Blown engine gasket?

Tiny
TGS2401
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
My 99 jeep grand cherokee was a bout a quart low on oil yesterday and when I went to add oil, I noticed a light brown frothy looking material on the fill lid and throat. The coolant level was about 3/4 gallon low as well which I had attributed to a oin hole leak in the radiator up high on the side. Now i'm worried that I have a blown head gasket. There is no white smoke, no overheating, and the engine idles smooth. I am currently flat broke and can't afford a repair. Should I park it and wait for some extra cash? Will it hurt the engine to sit if there is some coolant in the oil? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 6:33 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try replacing the PCV valve and start warming up your Jeep properly before you move it-start here
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
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Can you suggest a temperature or amount of time that would be considered "proper" warming up?

Thanks!
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Atleast 10mins-your problem is condensation and its not burning off warm it up. BTW get an oil/filter change
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
TGS2401
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Thanks! I will try it this weekend.

On another note, when it is cold outside, the jeep will not idle by itself until it gets to about 120 degrees, I have to keep the accelerator depressed and use my left foot on the brake until it reaches that magic temp. Is there another sensor that needs to be replaced?
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the idle air control valve/motor-clean it out and see what happens
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Friday, December 17th, 2010 AT 8:01 PM

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