Jeep: 1998 Cherokee Sport leaking coolant and white smoke, blown head gasket, mud puddles


Question
I recently took my Jeep four wheeling and I went through a very deep puddle. I'm guessing some of this water got sucked in through the air filter and went into the engine. After going through the puddle the engine quit and then 25 minutes later started back up but had white smoke coming out of my exhaust and near my engine. Now the Jeep leaks coolant and when it's started one of the cylinders sounds like it's rubbing against something letting out a relieved air pressure kind of sound continuously and when it's shut off there is a hissing sound.  How can I get my engine running again without these problems.

Answer
if you think you have water inside your engine I would first take the spark plugs out and remove the fuel pump fuse or relay and crank the engine.  This should get the water out of the cylinders.  Then you should replace the spark plugs and change the oil and oil filter.  If the oil comes out milky you may have to change it again.  If you cant find a coolant leak you may have a blown head gasket or a cracked head.  Hope you get it fixed and stay out of the mud puddles!