Jeep 4.0L Head Gasket Leaks/Seepage 1987-93 Engine

Tech Tip: 1987-93 Jeep 4.0L: Head Gasket Leaks/Seepage Found in Engines

Some vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, may experience engine oil leaks/seepage from the head gasket along the right-hand side (tappet rail) of the engine.

Models 1987-’92 (MJ) Comanche, (XJ) Cherokee, (YJ)  Wrangler; 1993 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee

Some vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, may experience engine oil leaks/seepage from the head gasket along the right-hand side (tappet rail) of the engine.

A new cylinder head gasket is now available. The new gasket has beaded silicone sealer on both sides to eliminate leakage/seepage.

Figure 1Diagnosis
Verify the oil leak/seepage is coming from the cylinder head gasket by visual inspection, or using fluorescent dye or by doing a low pressure leak test.

Repair Procedure

This repair involves replacement of the cylinder head gasket with a revised gasket using instructions outlined in the appropriate service manual using cylinder head gasket P/N 53020219 or equivalent.

Coat a new head gasket with suitable sealing compound and place it on the block. Most replacement gaskets will have the word TOP stamped on them.

Note: Apply sealing compound only to the cylinder head gasket. Do not allow sealing compound to enter the cylinder bore. The 1991-’98 cylinder head gaskets used on the 4.0L are a composition gasket. This gasket should be installed dry.

Do not use sealing compound.

Install the cylinder head and bolts. The threads of bolt No. 11 must be coated with Loctite 592 sealant before installation.

Tighten the bolts in three steps, using the correct sequence (see Figure 1):

1. Tighten all bolts to 22 ft.-lbs. (30 Nm).

   2. Tighten all bolts to 45 ft.-lbs. (61 Nm).

   3. Retighten all bolts to 45 ft.-lbs. (61 Nm).

   4. Tighten bolts 1 through 10 in sequence to 110 ft.-lbs. (150 Nm).

   5. Tighten bolt 11 to 100 ft.-lbs. (136 Nm)

   6. Tighten bolts 12 through 14 to 110 ft.-lbs. (150 Nm)

Note: Cylinder head bolts should be reused only once. Replace the head bolts that were previously used or are marked with paint. If head bolts are to be reused, mark each head bolt with paint for future reference. Head bolts should be installed using sealer.

Some or all of this information was provided by the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA). For more information on technical bulletins available through APRA, call 703-968-2772 or visit www.AutoBulletins.com.

You May Also Like

SMP Introduces 276 New Part Numbers

Included in the release is new coverage for 77 product categories.

Standard Motor Products (SMP) has introduced 276 new part numbers since the start of the year. Included in the release is new coverage for 77 product categories, and 43 part numbers for 2022 and 2023 model-year vehicles.

Evident in this release is SMP’s continued commitment to the hybrid and electric vehicle market through its Standard and Four Seasons brands. This release includes a universal Battery Pack Charging Cord for electric vehicles, as well as a multitude of parts for hybrid vehicles. Brake Pedal Travel Sensors are now offered for several hybrid models, including the 2017-11 Lexus CT200h and 2019-2014 Toyota Highlander. Park Assist Cameras are now available for the 2012-2010 Lexus HS250h, and a Power Sunroof Motor is now available for the 2020-2013 Nissan Pathfinder. A total of 88 new Sensors, Switches, Actuators, and Connectors have also been added, including Power Door Lock Actuators, Charge Air Coolers, and Vehicle Speed Sensors, expanding SMP’s powertrain-neutral coverage.

Mitchell 1 to Hold Shop Management Workshop in Orlando

Registration now open for two-day training event.

Myers Tire Supply Announces New TPMS Programming App

The new app provides rapid programming in one tap.

Dorman Launches New Repair Solutions

Among the new releases are Dorman OE FIX repair solutions designed to help save time, money or increase reliability.

Opus IVS Announces Launch of Free Training Series

Seminars and coursework focused on advanced vehicle technologies for those wishing to advance their skills.

Other Posts

Autoshop Solutions Partners With Turnkey Marketing

Both companies only focus on the automotive aftermarket and have the same goal of keeping those bays full.

NRS Brakes Launches Brake Pads For Ford F-150 Lightning

The brake kits cover both front and rear applications for almost 1.6 million vehicles covered.

AP Emissions Releases January New Part Number Update

The release includes direct fit EPA converters covering more than 6.6 million vehicles in operation.

GRI Receives US DOT Certification For Safety

GRI tires will now incorporate the DOT code emboss on its side walls.