2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Heater core to Head problem

BLIPPER

MEMBER
2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

Need insights please. No Car to Drive :(
Took 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado (2wd) in with fogging windows an occasional white vapor out air vents (only slight rise in temp). Mechanic said Heater core bad & I had it replaced $900. Picked it up & drove it 4 miles one day all ok and 15 mi next when temp started to run above 3/4, waited 2hrs and went to 3/4 within a few miles. Pulled over & had it towed back (fluids back in passenger side floor). MEchanic said defective part and re did repair. Said all pressure tests were ok & even ran above rated psi (said 17psi).
Now tells me that head gasket repair needed and it actually caused initial HC problem. Also said some issues with Front computer?
Engine ran perfectly - smooth & strong before taking in for HC replacement. Same after inital repair was returned. No smoke from pipes or fluids under car.

Could Head problem cause HCore failure first time? Can HC problem cause Head problem with only a limited spike in temp?

Is fixing head problem now, after HC problem advisable on a 2005?
Is Head repair a big job? (Seems like it might be easier than HCore with the Dash not involved) What should cost be?

Could mechanic have cause the new head gasket issue? Is it likley?

Thanks
in Atlanta

1 Reply

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

What has he said to you to prove that the head is causing your issue. Unless you have a blown head gasket and you see oil in the coolant or whatever. If that was the sace he would have seen that when he did your heater core the first time. If there is no coolant in the oil pan (oil looks milky on the dip stick) then I would challenge his diagnosis. If your not having any issues now with the current heater core in your car then I wouldnt do anything, but it could also be a good idea to take the car somewhere else if you feel uncertain about where the car is now.