Jeep Cherokee?

CHEROKEE001

MEMBER
2000 JEEP CHEROKEE
4WD
AUTOMATIC

I'm looking at a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with 98,000 miles. Car is immaculate with the exception of the engine bay. It seems that the the side of the block is damp with some black residue. I'm thinking it is one of a few things:

1. Blown gaskets
2. Bad "O" Rings
3. Cracked Cylinder Heads

I don't know what the estimated cost of repair would be for these. If I were to purchase the vehicle I would want to factor an estimate into the price.

The owner claims the jeep doesn't burn or lose oil. I drove it, it did run very well. Just trying to figure out if this amount of residue is normal for a 100k engine or if it's something that must get fixed?

These jeeps are known to overheat and result in a cracked block if not properly maintained.

Thank you!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

I've never heard of the cracked block story. That looks like typical oil residue in the photos. Could be from oil seeping from the valve cover gasket over time which is common on any engine. Road dust collects on it and forms a gooey mess. Could also be from condensed oil vapor that often leaks out of the oil fill cap. This is why almost all engines are pressure washed on cars you see at the used car lots. Private owners don't typically wash the engine when they want to sell their vehicles. They just wash the body.

Caradiodoc