1994 Jeep Cherokee

Tiny
JJMJ123
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 179,500 MILES
94 Jeep Cherokee with an inline 6. I accelerated to pass someone and heard a pop. After the pop I looked in the rear view mirror and saw white smoke so I pulled off the road. When I stopped I realized that the heater was blowing cold air. There is a little puddle of antifreeze under the Jeep where I stopped. I checked the oil and it's clean, no water in it. What do you think it could be?
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 7:36 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
  • MECHANIC
  • 513 POSTS
I would do a coolant pressure test to check for an external coolant leak. Then also do a engine block test to make sure you dont have an internal coolant leak, like a headgasket.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 7:46 AM
Tiny
JJMJ123
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  • 5 POSTS
Ok thanks. Are those the only possibilities? I hope it's not the head gasket. I just bought this jeep 2 weeks ago.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
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A block test and coolant pressure test are the test procedures. It could be a number of things that can cause it. Those test just aid in the diagnosis.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
JJMJ123
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How do I do a block test? Do I need a special tool or anything?
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
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  • 513 POSTS
Yes. Its a chemical set up you can buy at most auto parts stores. It comes with detailed instructions on how to use.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
JJMJ123
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  • 5 POSTS
Ok, my father -in-law and I went back out to it and found out that it is leaking from the back side of the engine. We tried to drive it home, about 10 miles, but only got about 2 miles down the road before it got hot. I pulled off the road and it died. Popped the hood and the overflow and radiator were both dry. We went and got some water and tried to fill the radiator but the water came out just as quick as we poured it in. What is the probability that it is a freeze plug? The guy who towed it said that's what he thinks it is but I've never dealt with freeze plugs.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
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If you do have F.P. Problem, Use a inspection mirror to locate water scooting out hole/ etc.

If your plug pushed out of its hole/ or it rusted thru and you can remove it somewhat easily. Most part stores have a rubber-compression type replacement plug that may work for you.I don't know how small they make them, but have seen and used one that was about the size of a quarter. Using this device, you need room to tighten the nut to compress it. Seen them used permanently on friends car. Love, Turddog
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 11:19 PM
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
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I wouldnt sugguest driving the vehicle around until leak is repaired. Overheating or even running hot can cause components and end up cost more in the long run. A coolant pressure tester needs to be installed. You pump this device up and it adds pressure to cooling system. Doing that will aid in finding the leak. Freeze plugs are common, but also inline jeep motors are prone to warping heads when driven hot so becareful
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 1:56 PM
Tiny
JJMJ123
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Thanks alot for your help. I wasn't trying to drive it alot at all, just wanted to get it home without the expensive tow bill. Anyway, the guy who towed it offered to check it out for me and it was a freeze plug. Once again thank you for you help.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 3:51 PM

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