Tracking down the source of this leak
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austintown, OH
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Tracking down the source of this leak
So since I've had this XJ it's always had an oil leak. I replaced the valve cover a couple weeks ago since I could see oil dripping down the back of the engine from somewhere high. That didn't fix it. So I'm working my way down. It sat in the garage over this past weekend while me and the family were out of town and came back to a decent size puddle. Before I moved it, I took pictures of where the leak was under it so I could maybe get some ideas on where to look. I'm thinking this may be the oil filter adapter. It's a 2000 model so there isn't a dizzy so other than the oil filter adapter or the notorious RMS, what else could it be? You can see from the pics the leak is falling forward enough that it could be the oil filter adapter, but I'm not sure. It also burns on the exhaust. I can also see it leaking from the front of the oil pan but it's a very small leak and it's not going back that far.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Hampton Roads
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Most likely the oil filter adaptor. Apparently a frequent issue. This leak also has the symptom of starter issues. I haven't fixed mine yet but here is an under shot of mine.
#5
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,867
Received 1,524 Likes
on
1,236 Posts
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. "$hit flows downhill".
Valve cover gasket, oil pressure sending unit, oil filter adapter seals and distributor gasket, in that order, have to be eliminated as possibilities first.
Revised 02-26-2013
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austintown, OH
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yep. Jooman, you never read this? I'd be looking up ABOVE first, and VERIFYING the source of the oil leak YOURSELF. Everybody, who doesn't own or have to pay for or perform your vehicle repairs, loves to poke their noggin UNDER the Jeep and come out bearing the false bad news that your RMS is leaking. Many mechanics, friends, people on Jeep forums who cant see your Jeep from where theyre at, and good old Uncle Bob seem to enjoy telling you its the rear main seal. Has a catastrophic ring to it, doesnt it? A simple leak at the back of the valve cover or other source could produce the same symptoms. You dont need to be a mechanic to figure this out. If you have good eyesight and a dim flashlight, youre good to go on your own. Don't jump on the RMS/oil pan gasket bandwagon right off the bat. Almost any oil leak on your 4.0 is gonna drip from the RMS area for two simple reasons. First off, the engine sits nose-up and any oil will run back to the RMS area. Secondly, the RMS area is also the lowest point on the engine. Simple physics and the old plumber's adage apply here. "$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
#7
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,867
Received 1,524 Likes
on
1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SC
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Yep, I would try the oil filter adapter. Buy the o-rings from the dealer. They should cost under 10 bucks for sure. Think I paid about 5-6 for mine. That oil filter adapter can be a huge PITA to get off. I had to use a 6' long cheater bar to get mine off. No joke. No more oil leak though.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austintown, OH
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yep, I would try the oil filter adapter. Buy the o-rings from the dealer. They should cost under 10 bucks for sure. Think I paid about 5-6 for mine. That oil filter adapter can be a huge PITA to get off. I had to use a 6' long cheater bar to get mine off. No joke. No more oil leak though.
#11
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hudson, FL
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
Definitely oil filter adapter. This is more common of an issue than people know.
I have the same problem and just ordered a set of o rings from the dealer for $20 or so. Going to change them on my next oil change in 2k more miles.
I also intermittently have starter issues, but I'll clean it up good after I fix this.
I have the same problem and just ordered a set of o rings from the dealer for $20 or so. Going to change them on my next oil change in 2k more miles.
I also intermittently have starter issues, but I'll clean it up good after I fix this.
#12
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,867
Received 1,524 Likes
on
1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Definitely oil filter adapter. This is more common of an issue than people know.
I have the same problem and just ordered a set of o rings from the dealer for $20 or so. Going to change them on my next oil change in 2k more miles.
I also intermittently have starter issues, but I'll clean it up good after I fix this.
I have the same problem and just ordered a set of o rings from the dealer for $20 or so. Going to change them on my next oil change in 2k more miles.
I also intermittently have starter issues, but I'll clean it up good after I fix this.
#15
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,867
Received 1,524 Likes
on
1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
southfloridajeeps
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
32
03-04-2023 01:10 PM
neocracka
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
03-28-2020 05:48 PM
15XJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
09-10-2015 11:17 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)