2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Head Gasket Failure: What to Do?

How to Fix Head Gasket Issues in Your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Experiencing overheating, coolant loss, or electrical issues with your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be frustrating. These symptoms might point to a head gasket issue, a repair that can be costly if not addressed promptly. While forced induction modifications can exacerbate head gasket issues, the focus here is on identifying and addressing common symptoms reported by owners. As one owner who had to replace their head gasket shared: "I just got my head gasket replaced last week and it was $3.5k" (source. This guide provides insights based on real owner experiences to help you diagnose and potentially resolve head gasket problems in your vehicle.

Symptoms

Owners of the vehicle experiencing head gasket issues have reported a few key symptoms. These can range from obvious signs like coolant leaks to more subtle indicators like overheating. Recognizing these early can help prevent further damage to your engine.

One of the primary indicators is coolant loss. If you notice that you are frequently adding coolant to your vehicle, but cannot find any visible leaks, the coolant may be leaking internally, potentially into the cylinders or the oil. This is a major sign of a possible head gasket failure.

Overheating is another common symptom. A blown head gasket can allow combustion gases to enter the cooling system, reducing its efficiency. If your temperature gauge consistently runs hotter than normal, especially during periods of high engine load, this could be a sign of a compromised head gasket. The engine might overheat even with sufficient coolant in the system.

Some owners have also mentioned experiencing electrical gremlins, which can sometimes be indirectly linked to coolant leaks affecting various sensors or wiring. Although not a direct symptom of head gasket failure, unexplained electrical problems appearing alongside other head gasket symptoms should raise a red flag. For example, some owners have mentioned lighting issues in general. As one owner said, "I turn off the headlights but can't lower the light from the dash or the screen." (source.

Finally, a loss of power or a "slow" engine can also indicate head gasket problems. When the head gasket is compromised, cylinder compression can be reduced as combustion gases leak out, or coolant leaks in. This reduces the engine's ability to generate power, leading to sluggish acceleration and reduced overall performance.

Most Likely Cause

Based on the available data and owner quotes, the primary cause, as it relates to engine issues, comes from forced induction modifications without proper supporting modifications. The excessive pressure and heat associated with forced induction (such as turbochargers or superchargers) can stress the head gasket beyond its design limits, leading to premature failure. As one owner warned: "Jamming any sort of forced induction onto a 5.7 without at least pulling the pistons and opening the ring gaps and also running water/meth is just asking to pinch a ring and snap off a piston head" (source. While this quote discusses the 5.7L engine specifically, the principle applies to any engine where forced induction is added without proper precautions. Therefore, a forced induction modification without adequate ring gap adjustment and cooling enhancements would be the most likely cause.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a head gasket issue in your vehicle requires a systematic approach to identify the symptoms and confirm the problem. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by inspecting the engine for any obvious signs of coolant leaks. Look around the head gasket area, hoses, and radiator. Check the oil dipstick for a milky or frothy appearance, which indicates coolant mixing with the oil.

2. Coolant System Pressure Test: Use a coolant system pressure tester to pressurize the cooling system. If the pressure drops quickly, it indicates a leak. Examine all hoses, connections, and the head gasket area for any signs of coolant escaping.

3. Cylinder Compression Test: Perform a cylinder compression test to check for compression loss in one or more cylinders. Low compression in adjacent cylinders is a strong indicator of a blown head gasket between those cylinders. You will need a compression tester kit for this step.

4. Leak-Down Test: A leak-down test can help pinpoint where the compression is being lost. Pressurize each cylinder individually with compressed air and listen for air escaping from the radiator (indicating a leak into the cooling system), the exhaust pipe (indicating a leak into the exhaust system), or the oil filler cap (indicating a leak into the crankcase). A leak-down tester is required.

5. Combustion Gas Leak Test: Use a combustion gas leak tester to check for the presence of combustion gases in the coolant. This test involves placing a special fluid in a chamber above the radiator neck. If combustion gases are present, the fluid will change color.

Tools Required:

• Coolant system pressure tester
• Compression tester kit
• Leak-down tester
• Combustion gas leak tester
• Basic socket set and wrenches

Step-by-Step Fix

Replacing a head gasket is a complex and time-consuming job best left to experienced mechanics. However, here is a general outline of the steps involved:

1. Preparation: Disconnect the battery and drain the coolant. Remove the air intake, fuel lines, and any other components obstructing access to the cylinder head.

2. Disassembly: Disconnect the exhaust manifold, intake manifold, and any other necessary components attached to the cylinder head. Carefully remove the valve cover and rocker arms (if applicable).

3. Head Bolt Removal: Loosen and remove the head bolts in the proper sequence, as specified in the service manual. This is crucial to prevent warping or damage to the cylinder head.

4. Cylinder Head Removal: Carefully lift the cylinder head off the engine block. Inspect the head gasket for signs of damage or failure.

5. Surface Preparation: Clean the cylinder head and engine block surfaces thoroughly, removing any traces of the old gasket material. Use a gasket scraper and a solvent cleaner.

6. Inspection and Machining: Inspect the cylinder head for any cracks or warpage. If necessary, have the cylinder head machined to ensure a perfectly flat surface.

7. New Head Gasket Installation: Install the new head gasket, making sure it is properly aligned with the cylinder head and engine block.

