Ok.. So I knew when I got my XJ the valve cover gasket would need to be replaced. There was oil on the engine but it wasnt making it to the ground. Last week I noticed puddles appearing, rather large puddles in a short period of time and more oil than normal on the engine. I had just changed the oil the previous weekend so I thought I left something loose.. Nope all tight.
Just for kicks I check the front valve cover bolt... LESS THAN FINGER TIGHT! Ends up they were ALL loose. Snugged them up real nice, but have yet to run it through a washer to track any current leaks.
Just an courtesy message to all... CHECK YOUR BOLTS!

 

the torque spec on them is really low, but yeah, finger tight is a tad loose

 

DOnt over tight because you will snap one off

 

21 ft lbs will snap them

 

Will probably clean it off this weekend.. but at the moment there are no more puddles.

 

Another thing to note an "instant" puddle or one that just shows up can also be an oil pressure sending unit gone bad. Located just below the oil filter, when these go you will leave trails of oil. It costs about $35. Change it immediately or you will run 'er dry!

 

Just bought one yesterday it was 15.

And if his puddles are gone It is prolly fixed or temp fixed.

If it comes back I would replace the gasket entirley

 

Prerunner1982, You called it right, brother. The valve cover bolts and the oil pan bolts come loose very easliy and need to be re-torqued often. They have a very light OEM torque spec. so periodic re-torqueing is all you can do.

Valve Cover Bolts - 85 inch lbs.
Oil Pan Bolts - 1/4 20 - 84 inch lbs.
5/16 18 - 132 inch lbs.

A message to all you XJ owners. Check those bolts for proper torque often and don't over tighten them.