Coolant leak from oil pan gasket area
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Coolant leak from oil pan gasket area
Been getting a leak lately and it looks like it's coming form the oil pan gasket area on the driver's side. Drips onto the track bar. Here's a pic of it...
I googled the issue and many people say water pump. I checked that out and it's dry immediately behind the water pump. The coolant is pooling up a few inches or so behind that. The pump is a 1.5 year old Gates one anyway. I checked the hoses and they look dry. Radiator seems to be dry on the bottom too. The coolant and oil aren't mixing, not sure if that helps with the diagnosis. I don't see anything on the passenger side. Any ideas? Thanks!!!
I googled the issue and many people say water pump. I checked that out and it's dry immediately behind the water pump. The coolant is pooling up a few inches or so behind that. The pump is a 1.5 year old Gates one anyway. I checked the hoses and they look dry. Radiator seems to be dry on the bottom too. The coolant and oil aren't mixing, not sure if that helps with the diagnosis. I don't see anything on the passenger side. Any ideas? Thanks!!!
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I think I will clean it up and then pressure test it. The other thing I have to add is it's an intermittent leak. Sometimes it'll leak enough to go from full to add in the reservoir in 2 days, other times a week. No real rhyme or reason to it that I've noticed. Doesn't leak when sitting for a few days it seems like.
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 483
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Agree with the commnent of checking the freeze plugs. I currently have a leaky freeze plug, and my coolant puddle looks very similar to your puddle.
I only leak coolant after the engine has been run to full temp, and then shut off. It does not leak all of the time, so it took me some time to find the offending plug.
I only leak coolant after the engine has been run to full temp, and then shut off. It does not leak all of the time, so it took me some time to find the offending plug.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
I pulled the air filter box out and it's wet under the first freeze plug. Damn it. How many are on that side and should I get all of them on that side replaced?
How urgent is it to fix? Can it be driven most likely without worry for a few weeks or does it need to go into the shop ASAP?
How urgent is it to fix? Can it be driven most likely without worry for a few weeks or does it need to go into the shop ASAP?