1994 Jeep Cherokee

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?

9 Replies

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

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 1:09 PM

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

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

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

TOOOMANYTOYS

MECHANIC
513 POSTS

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

JJMJ123

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5 POSTS

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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