jeepdreamer

I've read through some posts covering gaskets and seals but haven't found an explanation to this so...
On my 01 XJ 4.0, the valve cover was leaking pretty bad. When I pulled it off I saw that the gasket was much different than all the older 4.0s I've messed with. Not realizing this and not having time to order and wait the 2+ weeks to get a gasket sent here to Germany I tried the old faithful RTV. Well... it didn't work at all! Infact it leaks worse now than before and that was a lot! So... I'm gonna go on a limb here and state that the weird gasket IS required?
And as for the rear main seal... its a one pc design, right? Does that mean the tranny has to come out but the pan can stay in place? Anyone have a linky to a good write up on the newer RMS replacements? And what is the actual ATF that goes in the auto... I've read its not the manufacturers recommended type. Please help!

ZINGGG

You definitely need an actual gasket on the valve cover. When you order, make sure you get a Felpro gasket.

As for the rear main, the 4.0L is a 2 piece seal so you don't need to touch the transmission. But you do need to drop the oil pan to get to it. Hang on, I'll find you a write up

jeepdreamer

Ok... Good to know. The "search" showed the FelPro comes with the bolt O rings and the cheaper ones don't, correct?

[/QUOTE]As for the rear main, the 4.0L is a 2 piece seal so you don't need to touch the transmission. But you do need to drop the oil pan to get to it. Hang on, I'll find you a write up[/QUOTE]

I'll wait for your post... Where did I read that there IS a difference in the years for the RMS? I don't think I'm imagining it... maybe just jeep tech search over load!
Thanks for your help so far!

shockeruti

the 99+ (i believe) do have a different RMS design. the bottem half of the seal is redesigned with "ears" that is supose to prevent leaks. i still put a dab of rtv on the ends of the cap.

jeepdreamer

Well, I did a quick check on RA and it shows different part numbers for an 01 vs a 1991. Pics are different also but neither looks to be a 1pc seal??
here is what they show as the 2001 RMS:
Part # JV1658

jeepdreamer

And here is the 1991 RMS...Now I'm really confused.
Part # JV1611

ZINGGG

This is the one my 96 takes. At least it looks like it. All 4.0s are a 2 piece. Regardless of the year. The 1 piece you saw may have been for the 2.5L 4 cylinder engine that was sometimes put in the XJ. I could be wrong though, I'm not really familiar with that engine.

And as for the valve cover gasket, you want the one with the bolt grommets.