You aren't kidding - I got some diff fluid on my "working on the car" jacket and had to toss it because it reeked so badly it was giving me a headache.

 

I'll find out later today when I crawl under the beast. I don't see how it would be motor oil though.

 

It's worth double checking just to be sure.

Gear oil definitely has a strong and distinct odor,

Presuming that it's gear oil - when you go to the store to buy a quart to top it off, it will make your life 1000x easier if you also pick up a fluid transfer pump. They usually are right with the oils/drain pans and you can get one that screws right onto the bottle for $10 or less.

 

Good news! I found the plug only finger tight! I am sure it was only an oversight by the Tech that changed the oil but, even so, I will think twice before taking the Jeep back to where my cousin had it serviced.

BTW, the fluid was slightly low but, not enough to worry about.

Thanks for the help, everyone.

 

Which plug? Oil pan? That's why I do my own oil changes. Simple task, and soo many shops screw it up.

 

Front Diff. plug.

 

Glad you got it fixed.

Originally Posted by werewolf19
I'll find out later today when I crawl under the beast. I don't see how it would be motor oil though.

There are four areas to check when you have an oil leak issue. All four can put oil on to the front differential. I thought I had a slight leak at the pinion seal but after I installed a new valve cover gasket and degreased the wet area on the differential I found out the seal wasn't leaking at all.

 

Interesting. I do need a new valve cover gasket. Time will tell if I truely fixed my problem.
Tell me, if the valve cover is one, what are the other three?

 

Distributor gasket,oil pressure sending unit,and oil filter adapter O-rings. Not only can these four leaks cause what looks to be a front differential leak they can also fool you into thinking the rear main seal and oil pan are leaking.

 

Good information to know. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.