Hello fellow wheelers. I have an 89 cherokee 4.0. Ive had a leak coming from inside the bell housing out for a couple months. Ive done two RMS and put a new one piece oil pan gasket on. I took the pan off and re- sealed it and pit it back on. I let it sit 24 hours before putting fluid in and driving. Today i drove it 15 minutes, went home and saw a drip form again. The oil had the gasket sealant i used mixed in with it, as if it had just leaked thru and took the sealant with it. Im at my witts end with problem and really need help. It wouldn't bother me so much except the leak drips onto my muffler. Any advice would help. Thanks

 

I would make sure that it isn't leaking from the valve cover, oil filter adapter, oil sending unit or the distributor. All of those can make it look like it is coming from the RMS since the engine is on a slant and the oil will run down to the rear. Just some thing to check.

 

It's possible to wire a piece of aluminum to deflect the oil from blowing onto the exhaust pipe there where it goes across. Was years ago...I was afraid of having a fire or attracting unwanted attention.

Like RT mentions, oil leaking from the O rings in the oil filter adapter will blow right back and mimic a leaking RM seal. You need to look right away maybe even before you leave the car wash. Once you go a minute oil will be everywhere and you can't see there it came from. Here's some links>

OIL FILTER ADAPRER O RINGS http://www.myjeepxj.com/cherokee-rep...filter-adapter And a link with torx.. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/oi...o-ring-127359/

 

I checked behind the valve cover and its dry. All other possible areas are dry as well. Wherever its coming from oil shot through the gasket sealer rather quickly. When the drop formed it had a thick mix of sealer in it. Ill double check all possible areas 'cause right now im really stumped.

 

Would a leak from the oil adapter be inside or outside? All is dry around the outside part.

 

Out. It and the oil pressure sender which is right there, and can leak as well.

Got me!

 

I'm having a hard time picturing how silicone sealant is being carried by a small drip if oil, especially after being set. I normally use RVT Black, but maybe Blue for this pan.

 

I have no idea how it did, but thats what I saw when I went under.

 

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

 

cruiser54, how many times a week do you post that haha. You probably have hot keys set up for just that purpose don't you?

 

Close....

And, I don't always post it for the OP, but for others reading the thread. You know, the ones hoping for a silver bullet cure...

Ever see my technical photo album?


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