1997 Jeep Cherokee blown engine?

JOESKI

MEMBER
1997 JEEP CHEROKEE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

Was driving and began to smell antifreeze coming through my AC vents. I looked at gauges & they were ok. A few minutes later as I was going up a very steep hill close to home it began to cut out & died. I got it to restart & looked at gauges & temp gauge had increased to a little past up & down. I was 3 blocks from home so I eased it home. The last 100 yards the temp went up to redline & I shut it down. Smoke began to come off engine and oil was spraying out of top of engine. After cooling I checked the radiator (which was 3 wks old with new coolant) and the coolant tat was left had thickened & had a tan color. Now when I add water to radiator it runs right back out. Cant tell exactly where its leaking but it runs out the bottom where the exhaust runs up to the motor. I can start it & it doesnt sound like its missing bad at all. Just have to shut down quickly with no coolant. Anyone have a guess?

1 Reply

TGFISHEL

MEMBER
52 POSTS

Sounds like you have a blowing head gasket -you can have system pressure tested. Also check the oil. Look at the dip stick and inside the rocker arm cover for coolant deposits and an oil consistency like that of a milkshake. I would not run the motor untill you check this first you would only do more damage. Hope this helps. You should pick up a repair manual for your jeep its alot of help to most problems (HAYNES) is good book cost about 20$. Let me know if this helped.