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Oil leak

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Old 12-18-2012, 06:35 PM
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Default Oil leak

Hey, so as the topic suggests, i have an oil leak. It was an unnoticeable trickle till last weekend (thats how it always happens right?)So anyways, it all looks to come from the front of the engine, just above the oil pan. Im thinking it is the timing chain cover? Im hoping its a gasket thing... anyways, what it kinda odd is it doesnt leak any oil while sitting, only while driving, but in a day i went through two qts! I am running royal purple 5w30. I always let the engine warm up properly, and normally dont get it above 2.5k rpm. But 2.5k rpm is where i cruise at 65mph. Anyways, any advice and or suggestions before i try to get into is will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Old 12-18-2012, 07:16 PM
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Look up these 3 common leaks:
Valve Cover Gasket
Oil Filter Adapter
Rear Main Seal
Old 12-19-2012, 08:34 PM
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There is no leak from the valve cover, or the oil filter, and the leak is at the frontnof the engine, underneat the crank pully. (You know, the largest one on the bottom of the serpentine belt setup) i want to post a pic, but photobucket isnt working on my phone anymore :-( i hope this will be a cheap gasket and oil change fix!!!
Old 12-19-2012, 09:14 PM
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Possibly the front crank seal?
Old 12-19-2012, 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by belvedere
Possibly the front crank seal?
I would check the front crank seal as well...
Old 12-19-2012, 09:28 PM
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Hhhmmm that sounds like a pita. Hopefully ill start digging into it tomorrow. Is that an uncommon leak?
Old 12-19-2012, 10:56 PM
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Not uncommon or hard to fix. Just get a timing cover gasket set and it should come with a front main seal. Take like an hourish to fix. Hardest part is getting the dampener off especially if it hasnt been of in the last 10 years!
Old 12-19-2012, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by slk88cherokee
Not uncommon or hard to fix. Just get a timing cover gasket set and it should come with a front main seal. Take like an hourish to fix. Hardest part is getting the dampener off especially if it hasnt been of in the last 10 years!
Do you need to remove the radiator to get to it? I may have the same issue.
Old 12-20-2012, 12:49 AM
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No, you do not need to remove the radiator to replace the front crank seal or timing chain cover gasket. At least with the tool I borrowed from AZ. I was able to remove and install the harmonic balancer without removing it. I was so relieved. Made the job much easier and faster.
Old 12-20-2012, 01:57 AM
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As other's have said, either front main, timing cover or oil pan gasket. Follow the oil trail from the bottom towards the top to find where its leaking from. Either of the three are and easy fix for the average mechanic. There's no oil circulating when its not running, hence why it doesnt leak.
Old 12-20-2012, 05:37 AM
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A flashlight and the OP's eyes will answer all his questions. Likely a front crankshaft seal. Cheap even to have professionally done.
Old 12-25-2012, 08:18 PM
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thanks guys for the help how do i get that pulley off thats on the crank
Old 12-25-2012, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by hardcorecherokee
thanks guys for the help how do i get that pulley off thats on the crank
Harmonic balancer puller.
Old 12-25-2012, 08:40 PM
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is that just a regular a pulley or a special one that i need
Old 12-25-2012, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by hardcorecherokee
is that just a regular a pulley or a special one that i need
Harmonic balancer puller.


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