Oil leak 96 Cherokee
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1
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From: NC
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
Not sure this is the right spot for this post, if I blew it, sorry.
96 keep Cherokee Sport parked in the driveway (son's weekend driver). Noticed an oil leak off the front of the motor (leak is collecting under the front of the engine). The engine's dirty, I can pressure wash it but thought I'd ask: any suggestions on where this is coming from? I'm thinking it might be the crankshaft seal or timing cover seal...? Is it something I can fix in the driveway or should I plan to take it to a mechanic? Thanks, in advance, for your advice.
96 keep Cherokee Sport parked in the driveway (son's weekend driver). Noticed an oil leak off the front of the motor (leak is collecting under the front of the engine). The engine's dirty, I can pressure wash it but thought I'd ask: any suggestions on where this is coming from? I'm thinking it might be the crankshaft seal or timing cover seal...? Is it something I can fix in the driveway or should I plan to take it to a mechanic? Thanks, in advance, for your advice.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 638
Likes: 16
From: Midwest
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
anything can be fixed in the drive way if you are determined enough. Front engine seal, timing cover, oil pan gasket. those are your three main sources of oil leaks. though it could be an AT cooler hose as well(unless you've already verified they are dry) if you do the front engine seal you may as well do the timing cover too, since most of the hard work is getting the crank pulley off anyway.
you dont need the pressure washer to verify the leak. brake clean or carb clean will do a find job cleaning up the immediate area then start the jeep and see if it leaks from the FES (you may want to drive it around a little bit, front and rear engine seals only leak at higher RPMS unless they are really bad) if it does boom you know what is. the t-cover and oil pan may require an over night park to determine a leak.
you dont need the pressure washer to verify the leak. brake clean or carb clean will do a find job cleaning up the immediate area then start the jeep and see if it leaks from the FES (you may want to drive it around a little bit, front and rear engine seals only leak at higher RPMS unless they are really bad) if it does boom you know what is. the t-cover and oil pan may require an over night park to determine a leak.
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 638
Likes: 16
From: Midwest
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
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Last edited by XJRed96; Apr 6, 2017 at 09:00 PM.


