of the missing smog certificate? I don't want to be stuck with significant, expensive and unexpected engine problems.

Some additional info:
  • Vehicle is a 2000 Wrangler Sport 4.0L w/ auto transmission and 160K miles
  • PPI showed leaky oil pan, rear main seal & valve cover as well as empty coolant reservoir and radiator, and the AC/heat blower only works on speed 3. The seller told me about all of these beforehand.
    • I learned these oil leaks on are common w/ TJs so I wasn't too concerned about those
    • Seller said the coolant leak didn't really bother him he just kept adding more coolant every few months
  • PPI didn't specifically check for a blown head gasket because they didn't see any other signs of it: no exhaust smoke, oil looked good, no engine codes. I assumed the coolant leak was just the radiator or hose or water pump or something and decided to move forward and buy it.
I trust that my shop is telling the truth about the hydrocarbons in the cooling system. Is this necessarily indicative of a header / cylinder / block leak tho? And if so, how repairable is the issue? From what I read, if the gasket is blown then I also need to get the header magnafluxed, and may end up dealing with other issues with the pistons or rings down the line.

This is my first TJ and I'm a very much a beginner; I want to learn more but wondering if I got more than I bargained for with this specific one.

Thanks!
 
You bought 22 year old used Jeep with 160K miles, some TLC is expected.. A head gasket is an easy fix: take care of it and enjoy your Jeep with the peace of mind that you've gone through it.
 
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Yes it’s most likely a head/gasket issue. For future reference, coolant just doesn’t disappear, always be cautious when fluid levels are very low.
 
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The earlier TJs did have some problems with the head cracks, but don't immediately assume the worst...
As others have said.... the problem could very well be a blown head gasket.
Once water in added to the radiator; with a blown head gasket or cracked head expect the see a plume of white moisture coming from the exhaust while the engine is running.
A valid SMOG certificate is a requirement in CA.
Hope you do not have difficulties getting the PO to return your money and void the transaction.
 
Alex0413 said:
You bought 22 year old used Jeep with 160K miles, some TLC is expected.. A head gasket is an easy fix: take care of it and enjoy your Jeep with the peace of mind that you've gone through it.
Click to expand...
It's not really a blown gasket that concerns me as much as a cracked head or block. Happy to provide some TLC, but my mechanical skills and budget do have a limit.
 
CharlesHS said:
The earlier TJs did have some problems with the head cracks, but don't immediately assume the worst...
As others have said.... the problem could very well be a blown head gasket.
Once water in added to the radiator; with a blown head gasket or cracked head expect the see a plume of white moisture coming from the exhaust while the engine is running.
A valid SMOG certificate is a requirement in CA.
Hope you do not have difficulties getting the PO to return your money and void the transaction.
Click to expand...
No moisture is coming from the exhaust with engine running and water in radiator. The only symptoms of a possible head/gasket issue is the hydrocarbon gases detected in the radiator.

However, I just learned the radiator is cracked, so that would explain the coolant leak and could also explain the hydrocarbons that were detected.

Yea lesson learned for me as a buyer that the seller needs to provide a valid smog.
 
RedWranglerRedWrangler said:
No moisture is coming from the exhaust with engine running and water in radiator. The only symptoms of a possible head/gasket issue is the hydrocarbon gases detected in the radiator.

However, I just learned the radiator is cracked, so that would explain the coolant leak and could also explain the hydrocarbons that were detected.

Yea lesson learned for me as a buyer that the seller needs to provide a valid smog.
Click to expand...
A crack in the radiator would certainly explain the coolant leak, but the hydrocarbons are only caused by a leaking head gasket or a cracked head even if either one is ever so slight....
 
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RedWranglerRedWrangler said:
Hey All,

Took the TJ I just bought to the shop to fix a coolant leak. While diagnosing the leak, they detected hydrocarbons in the cooling system with their machine, which they say indicates a blown head gasket or other significant head, valve, and/or block leak. Incidentally, the seller didn't provide a valid smog certificate when they sold me the car, which they're required to do in California.

Regardless of if the vehicle will pass smog, should I try to void and undo the sale on the basis of the missing smog certificate? I don't want to be stuck with significant, expensive and unexpected engine problems.

Some additional info:
  • Vehicle is a 2000 Wrangler Sport 4.0L w/ auto transmission and 160K miles
  • PPI showed leaky oil pan, rear main seal & valve cover as well as empty coolant reservoir and radiator, and the AC/heat blower only works on speed 3. The seller told me about all of these beforehand.
    • I learned these oil leaks on are common w/ TJs so I wasn't too concerned about those
    • Seller said the coolant leak didn't really bother him he just kept adding more coolant every few months
  • PPI didn't specifically check for a blown head gasket because they didn't see any other signs of it: no exhaust smoke, oil looked good, no engine codes. I assumed the coolant leak was just the radiator or hose or water pump or something and decided to move forward and buy it.
I trust that my shop is telling the truth about the hydrocarbons in the cooling system. Is this necessarily indicative of a header / cylinder / block leak tho? And if so, how repairable is the issue? From what I read, if the gasket is blown then I also need to get the header magnafluxed, and may end up dealing with other issues with the pistons or rings down the line.

This is my first TJ and I'm a very much a beginner; I want to learn more but wondering if I got more than I bargained for with this specific one.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Pay the shop $100-$200 First. Then Buy $$$$
 
Take off oil filler cap while is running (and at full operating temp) and look down at the head with a flashlight. You will be able to see if the head is cracked usually. Little white bubbles in a line along crack.
 
Gollywomper said:
Where at in CA are you? Luckily we don’t have to worry about any rust or frame issues here. Just normal mechanical things. But there are no guarantees in a used car purchase.
Click to expand...
Bay Area. Single owner car before me. Frame is solid and no rust. The oil leaks and empty coolant were the only big things on the pre purchase inspection, and the price was way lower than anything else I was finding so felt like a good move
 
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