Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK radiators

Cracked cylinder head assembly help

C

Cablan

New Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2025
Messages
4
Location
Atlanta
So i have a 2018 wrangler jk 3.6 engine with 61k miles. A few months ago the check engine light came on with no apparent symptoms. Local mechanic scanned the computer came up with codes P300 and P2099. We changed out plugs/wires came back on then changed out o2 sensors. Light came back on, changed out o2 and plugs again, same result, then found a vacuum leak, same result. I finally took it to a Jeep dealership, their mechanic said 2 of the cylinders had very low compression, diagnosed a small crack in cylinder head assembly.
$6k to fix.
So do I fix it, or trade it in and get a new one?
Any advise would be appreciated.
 
All,
Need some advice. I have a 2018 Wrangler Jk sport s Unlimited with 61k miles. A few month back my check engine light came on with no apparent cause, to me at least.
Local mechanic scanned the system, codes P300 and P2099 resulted. First they changed plugs /wires. Light came back on, Same codes. Next o2 sensors were changes out with off brand models. Same result.
We then changed out the sensors again this time with Jeep recommended brand. Same result. Next a vacuum leak was found and fixed, same result. At this poi t I brought it to Jeep and had their mechanic take a shot at it. He looked over the other mechanics work and parts, all in order. Finally diagnosed 2 cylinders were operating at low compression and a small crack in the cylinder head assembly was found.
Cost to fix is $6k.
So my dilemma is do I spend the $6k to fix it, hope nothing else goes wrong or trade it in for a new jeep.
 
Time is a one factor here... Is this an extra vehicle or your primary mode of transportation?

Money is the other. What will they give you for a trade-in offer? You can then compare this to having it fixed and then selling it on the used private-party market. Let's say you can get $20k once it's repaired and otherwise in good working order. You'd net $14k.

Of course one other option is to do nothing and either sell it as-is or try to part it out. This will be the most time consuming. Depending on the market where you are at it could be the most lucrative.

There is also a middle ground where you don't jump straight into a new vehicle, but find a lower mileage JL and save a huge chunk of $. Again all comes down to how much money you want to spend and your tolerance for time lost.
 
tJKrider said:
Time is a one factor here... Is this an extra vehicle or your primary mode of transportation?

Money is the other. What will they give you for a trade-in offer? You can then compare this to having it fixed and then selling it on the used private-party market. Let's say you can get $20k once it's repaired and otherwise in good working order. You'd net $14k.

Of course one other option is to do nothing and either sell it as-is or try to part it out. This will be the most time consuming. Depending on the market where you are at it could be the most lucrative.

There is also a middle ground where you don't jump straight into a new vehicle, but find a lower mileage JL and save a huge chunk of $. Again all comes down to how much money you want to spend and your tolerance for time lost.
Click to expand...

I’ve been offered $14k as is.
Cablan said:
All,
Need some advice. I have a 2018 Wrangler Jk sport s Unlimited with 61k miles. A few month back my check engine light came on with no apparent cause, to me at least.
Local mechanic scanned the system, codes P300 and P2099 resulted. First they changed plugs /wires. Light came back on, Same codes. Next o2 sensors were changes out with off brand models. Same result.
We then changed out the sensors again this time with Jeep recommended brand. Same result. Next a vacuum leak was found and fixed, same result. At this poi t I brought it to Jeep and had their mechanic take a shot at it. He looked over the other mechanics work and parts, all in order. Finally diagnosed 2 cylinders were operating at low compression and a small crack in the cylinder head assembly was found.
Cost to fix is $6k.
So my dilemma is do I spend the $6k to fix it, hope nothing else goes wrong or trade it in for a new jeep.
Click to expand...

tJKrider said:
Time is a one factor here... Is this an extra vehicle or your primary mode of transportation?

Money is the other. What will they give you for a trade-in offer? You can then compare this to having it fixed and then selling it on the used private-party market. Let's say you can get $20k once it's repaired and otherwise in good working order. You'd net $14k.

Of course one other option is to do nothing and either sell it as-is or try to part it out. This will be the most time consuming. Depending on the market where you are at it could be the most lucrative.

There is also a middle ground where you don't jump straight into a new vehicle, but find a lower mileage JL and save a huge chunk of $. Again all comes down to how much money you want to spend and your tolerance for time lost.
Click to expand...

This is my primary vehicle, I’ve been offered $14k from a dealer. Time is kind of the essence. I’m disabled so need a reliable vehicle, I’m a bit concerned spending $6k and then something else comes up, wondering if $6k sounds high or not, and if anyone has had experience with this problem before.
 
Cablan said:
I’ve been offered $14k as is.




This is my primary vehicle, I’ve been offered $14k from a dealer. Time is kind of the essence. I’m disabled so need a reliable vehicle, I’m a bit concerned spending $6k and then something else comes up, wondering if $6k sounds high or not, and if anyone has had experience with this problem before.
Click to expand...

Do you not have any power train warranty?
 
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