Got a decent oil leak on a cherry 2001 w/120k that I just picked up.

If it is the RMS, can I keep driving it or will it get worse? I don't mind a dirty driveway, but if it needs to be changed, I'll get it done. Any idea of how many hours of labor it would take? I don't have time to tackle it myself, and I have a good mechanic that loves XJ's.

Any input appreciated- Happy Holidays!

 

Make sure you first rule out the valve cover gasket and the oil filter adapter as the potential sources for the leak. The rear main seal on my XJ has been leaking for several years; about a drop or so every couple of days, and has not gotten worse.

 

Thanks- never heard of the oil filter adapter issue. I will check it out, due for an oil change now

 

I changed the RMS out on my 92 Laredo with 278k a couple months ago. The seal itself was hard as a rock and had worn a groove in the crank. I replaced it with the new one but because of the groove worn in the crank it still leaks a small amount. Approx a couple drops every time i turn the engine off. Moral of the story is sooner is better than later when fixing things.