8. Head Bolt Installation: Install the head bolts, tightening them in the proper sequence and to the specified torque, using a torque wrench. Some head bolts may require angle tightening as well.

9. Reassembly: Reinstall all the components that were removed, including the exhaust manifold, intake manifold, valve cover, rocker arms, fuel lines, and air intake.

10. Final Checks: Refill the coolant, check the oil level, and reconnect the battery. Start the engine and check for any leaks or unusual noises. Monitor the engine temperature closely.

Due to the complexity of this job, many owners choose to have a professional mechanic perform the repair. As one owner shared: "I just got my head gasket replaced last week and it was $3.5k" (source, highlighting the potential cost involved.

Parts and Tools Needed

• New head gasket (specific to your engine)
• Head bolt set (if recommended by manufacturer)
• Coolant
• Engine oil
• Gasket scraper
• Solvent cleaner
• Torque wrench
• Socket set and wrenches
• Service manual (for torque specifications and procedures)

Real Owner Costs

The cost to replace a head gasket can vary significantly depending on the severity of the damage, the engine type, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional.

DIY:

• Parts (head gasket, head bolts, coolant, oil): $200 - $500
• Tools (if you don't already have them): $100 - $300
• Machine shop services (if needed): $100 - $400
• Total DIY Cost: $400 - $1200

Professional Repair:

• Labor (10-15 hours at $100-$200/hour): $1000 - $3000
• Parts: $200 - $500
• Machine shop services (if needed): $100 - $400
• Total Professional Repair Cost: $1300 - $3900

One owner reported paying $3,500 for a head gasket replacement (source, providing a real-world example of the potential expense. Another owner mentioned dealer labor rates being between $200-$250 in most major markets (source, which can impact the total repair cost.

Prevention

Preventing head gasket failure in your vehicle involves proactive maintenance and responsible driving habits.

• Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including coolant flushes, oil changes, and spark plug replacements. Keeping the engine properly maintained helps prevent overheating and other issues that can stress the head gasket.

• Monitor Engine Temperature: Pay close attention to the engine temperature gauge. If you notice the engine running hotter than normal, investigate the cause immediately. Overheating is a primary cause of head gasket failure.

• Avoid Overloading the Engine: Avoid towing heavy loads or pushing the engine to its limits for extended periods. Excessive engine load can generate high temperatures and pressures that can damage the head gasket.

• Properly Maintain the Cooling System: Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly. Check the coolant level regularly, inspect the radiator and hoses for leaks or damage, and replace the thermostat as needed.

• Avoid Forced Induction Modifications Without Proper Support: As one owner highlighted, modifying the engine with forced induction (such as a turbocharger or supercharger) without upgrading supporting components can significantly increase the risk of head gasket failure. "Jamming any sort of forced induction onto a 5.7 without at least pulling the pistons and opening the ring gaps and also running water/meth is just asking to pinch a ring and snap off a piston head" (source.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from JEEP owners:

Success Stories

"I don't think that was normal. It should have worked when the button was pushed." — Green-County-3770 (source)

Owner Experiences

"If money is an option, then get yourself a nice borla exhaust and be happy. Jamming any sort of forced induction onto a 5.7 without at least pulling the pistons and opening the ring gaps and also running water/meth is just asking to pinch a ring and snap off a piston head" — thedevillivesinside (source)

"Jamming any sort of forced induction onto a 5.7 without at least pulling the pistons and opening the ring gaps and also running water/meth is just asking to pinch a ring and snap off a piston head" — thedevillivesinside (source)

"I love the fact that this thing is also trail rated which means it'll go anywhere. But I don't love 30k for 100,000 mile Jeep that you know is going to break at 100,000 and 1 mi." — jaketheunruly (100,000 miles) (source)

Real Repair Costs

"29k is way too much to pay unless they're throwing in a $5,000 warranty to protect your vehicle. With that being said, it does have the hemi which is fantastic." — jaketheunruly (source)

"I just got my head gasket replaced last week and it was $3.5k." — Polo4you91 (source)

"Don’t do the diff service (not needed), the induction service isn’t a bad idea but not required. Dealer labor rates are $200-$250 in most major markets so the pricing isn’t otherwise too crazy." — CurrentlyatBDC (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a head gasket?

A: Replacing a head gasket is a time-consuming job. For a professional mechanic, it typically takes 10-15 hours of labor. If you're doing it yourself, it could take significantly longer, especially if you're not experienced with engine repairs.

Q: Can I drive with a blown head gasket?

A: It's generally not recommended to drive with a blown head gasket. Driving with a compromised head gasket can lead to further engine damage, such as overheating, cylinder head warpage, and even engine failure. If you suspect you have a blown head gasket, it's best to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.

Q: Is this a common issue on the vehicle?

A: Head gasket failures can occur on any vehicle, but are more common on vehicles with high mileage, those that have been subjected to excessive stress (such as towing or racing), or those that have been modified with forced induction without proper support.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Replacing a head gasket is a complex repair that requires specialized tools and knowledge. Unless you have significant experience with engine repairs, it's generally recommended to have a professional mechanic perform the job. The risk of damaging the engine or causing further problems is high if the repair is not done correctly. Given that owners have reported paying around $3,500 for this repair (source, the cost of a mistake could be substantial.