flabberbug

Got a new cherokee and after change engine has been losing an incredible amount of oil. It was steady and now coming leaking like crazy. Could it be a crappy oil filter? Its a fram😔 its such a mess its hard to tell where ots coming from but the pufdle is constantly under the filter

cruiser54

Sure could. Or, the old filter seal stuck to the engine.

what brand filter?

remdev

Consider checking or replacing the O rings for the oil filter housing. Solved my similar problem.
Some, but not all XJs have over torqued oil filter mounts so getting it off to replace O rings can be tough.
I had to grind down a torx so it would fit in a socket and then use a length of pipe for extra leverage to break the bolts free.
The good news is its a inexpensive fix. My XJ is a 98 as well.

HTH

cpttuna

if you have the olfdfilter look and see if the black seal is on it. If not, you have it still attached to the housing causing the leak.

cruiser54

I wouldn't start there, although that can be an issue. Given the filter was just changed, I'd go there. Perhaps wrong filter? I know if you install the metric thread oil filter from the early 4.0s, the will leak and spin off!!!!

mattheww97

I often find that i underestimate how tight the drainbolt needs to be. I'm always too scared of over-tightening and oftentimes I find a leak after I change the oil and have to go back under to tighten. Sounds simple but check to see where the leak is coming from before you start replacing o rings and such..

Jeepwalker

Probably like was suggested, the old seal didn't come off with the oil filter and the new one was double-sealed. Get it resolved Right Away.

For one, Fram (regulars) are among the worst constructed filters in the industry. Take one apart (after your change oil) and see for yourself. They DO make higher quality filters, but at 2x-3x the price of everyone else. Buy a Mopar filter if you want to get a good one. Or Motorcraft/Bosch/WIX/Napa Gold-Silver/GM, etc.

Shouldn't have to crank on the drain plug exceptionally tight to get it to seal. If that's the case something's wrong or gasket is missing. Get or make a new gasket for the drain plug.

EZEARL

OP could have also damaged the sending unit.

Jeepwalker

True.
Could also be a gasket not seated properly. Best to clean the engine off with de-greaser, give it a few hrs to dry ....then start and run yer eyes around and see where it's coming from. If it's THAT bad, should be relatively easy to spot.

xjnm

If you didn't put some oil on the gasket of the new filter when you put it on it could cause a leak. My neighbor did this and blew oil all over his engine bay.