just picked up an 87 xj for cheap, there is an engine oil leak he said its on the back end of the engine, said it was an 800$ fix at the shop because the engine would have to be pulled to get at it he didnt fix it because it leaks about a quart a week,ive been poking my head around trying to get an idea where its coming from but there is oil everywhere so thats not working, i know im not giving out much info but any ideas on what it could be or where i should be looking?

 

Valve cover, either the rear or sides but it's more likely the rear main seal. That's on the rear part of the engine, on the back of the oil pan. They are very WELL KNOWN leakers on the 4.0's. .

 

Take it down to your local quarter wash with a bottle of your favorite de-greaser. Spray everything down with the said de-greaser and blast away....then drive it (or it sounds like just park it and you'll see the leak)......at that rate, and with a shop saying the engine needing to come out (which is not true) my money is on a rear main also.

But don't forget the valve cover gasket....it can look just like a rear main leak!

 

Its and 87, Just pull the oil pan and replace the rear main seal, also while your down there do your Oil Filter Adapter O-rings and then your Valve cover. Since the guy had it checked it is prolly your rearmain that is the only thing I can think of that would come close to 800 bucks at a shop. Not a hard job just MESSY. But all the above could cause a leak back there but I am just betting its the harder of the 3. Good luck.

 

Hello,

So, its a 2 piece seal? Good to know
I also have to replace mine, high mileage.

I was looking for an excuse to drop the tranny and replace the clutch/pressure plate, the clutch pedal is kind of hard!

Andres

 

thanks for the help guys i will take it down to the wash and take a look and get it over to my mechanic.

 

Yes it is a two piece seal. Easy to replace, but buy two of them if you do the job, It is easy to dick one up trying to figure out the best way to insert it the first time.

 

Use a dull punch and a dull screwdriver to get the old out and the new in. It can't be done cleanly or quickly.

 

I wonder if it would be easier and cleaner to flip the jeep over and work bottom side up?

 

We need that cat that pulled the TJ out of that snow, don't we mudd??

 

I would highly suggest draining all vital fluids beforehand. Makes final clean-up faster.