99 with 137,000 on it. Runs great but I have an oli leak on the right side of the block. I have changed the valve cover gasket but the leak persists. It seems to be coming out around the head.

Is it common for a 99 to leak oil around the head gasket? I have read quite a few posts on the 0331 head cracking and bad head gaskets leaking coolant into the oil but I haven't seen much mentioned about a head gasket causing an oil leak only.

Coolant is staying full, no water in the oil, no white smoke from the exhaust.

 

the 00-01 XJs have the 0331, so you should be good. ive heard tell that LATE 99's had the 0331 head, but idk, just talk, hopefully... dunno...

but... is it LEAKING oil, or is there oil residue from what is a very minimal "leak"? i have same (similar..) issue with my 99 w/ like 20k less than yours and its not caused any issues. i keep an eye on it, but im not worried.. good luck!

oh and i love the KOTH reference!!!! well played!

 

What kind of gasket did you use for the valve cover? It is possible that you overtightened a valve cover bolt and broke the gasket, causing it to leak. This can happen with a paper or cork gasket if you aren't careful

 

I used the expensive Fel Pro steel gasket for the valve cover.

It is a slow leak down the side of the engine block.

I degreased the whole engine when I bought it back in March and then identified the valve cover leak. After I replaced it I noticed the head had a very little oil on it so I have been watching it on and off. I recently drove about 1500 miles to a Jeep Jamboree event and when I got home I was under it and I noticed some oil dripping off the starter and oil filter. I originally thought the filter was leaking but it was on tight. So I investigated a little further and noticed the block had more oil on it.

Not causing any problems other than an oil spot in the drive and on the garage floor. It hasn't really lost enough oil to show on the dip stick but I was worried the head gsaket might be leaking internally if it is leaking oil externally.

Sounds like I shouldn't worry too much, just keep an eye on the oil level.