Hey Guys,

97 jeep Cherokee, 4.0 with 159K miles.

Is is possible to have oil leaking from the head gasket? Last month I replaced the valve cover gasket because it was leaking pretty bad. After the gasket replacement I cleaned the engine really good.

Today while tinkering, I noticed oil on the side of the block again. Looks like it is on both sides near the middle of the block. Checked the valve cover gasket,it looked good, the head was dry. Looks like it is seeping from between the block and head, is this possible or is it residual oil running down? Has anyone ever had this happen?

Nothing in the oil or in the coolant... Runs rough for the 1st 30 seconds on start up. Just gave it a full tune up; rotor, car, plugs, wires ect...

 

yes it is possible the lifter/pushrods are right on the other side the the Dist/oil filter passenger side. I had this issue after running a additive in my oil....It has since died down. only way to cure it is replace head gasket....thicker oil may help.

 

So, it's not going to just blow one day then? It's hardly leaking, it doesn't even leave any drip spots while parked for days at a time.

I have a 600+ mile trip planned next month...

 

Wont blow, if it is wet its just weeping....dont use any type of oil additive and it shount be a problem. Let the dirt/grime collect there to stop/slow the leak.