I have a 97 xj, and when i push it hard in 4WD off road it has a tendency to leak oil down from bell housing area and drip onto the cat...now what is this signs of; rear main seal, valve cover gasket, head gasket? However, driving every day on normal conditions its fine and doesn't leak at all..WTF? Any help would be great, thanx!

 

well if its the valve cover you will be able to see where its leaking from the top, i believe you can also from the head leaking, but first thing i would do is the rear main, they are notorious for the rear mains leaking, and its a cheap and fairly easy fix

 

ok, thanx, ill look into the rear main seal

 

No problem

 

Try spraying everything clean with brake parts cleaner. Then see if you can trace the path the oil travels.

 

I would check the back of the valve cover gasket first. Valve cover bolts are notorious for loosening up - especially in the back. And if you're doing any hill-climbing, the oil will tend to pool in the back of the VC. It's also the cheapest and easiest to replace...

 

are both the hoses still connected at factory location???????

 

Yes and after you. Brake clean it start it and let it run so your drips or leak will be easy to spot without wind blowing oil everywhere

 

That'll also help to see where/if a hose is disconnected or damaged. If its only when in 4 and pushing hard, try putting it in 4, move around so things engage, then pop trans in N and give some good hard revvs. Shut down and inspect.

 

Oil hoses?

 

That's the lowest point in the entire assembly. Any/all engine oil leaks show there first, to the average owner/observer.

The oil filter adapter o-ring is the cheapest and most likely point of leakage. Part cost should be <$7 at your stealership. NOTE: Rework may require odd/special tooling - check needs/procedures before committing to the task.

 

Likely doesn't always mean anything. Just clean up the bay and find the sour e so your not guessing. And tossing money at the wrong issue.

 

X2