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Rear main oil leak

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Old Sep 10, 2021 | 04:08 PM
  #1  
Keith P's Avatar
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Default Rear main oil leak

Took my jeep 4.0 to smog shop other day an while it was on Dino it peed oil all over the guys floor. It does not leak when sitting still and running only under load. Also it just drips it doesn't sling it around. Main or pan?
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Old Sep 10, 2021 | 07:55 PM
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lawsoncl's Avatar
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Year: 1989
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0
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Start up top. If the back of the block is wet, suspect the valve cover. Oil filter adapter leaks are also common and tends to run towards the back and get the top of the starter.
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Old Sep 10, 2021 | 08:15 PM
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From: Vernon B.C. Can.
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I had the same thoughts when I first got my jeep ,is was the oil filter adapter O- rings . 50 cents for O-rings
Rear dr. side valve cover can leak as on mine is hard to get a snug fit, need a better wrench adapter I guess

Last edited by blazer 2008; Sep 10, 2021 at 08:17 PM.
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Old Sep 10, 2021 | 08:56 PM
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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Yep. A lot of rear seals have been replaced when they didn't need to be.
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Old Sep 11, 2021 | 08:18 AM
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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Here ya go.CRUISER'S MOSTLY RENIX TIPS

REAR MAIN SEAL DIAGNOSIS

OCTOBER 31, 2015 SALAD 3 COMMENTS

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, 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: “Crap 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. A little tip here. Rather than use a dizzy gasket, use an o ring instead. NAPA #727-2024. Tips 12 and 13 will help you get your distributor back in place correctly.


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