Coolant leak. Any ideas???
10-25-2015, 07:21 PM
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Coolant leak. Any ideas???
Just bought a 99 xj yesterday. I noticed this morning there were a couple of drops of coolant on the garage floor. I got up under the Jeep with my flashlight and pinpointed the leak seems to be coming in between the oil pan and the transmission. It seems like a weird place for coolant to be leaking? Maybe it's coming from above? Anybody have any ideas or suggestions?
10-26-2015, 06:32 AM
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10-26-2015, 07:06 AM
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He was referring to engine fluids in general, also due to the tilt of engine and blowback while driving.
Coolant leaking from bell housing is usually a leaking welch/freeze plug that is located on rear of engine block. This leak is often more pronounced when jeep sits for two days. When driven every day, the leaking coolant evaporates or gets flung out.
Transmission needs to be dropped to access freeze plug.
To diagnose, should be able to view enough of plug by removing inspection plates and starter, use a good light and a small mirror.
Here is a picture for reference with transmission removed, coolant is behind the middle plug.
Coolant leaking from bell housing is usually a leaking welch/freeze plug that is located on rear of engine block. This leak is often more pronounced when jeep sits for two days. When driven every day, the leaking coolant evaporates or gets flung out.
Transmission needs to be dropped to access freeze plug.
To diagnose, should be able to view enough of plug by removing inspection plates and starter, use a good light and a small mirror.
Here is a picture for reference with transmission removed, coolant is behind the middle plug.
Last edited by SteveMongr; 10-26-2015 at 07:09 AM.
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10-26-2015, 08:49 AM
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He was referring to engine fluids in general, also due to the tilt of engine and blowback while driving.
Coolant leaking from bell housing is usually a leaking welch/freeze plug that is located on rear of engine block. This leak is often more pronounced when jeep sits for two days. When driven every day, the leaking coolant evaporates or gets flung out.
Transmission needs to be dropped to access freeze plug.
To diagnose, should be able to view enough of plug by removing inspection plates and starter, use a good light and a small mirror.
Here is a picture for reference with transmission removed, coolant is behind the middle plug.
Coolant leaking from bell housing is usually a leaking welch/freeze plug that is located on rear of engine block. This leak is often more pronounced when jeep sits for two days. When driven every day, the leaking coolant evaporates or gets flung out.
Transmission needs to be dropped to access freeze plug.
To diagnose, should be able to view enough of plug by removing inspection plates and starter, use a good light and a small mirror.
Here is a picture for reference with transmission removed, coolant is behind the middle plug.
10-26-2015, 10:28 AM
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Year: 1997
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Engine: 4.0
whatever you do, please don't use "stop leak" or any of that junk that you poor in the radiator. Unless of course you want to also replace your radiator, heater core, water pump, etc in about a year.
10-26-2015, 10:39 AM
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Yeah I know not to use that stuff. Just not wanting to spend a grand on dropping tranny if I can just add coolant every now and then.
10-26-2015, 02:29 PM
#12
Beach Bum
First, inspect engine bay hoses with good light. Coolant leak will usually leave a residue. Any splits in hoses may be noticed better if you squeeze them down the length.
If coolant drips from oil pan fill plug, leak is likely in engine bay. If it drips out of bottom of bell housing, then suspect freeze plug..
If coolant drips from oil pan fill plug, leak is likely in engine bay. If it drips out of bottom of bell housing, then suspect freeze plug..
10-26-2015, 02:32 PM
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First, inspect engine bay hoses with good light. Coolant leak will usually leave a residue. Any splits in hoses may be noticed better if you squeeze them down the length.
If coolant drips from oil pan fill plug, leak is likely in engine bay. If it drips out of bottom of bell housing, then suspect freeze plug..
If coolant drips from oil pan fill plug, leak is likely in engine bay. If it drips out of bottom of bell housing, then suspect freeze plug..
10-26-2015, 03:10 PM
#15
Beach Bum
Hmmm, looks like rear freeze plug, the way it has a direct trail. It's fresh, if the leak is in hoses it would be obvious.
Problem with continuing to run jeep is the potential for complete failure of plug. Plug is around 2" diameter.. Replace with brass.
I did mine myself, home garage, took two full days. But now having done it I could do it again in one. Will need a transmission jack and E-12 socket.
Maybe read up on the process and watch you-tube video of it. Then decide if it is something you wish to tackle.
Problem with continuing to run jeep is the potential for complete failure of plug. Plug is around 2" diameter.. Replace with brass.
I did mine myself, home garage, took two full days. But now having done it I could do it again in one. Will need a transmission jack and E-12 socket.
Maybe read up on the process and watch you-tube video of it. Then decide if it is something you wish to tackle.