Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Newby needing help with rear main seal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 30, 2011 | 07:06 PM
  #1  
dale1966's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Default Newby needing help with rear main seal

ive just purchased a a 88 cherokee pioneer. It has 214,00 miles on it, and just needs a little tlc.
I had changed the valve cover gasket in this, and notice it was real brittle. So im wanting to change the oil pan gasket, and rear main seal at the same time.
My question is how will i know if my jeep has the one piece or 2 piece seal?
It has a 4.0 in it.
Any suggestions on finding out?
Can anyone suggest places online thats cheap to order parts for this?
Thanks to all who help!
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2011 | 08:24 PM
  #2  
cruiser54's Avatar
::CF Moderator::
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

They're all 2-piece. May I offer a suggestion?
There's a real good possibility that your RMS and pan gasket are NOT leaking. All the oil that may leak off a 4.0 tends to drip from the RMS area since it's the lowest point on the engine and the engine sits "nose-up" in the engine bay. I would replace the valve cover gasket and then inspect the area around the oil pressure sending unit, the base of the distributor and the oil filter adapter. If any of those areas leak, the oil will end up dripping off the RMS area.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2011 | 08:53 PM
  #3  
fishtaconc's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 1
From: Watha,NC
Year: Jeepless at the moment
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
They're all 2-piece. May I offer a suggestion?
There's a real good possibility that your RMS and pan gasket are NOT leaking. All the oil that may leak off a 4.0 tends to drip from the RMS area since it's the lowest point on the engine and the engine sits "nose-up" in the engine bay. I would replace the valve cover gasket and then inspect the area around the oil pressure sending unit, the base of the distributor and the oil filter adapter. If any of those areas leak, the oil will end up dripping off the RMS area.
X2... Pressure wash the engine really good then wash again. Inspect my '91 I thought was leaking from RMS, changed VC gasket, cleaned it real good, no more leak.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2011 | 08:56 PM
  #4  
cruiser54's Avatar
::CF Moderator::
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

X2... Pressure wash the engine really good then wash again. Inspect my '91 I thought was leaking from RMS, changed VC gasket, cleaned it real good, no more leak.

Yep. And repairing every other possible leak combined is easier than doing one RMS!
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2011 | 10:04 PM
  #5  
BotakBeng's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I would head down to the local dealer and get myself a set of Rear Main Seal as well as Oil Filter Adapter Oring....gonna cost you just a little more.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2011 | 02:34 AM
  #6  
cruiser54's Avatar
::CF Moderator::
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by BotakBeng
I would head down to the local dealer and get myself a set of Rear Main Seal as well as Oil Filter Adapter Oring....gonna cost you just a little more.
I wouldn't do that just yet if it were me. I have seen many RMSs that were "fixed" by resealing the valve cover and replacing the oil filter adapter o-rings first.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
2000CHERO
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
20
Oct 12, 2015 11:03 PM
Jooman07
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
25
Aug 28, 2015 02:25 PM
Mcwille117
Engines/Tranny/T-Case
2
Aug 28, 2015 11:41 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:14 AM.