Possible Head Gasket failure?

TYLIFYER1

MEMBER
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
4.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
251,000 MILES

I bought the vehicle listed above from a previous owner. It is my project vehicle. Lately I’ve been having problems. When I crank it up it has a cha, cha sound coming from the engine. I have to keep putting coolant in the reservoir and under the cap because it’s low. There is white smoke blowing from the pipe. I’m thinking this is going to cost a good chunk to fix all the problems. I would like to know what the problem is. Is there any temporary solution I can use until I’m able to fix the problem permanently? Thank you for everything. I really appreciate it.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,748 POSTS

Hi,

If you are seeing thick white smoke from the exhaust and it has a sweet smell to it, chances are you are correct. Coolant will burn white when it gets into the combustion chamber.

Take a look through this link, it explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

As I'm sure you are aware, the right way to fix it is by replacing the gasket. However, I know there are products that you can purchase that I've been told work. I have never used them, so I'm only telling you what I've heard.

I recall one person used a Blue Devil head gasket sealer on a Subaru and it worked for a couple of years. So you may want to check into that brand product. I took a second and looked it up and attached a pic from Amazon below.

Let me know if this helps. If you want to replace the gaskets, let me know that as well.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)