Leak shortly after oil change
new on the forum here so how’s it hangin🤙. I’ve had my Cherokee for a good while now, brought it to the shop to get the oil changed (not sure why I did over doing it myself..) but point is I’ve got a leak that’s started over probably the last maybe month to month in a half. Only things I could figure it could be is the oil filter which I didn’t get a great look at from the bottom on, or the main rear seal. I don’t necessarily want to rip my oil pan off if I don’t have to. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. also running a synthetic blend of 5W-30
Take a couple minutes and add the year, engine and transmission, and transfer case to a signature and/or profile for future use on the forums. The quicker we know what it is, the quicker we can help.
Assuming its a 4.0L, start from the top and work your way down. The 4.0L sits at an angle so any leaks will eventually end up at the real main seal.
It could be any or combination of the following:
valve cover gasket
distributor gasket
oil filter adapter
oil pressure switch
oil pan gasket
rear man seal
front crank seal
timing cover
Doublecheck the transmission lines if its an auto. If they are leaking the fans, along with driving in general will blow the fluid around.
Assuming its a 4.0L, start from the top and work your way down. The 4.0L sits at an angle so any leaks will eventually end up at the real main seal.
It could be any or combination of the following:
valve cover gasket
distributor gasket
oil filter adapter
oil pressure switch
oil pan gasket
rear man seal
front crank seal
timing cover
Doublecheck the transmission lines if its an auto. If they are leaking the fans, along with driving in general will blow the fluid around.
Last edited by fb97xj1; Jun 4, 2018 at 09:50 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 7
From: Rowlett, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
I would clean the area, let the vehicle run and watch it.... it might take some time but you might be able to identify it that way.
I work at a shop and they use engine oil dye, that is another option.
I work at a shop and they use engine oil dye, that is another option.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 238
From: Groton, MA
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
I'd start by seeing if you can tighten the oil filter up by hand. It's too much of a coincidence that it's leaking right about when you had it changed. I've heard horror stories about some of those oil change places (especially the big chain ones) - draining tranny fluid and then adding oil, stripped/over-tightened drain plugs and filter mounts, incorrect filters, etc, etc.
I'm sure there are plenty of great folks that do a good job that work at those places, but all it takes is one bone-headed teenager without proper training or skills to mess things up.
I'm sure there are plenty of great folks that do a good job that work at those places, but all it takes is one bone-headed teenager without proper training or skills to mess things up.
My kids XJ has had a slow leak for years. I'm sure its an old gasket somewhere. Just out of the blue the other day it started leaking a LOT when running... passenger side of center. I thought it was the oil filter adapter elbow which apparently can leak. It was the oil pressure sensor/sender right above it. Ours was pumping out oil when running Just got a new one today.
Last edited by Rockchalk; Jun 5, 2018 at 03:28 PM.
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