head gasket problem

tshootertech

New Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
2
Location
durham NC
So my 2015 rubicon with 173,000 miles has blown a head gasket. so being a professional mechanic for almost 40 years, logic says buy a short block vs repairing because of parts cost and wear on engine. My question is what is the difference between the 3.6 erb and the 3.6 non erb engine other than the 3.6 non erb used in grand cherokee and challenger can produce more horse power and torque. Anyone know if the block is the same as far as engine mounts and crankshaft flywheel mounting. From what i have read the non erb engine is the better short block to buy for the added upgrades to pistons and valve train. Any thoughts ?
 
As far as I can tell, the blocks seem to be the same and the swap should be possible. I do not know if you'll see any real power changes, though. Although the Challenger 3.6 makes about 30HP more than the JK, I think most of that boost is from better intake and head designs; more flow = more power. And you'd be reusing your existing top end. To swap the long block, you'd probably have to swap the ECM as well, and if you're doing that, you might as well just V8 swap it.
 
As far as I can tell, the blocks seem to be the same and the swap should be possible. I do not know if you'll see any real power changes, though. Although the Challenger 3.6 makes about 30HP more than the JK, I think most of that boost is from better intake and head designs; more flow = more power. And you'd be reusing your existing top end. To swap the long block, you'd probably have to swap the ECM as well, and if you're doing that, you might as well just V8 swap it.
What’s a 3.6 erb Vs non erb?

If the head gasket is blown, it’s more cost effective to just replace than buying a short block, no, especially if the bores and rings are good?
 
What’s a 3.6 erb Vs non erb?
ERB is a sales code. The 3.6L ERB is the version installed in the JK Wrangler, the ERC is the version installed in things like the Challenger.
If the head gasket is blown, it’s more cost effective to just replace than buying a short block, no, especially if the bores and rings are good?
The OP said the engine has about 173,000 miles. You could just replace the head gaskets, sure. But the most common causes of head gasket failure are overheating related. That, combined with the high mileage, would suggest that replacing the head gaskets would be a less than ideal solution.