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2018 JLU Code p0301=new cylinder heads on 51k engine?

rirealtor

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Dean
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Rhode Island
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2018 JL Sahara Unl, 2022 GC, 1975 Wagoneer
CE light comes on and local mechanic scans it to Cyl 1. Thinking it may be Coil pack or something simple, we swap those around, change the plugs, even try a fuel additive (thinking perhaps a carbon buildup somehow) the light comes back on after 4 days. Noticeable on Cold start, slight shudder- wouldn't really call it a knock though. back to local and he suggested to Dealer for better diagnosis who found same code and stating that the head needs replacing. Also said that exhaust gas in coolant. Waiting for written estimate, but around $7k for both sides. Had we not just spent 3K on tires and maintenance 2 months ago (vehicle is eventually going to family member) i would clear the code and hand the keys to Carvana.
Questions for the group-
1. with only one side throwing a code, do we replace both heads or just one and save a little? labor on this is significant( i think roughly half of the job)

2. for potentially a little more $, do i just replace the whole engine with a remanufactured from Fraser or Powertrain? These are shipped long blocks at 5500, and I'd be curious how much more charge would be to not only remove old engine but swap over and install new. Upside is now a 5 year warranty block vs a 2 year on the work on replacement heads.
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58Willys

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Geoff
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I would run a leakdown test to see what’s really going on. Sounds like a head gasket though. Unless you overheated the engine, you can probably do gaskets, not replace heads. Yes, if one is bad, do the other.
 
 







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