speedo

Dear all, i've just bought a cherokee sport 2001, 4.0L, Automatic transmission, power windows, center locks and cruise control. When i got under the car i've found that the exhaust pipe after the catalysts touches the oil pan, is that normal? Won't that cause the oil to heat up? And if it is not normal how can i fix it? Waiting for your appreciated answers.

NathanJay

I've had the same thing happening with my '01, it's been that way since I've purchased it. I've read a little bit online however I don't have any confirmed remedies for it. There are discussions whether or not the flanges connecting the exhaust manifold and catalytic converters can be adjusted or not.

I've seen some write-ups/videos of header installs where it is recommended to NOT fully tighten the exhaust manifold bolts until the intake manifold is on which could prevent a sagging exhaust. If this is the case I can see how the down pipe could end up resting against the oil pan like ours is. If the previous owners ever had to do repairs or took the exhaust off for whatever reason, they could have put it back together wrong.

In regards to the oil, you are correct that it will heat up, but I don't believe it's as bad as you think. I replaced my rear main seal 4 days ago and was anxious to see what the inside of the oil pan looked like where the exhaust was touching. There was indeed some crust build up at that location, but overall it looked like the damage was minimal. And I had no sludge in the pan.

I'll keep looking around on this topic and will post if I find anything more.

Good luck.

sycoglitch

I have an 01. When I get home I'll climb under mines and see if it touches. I don't think it does but I'll hopefully be able to give some insight

md21722

Mine does not touch but it ALMOST does. Maybe 1/32-1/16" between the pan and exhaust.

pismo61

Mine touches.Tried to adjust at precat to header(4 bolts) and no luck.It just fit at one angle to get a good seal between to header and precats.This is on my 2000 four door.

speedo

Thank you so much for your replies, i wounder if jeep meant anything regarding the design by doing this as i've seen several jeeps like that

sycoglitch

I looked at mines today but I just remembered, I installed a Wagner aftermarket cat after mines went bad. When I installed it I had to use a 2x4 to keep it from the pan and then I installed the bolts. Doesn't touch by 3"

speedo

Some people put an insulation between the pipe and the oil pan, do you know any thing about that??? I wounder if that works?

speedo

I've put a thermal insulation between the pan and the down pipe. I hope it will do its job

sycoglitch

Forgot about this thread. I had replaced my upper cats with walker ones. OE went bad. I remember when I was installing them, i bad to use a piece of wood to pry the down pipe away from the oil pan and then tighten everything down. Hasn't touched ever since I did that.