2002 Sport Broken Valve spring and rocker

[edengweiss]

Hi,

This is my buddies Jeep and has 158K with auto ******. He came out to start the Jeep and go to work and it started to make a serious clakking sound. It ejected the rocker arm and has a broken spring. Kind of a bummer as he has had the Jeep since 04' with 28K. Always serviced and always oil changed.


#1.) Is there a DIY for this?
#2.) What is the best remedy for the vehicle. Replace the broken one. Replace all of them?
#3.) What is the best tool and place for parts? Have they come up with strengthened springs?

He is super frustrated and after looking at all the internet reports of this problem, he is no longer considering Jeep. He wants to look at Subaru?
I prefer Jeeps hands down.....

thanks for any point in the right direction-
Cheers!
Eden in CT.

 

[LibertyTC]

I am sure others will chime in on this as well, but if it was my jeep, & since I don't have the tools, with the valve cover off, one option would be to tow it over to the mechanical/machine shop and let them replace the spring & rocker first. Start it and see what happens..
Or option B just rebuild both heads and get it over with.
I think Jayme had both heads completely rebuilt by a good pro for around $700.

 

[ltd02]

just rebuild both heads and get it over with.

I'd vote for this. If you really want to keep it and there are no other issues this would be your best bet.

Not difficult to change the springs if you have the right tools for compressing them but probably better to change them all while you are at it. As for stronger ones, Your OEMs lasted 12 years and 158k, That ain't so bad.

 

[k99jk99j]

I vote for replacing one spring and go from there. If this option works it will be under $100, even cheaper if you source a used spring.
Oh and Subaru's have about the worst head gasket problem on earth. Tell him look at internet reports on that.

 

[ltd02]

Oh and Subaru's have about the worst head gasket problem on earth. Tell him look at internet reports on that.

Yep, I've got an 01 Outback with about 70k on it that's dripping as we speak.

 

[yellocoyote]

I think Jayme had both heads completely rebuilt by a good pro for around $700.

Under $600 at a performance sports shop.
But mine was valve seat related - not rockers/springs.
Regardless, I would have it rebuilt for longevity sake.