Either I’m losing my mind or I just don’t know. I recently replaced the oil pan gasket because it was leaking. Now I’ve still got a leak and I’m going to kick myself if the rear main is leaking. Now maybe it’s just the drain plug leaking? Easy fix.. I don’t mind dropping the pan and replacing the main seal, but I figured I’d turn to my fellow Cherokee forum members to get a second opinion. This all started because I got a low knock from the bottom of my engine, thought it was flex plate. It’s not. Now because I have nothing better to do I want to stop it from leaking I was leaving work and noticed a rather good size puddle of oil under the Jeep (about 3”x3”). Brought it home put a giant piece of particle board under neath figured I’d leave it there and check when I got off work. Well I’m home and not a single drop has come down. Maybe another vehicles oil puddle? So I just want to know does this leak look like it’s just the drain plug? Is it my rear main seal? No leaks coming from the oil filter area. Should I just move on with life if there’s still not a puddle on the board in the morning? I want to start installing my lift.

 

Drain plug is leaking. I see dirt around the seal. There could be dirt under the seal letting just enough oil to pass. The pan, plug threads, and seal must be clean and dry (as much as possible) before putting the plug back in. That could be whats going on here. Or the plug isnt tight enough. I dont know. If you want to clean under the seal without draining the oil, just loosen the plug enough to fit a folded over shop rag between the seal and the pan. Ive used a Q-tip atleast once.

There is a shiny spot on the pan by the main seal, but that could be a reflection off the paint. Nothing else stands out at me there. The drain plug is leaking for sure tho.

 

yea I figured it was the drain plug. I just like that reassurance. I do live in Arizona and Offroad in the desert a lot so sand gets in those places sand shouldn’t be haha.

 

A little oil residue never hurt anything. I'd just check your oil level from time to time, and so long as there isn't noticeable or significant loss I wouldn't even worry about it. My drain plug weeps a bit as well.

Arizona and the southwest is the perfect habitat for an XJ. Sand and dust is so much healthier for them than salt. My XJ rolled off the lot in Tucson in December '98, and maiden run was up the Florence Box Canyon in January '99. I was yet a wee young kiddo at that time.

 

I love the trails here, I’m pretty far northern az about 10 mins from lake Powell. It’s great I’ve got trails all around me and then if I want to go crazy I just drive pretty much 2 hours either direction for even more trails haha. Guess now it’s time to install the lift, just waiting on my extended shackles, and my hockey pucks.

 

Yea it’s definitely me leaking.

 

That's a nice area, I haven't done much wheeling in northern AZ. Lifts aren't my kinda thing, but good luck with your install!

Yeah, that's a little bit bigger piddle than I was thinking. How long did it take to make that? Engine running? Oil slicks spread out quickly, and always look like more fluid was lost than really was. But still. Worth checking and cleaning up the drain plug before any more significant surgery.

 

it sat there from 7am-2pm basically when I got to work then left for lunch