oil leak source
#1
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oil leak source
I have an oil leak. I'm pretty sure the oil filter adapter is leaking, but I'm not totally sure if that's the only leak. How can i tell if I have a leak from the rear main seal? and are there more places that could be the source? I've already replaced the valve cover gasket. The oil seams to be dripping from the motor somewhere to the front of the oil pan, then onto the ground. This is on a 2000 XJ. thanks.
#2
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
There can be many places where it could be leaking from. Is there a substantial amount of oil your losing? Most Cherokees leak some oil. Mine leaks oil but it doesn't bother me. If it starts to get bad then ill replace seals but until then I'm not too worried.
#3
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
It's coming from the front of the engine? I'd look at the seal that is behind the harmonic balancer, the timing cover seal and the distributor gasket. Also make sure you torqued the valve cover right and it's not dripping down from up there. Your best bet is to degrease the engine, take it for a short drive and then get down there an look real closely at every inch of the engine
#5
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I'd be looking up ABOVE first, and VERIFYING the source of the oil leak YOURSELF.
Everybody, who doesn't own or have to pay for or perform your vehicle repairs, loves to poke their noggin UNDER the Jeep and come out bearing the false bad news that your RMS is leaking.
Many mechanics, friends, people on Jeep forums who can’t see your Jeep from where they’re at, and good old Uncle Bob seem to enjoy telling you it’s the rear main seal. Has a catastrophic ring to it, doesn’t it?
A simple leak at the back of the valve cover or other source could produce the same symptoms. You don’t need to be a mechanic to figure this out. If you have good eyesight and a dim flashlight, you’re good to go on your own. Don't jump on the RMS/oil pan gasket bandwagon right off the bat.
Almost any oil leak on your 4.0 is gonna drip from the RMS area for two simple reasons.
First off, the engine sits nose-up and any oil will run back to the RMS area. Secondly, the RMS area is also the lowest point on the engine. Simple physics and the old plumber's adage apply here. "$hit flows downhill".
Valve cover gasket, oil pressure sending unit, oil filter adapter seals and distributor gasket, in that order, have to be eliminated as possibilities first.
Revised 02-26-2013
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
thanks for all the replies . I'll have some time tomorrow to take a look. It makes sense that it looks like the rms because that's where the oil is going to wind up.
#7
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Year: 1990
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#8
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The weather finally cleared up so I finally got around to looking at the leak. It looks like the oil filter adapter is leaking. I went to the auto parts store and they have the o ring, and they said it is just one o ring in the 2000. I cannot find how to remove the adapter for a 2000 XJ. is it the same as the other years? I've read you need a #60 torx socket. I even looked at Alldatadiy and they just have the hours for the job listed with nothing else. Usually they will give you a diagram and the tools needed.
#9
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The weather finally cleared up so I finally got around to looking at the leak. It looks like the oil filter adapter is leaking. I went to the auto parts store and they have the o ring, and they said it is just one o ring in the 2000. I cannot find how to remove the adapter for a 2000 XJ. is it the same as the other years? I've read you need a #60 torx socket. I even looked at Alldatadiy and they just have the hours for the job listed with nothing else. Usually they will give you a diagram and the tools needed.
#10
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Thread Starter
I'm sitting here laughing--I was thinking take a picture? I can't even see it, then I realized the phone is slimmer than my head and it can fit in there to get a picture. Thanks.
#11
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Thread Starter
It's a T-60 torx, and it's a real tight fit. I'm going to try to get it tomorrow morning when the jeep is cold.
#12
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The weather finally cleared up so I finally got around to looking at the leak. It looks like the oil filter adapter is leaking. I went to the auto parts store and they have the o ring, and they said it is just one o ring in the 2000. I cannot find how to remove the adapter for a 2000 XJ. is it the same as the other years? I've read you need a #60 torx socket. I even looked at Alldatadiy and they just have the hours for the job listed with nothing else. Usually they will give you a diagram and the tools needed.
#13
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Thread Starter
I thought it was a 3 ring set also. The guy looked it up at the parts store and said it was showing just the one. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
#14
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
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From CF's technical write-up section:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/oi...o-ring-127359/