Looking for help puting a XJ 4.0 back together
Posted: July 11th, 2020, 2:51 pm
I'm working on a 1999 Jeep Cheeroke 4.0 my 16 yr old daughter purchased, with a little help from my wife and I. Prior owner supplied a decent list of known issues, one of which was a coolant leak. No signs of coolant on the ground or inside the vehicle. The heater worked, so I was hopeful it was a blown head gasket. I removed the 0630 head to discover it cracked. My local Engine Builders had a rebuilt 7120 head which I purchased for $500.
I read that I can use the 7120 head, but first have to remove the guide dowels from the block. I think...err I hope the intake & exhaust will line up. The piston heads were cleaning up with a light pressure from my finger nail. I posted the following link to the lifters on a Cheeroke forum and they said there were done for. I had read if the lifters are worn the camshaft is likely warn too.
http://scratchytj.com/rosaline/lifters/
I picked up a replacement valve cover and fuel rail from a junk yard. Original valve cover was bent near the rear mounting surface and the original fuel rail was rusty.
I've already purchased the following...
Dorman 47057 PCV Elbox (I broke the original and the one from the junk yard)
2x Dorman 42344 PCV Valve Grommet
IGN Spark Plug Wire Set
6x Champion RC12ECC Copper Plus Spark Plugs
Fel-Pro HS9076PT4 Head Gasket Set
7120 head with valvetrain
1. Is there anything I should be aware of with that 7120 head?
2. Can anyone confirm that the camshaft and timing set can be replaced without fully pulling the engine? I read you remove the oil pan, oil pump and the harmonic balancer then disconnect the engine mounts and hoist the engine up till the timing case clears.
3. I'm looking for recommendations on what to get for...
Camshaft
Lifters
Timing set
Anything else people feel important to know.
4. Lastly, I heard a statement made on a YT video that if you have a 1999 Cherokee 4.0 with a distributor, it is not the original engine to that 1999 Cherokee. Does anyone know? This 4.0 looks just like my 2000 TJ, with the exception of the distributor. It doesn't make a difference to me, just one of those things I'd like to know.
Any assistance is appreciated.
I read that I can use the 7120 head, but first have to remove the guide dowels from the block. I think...err I hope the intake & exhaust will line up. The piston heads were cleaning up with a light pressure from my finger nail. I posted the following link to the lifters on a Cheeroke forum and they said there were done for. I had read if the lifters are worn the camshaft is likely warn too.
http://scratchytj.com/rosaline/lifters/
I picked up a replacement valve cover and fuel rail from a junk yard. Original valve cover was bent near the rear mounting surface and the original fuel rail was rusty.
I've already purchased the following...
Dorman 47057 PCV Elbox (I broke the original and the one from the junk yard)
2x Dorman 42344 PCV Valve Grommet
IGN Spark Plug Wire Set
6x Champion RC12ECC Copper Plus Spark Plugs
Fel-Pro HS9076PT4 Head Gasket Set
7120 head with valvetrain
1. Is there anything I should be aware of with that 7120 head?
2. Can anyone confirm that the camshaft and timing set can be replaced without fully pulling the engine? I read you remove the oil pan, oil pump and the harmonic balancer then disconnect the engine mounts and hoist the engine up till the timing case clears.
3. I'm looking for recommendations on what to get for...
Camshaft
Lifters
Timing set
Anything else people feel important to know.
4. Lastly, I heard a statement made on a YT video that if you have a 1999 Cherokee 4.0 with a distributor, it is not the original engine to that 1999 Cherokee. Does anyone know? This 4.0 looks just like my 2000 TJ, with the exception of the distributor. It doesn't make a difference to me, just one of those things I'd like to know.
Any assistance is appreciated.