Cylinder Head replacement

[tokyojo]

Looking for some help guys on a cylinder head & gasket that needs replacing.

Bit of background on the Jeep I have purchased, it is a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Laredo, purchased from Craiglist with a known blown head gasket, I bought the Jeep for a winter project for myself and my boys, never really touched a spanner can do basic maintainence, I have a Haynes manual and can pretty much follow instructions, but as much detailed advice as possible would be really helpful from someone who has done this job.

So, a step by step would be great, and also any quirks special tools etc that I would need, I really want to do this job myself so please don’t reply with take it to a garage.

Thanks...

[TJ Apex]

First off, let me commend you for taking on a project such as this, this is no small task, you’ll learn a lot, and so will your kids. Good family project.
Haynes manuals are helpful, but do miss a lot of the small stuff. I’d recommend a Chilton or a Jeep service manual, as they're more detailed. I'm sure there are others out there.
I’m not familiar with Cherokee’s, but, I have built a few Chevys in my day.
These tips are helpful for any engine.

1. One of the most important things you can do is, do not rush.

2. Break out your digital camera and take pictures of all accessory brackets (alternator, A/C, P/S, etc.) before you start pulling things off. These will help you remember where and how things go when you go to re-assemble everything. Also, Write the description of what it is and how it goes on, on the back of the picture.

3. Buy Zip Lock bags and a Sharpe, keep all the little parts, intake bolts, water pump bolts etc., and mark what they are, on the bag.

4. Keep things clean. Once you removed a cylinder head, I recommend putting paper towels down in the cylinders to keep the crud out when you start cleaning gasket material. Keeping things clean makes it easier when you go to re-assemble.

These are just simple things, but go a long way.
Good luck….
_________________
2002 Wrangler Apex
Why do I have to press one for English?!
Welfare recipients should pass a drug test to get paid…

02' Apex Edition,
2" BB, 31" BFG AT's

[tokyojo]

JI TJ

Thanks for the reply, I have my camera zip lock bags ready and I also have a box labeled front and 1 to 6, I think that were going to attemtp to do the replacement this weekend, I`ll take a look at Chiltons and see if its any better than the Haynes.

Thanks once again for the advice..

[Orangeamc13]

Is this a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee? Does it have 4, 6 or 8 cylinders?
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83 CJ7 4.2, 88 XJ 4.0, 94 ZJ 5.2, 99 XJ 4.0
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[tokyojo]

Sorry for not posting this infoprmation with the originol post, but Its a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, straight 6.