I have a 1996 cherokee and I've been having some issues. My main problem seems to be vacuum related, but I haven't had any luck finding it. I just noticed today that the vacuum ball is not secured in any way and is just bouncing around in my jeep. The vacuum problem gets worse when it has been raining outside and usually only causes an issue for the first minute or less of driving.

Another possibly related issue.... I've had milky white stuff on the dipstick lately. It seems like it is only inside the tube though and I've read that vacuum leaks or bad seals around the tube can cause that problem. I will do a compression test soon to make sure it isn't a head gasket though.

Last thing. I found some red fluid at my fuel line where it bolts on under the intake manifold... why would there be red fluid there?

 

The cel is P0443

It seems like my vacuum leak could possibly be related to the valve on the driver side of the valve cover gasket that has a hose running to the intake manifold. I'm going to clean it tomorrow and seal it better but does anyone know if the vacuum ball is supposed to be secured or have any idea what the red fluid could be?