How hard is a head gasket job on the 2000 Cherokee Sport with the straight 6 cyl.? Are there specialty tools I will need other then a torque wrench? Can a Sunday Mechanic do it or does it have to be done in a shop?

Any secrets?

I have spent over $1600 this year on the Jeep and I still love it. I have no more money to send it out to a shop. I have time to do the work myself I just need to know details.

In the winter last year the jeep over heated to 260. I pulled over immediately. It over heated again. So I towed it the rest of the way home. Ever since then I have had to change the oil every month. Last month I checked the oil after filling up the reserve bottle with water and found that the reserve and radiator are both empty and the oil is milk shake color and very thin. The level of oil raised over the filled spot by about 2 inches.

Is there away to confirm that this is the head gasket and not a cracked block or broke water jacket?

Thanks for any help offered.