Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK engine mounts

Blown Head Gasket

Anybodyhome

USN Retired (1973-1993)
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Nashville, NC
Few weeks back, my 2014 JKU temp gauge started creeping toward the 3/4 mark, so I pulled up JScan and, with no rhyme or reason, it happens intermittently not enough to cause a lot of concern. Nonetheless, I change out the t-stat to no avail. Next, I discover the low-speed fan isn't coming on when it's supposed to and, with a couple simple tests, find out the low speed controller is out. Low speed fan works when the AC is turned on, but that's a different circuit. So, install a whole new fan... doesn't solve anything.
Getting ready to install a new water pump and belt and finally, before I get to pulling the water pump, get the 3.6 to heat up at idle in the garage and that's when the bubbling starts. Come to find out it's an almost imperceptible leak in the head gasket. It took several gas tests to confirm and even got by the shop more than once.

It's a 2014 badgeless Sahara (I stripped all the decals off a few years back) with 150k miles and in very good condition. Never had any electrical issues, no mechanical issues (except this and the tapping). Had the whole top end rebuilt about 18 months ago when the 3.6 started the typical engine tapping. That was probably 5k miles ago. In short, even with this issue, it's still running like a top. But, between last year's fix at $4k and the head gasket at $3k, it'll be on the market with basically everything new from the head gasket up as soon as it's outta the shop.

It's that or sell it as is for a parts cadaver. But it's just in too good condition for that.
 
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No, just the rockers and everything up top associated with the patented 3.6 knock.

Ahh. That’s tricky. I assumed it was heads rebuilt. Not sure how I would proceed on a stud that had 150k on it.

I might loosen to no torque but not pull, put some kroil or some lube that can reach the threads and under the nut or bolt surface for an accurate torque. At least you will have tried before a full head gasket replacement.
 
Ahh. That’s tricky. I assumed it was heads rebuilt. Not sure how I would proceed on a stud that had 150k on it.

I might loosen to no torque but not pull, put some kroil or some lube that can reach the threads and under the nut or bolt surface for an accurate torque. At least you will have tried before a full head gasket replacement.

We have done that on the engine dyno on a new build, but, unless you do it yourself, I wouldn't pay the labor to get down to the head bolts, build it back up, and see what happens. More than likely it won't solve the issue on a high mileage engine and you'll have to pay for the labor again (at least for that part of the job).
 
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We have done that on the engine dyno on a new build, but, unless you do it yourself, I wouldn't pay the labor to get down to the head bolts, build it back up, and see what happens. More than likely it won't solve the issue on a high mileage engine and you'll have to pay for the labor again (at least for that part of the job).

Ya, I would not pay to try that. It is a low odds win.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK engine mounts