What's wrong with this picture?
 

Hey all. So I decided to look under my xj today, even though I took it to Aamco to have them "inspect" it a week ago. All they mentioned was that I had a rear seal leak. No biggie, they said. They didn't recommend anything for it because they were so focused on my PCM replacement. (Which is another story and you can read in my intro.) Since I'm noticing the leak adding up in my driveway, about an inch or so in the week, I decided to go down on her and found these.....

WARNING! Disclaimer:
Sorry if I didn't resize these pics. Please let me know how for future reference.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1cea868f9.jpeg

Do you see.....

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...c009c4e53.jpeg

...What I see?


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1cfcb2df0.jpeg

These were all taken from the drivers side...

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...72bf31f68.jpeg

I have more pics but, First things first right? Clean her out with engine degreaser? Is that really a bolt missing in the first picture to the right in the shadow? And why on earth, does it look like someone crimped my exhaust intake like that? That can NOT be good! Why didn't Aamco tell me about that? Really? Really......

the downpipe is dimpled like that from the factory

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...c009c4e53.jpeg

every xj.

The downpipe? Okay. Why did they do that? Will I have problems trying to upgrade the exhaust system ?

The down pipe dent is factory. Nothing to worry about.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dent-downpipe-23405/

Thank you for that link Jordan. Very helpful and helped answer alot of questions about it. :jester:

ha, love that movie...don't know that guys face tho.
 

Thanks Jeepster, for that good bit of info. I was worried about the rubber mounts and sensors soaked in sludge down there and to take my time, and I did read about making sure it is lubed correctly after cleaning. BUT I do want to be very careful and knowledgable before making things worse when I do start cleaning. Quick question...what would be the first thing you would look for/change down there first? Should I ask this when I come back with a new pic after cleaning?

Also looks like some trans fluid leaking there. I see red at the back of the pan on the bolts holding it up. I had that and it turned out to be the front seal on the transmission. That will cause trans fluid to leak out the front and mix with oil leaking from the rear main (or other places) and come out the "drain" at the bottom of the bellhousing where the engine and trans meet.

Just do this:

http://cruiser54.com/?p=96

Thanks for that info as well dzywicki, yeah I noticed the trans fluid as well down there. What did you do to stop yours from leaking out the front? So, your saying that is the drain, where I think a bolt is missing on the bell housing? Correct?

.....And nice write up there cruiser54! Will read more as I learn! Thank you...

Can anyone tell me what would be the best way to go about cleaning that part of the electrical covered in sludge. It looks to me copper wire is exposed to the sludge right there as well. You see it? A little above and right of the Trans fluid leak. I'm not sure I wanna spray or even wipe that thing.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...72bf31f68.jpeg

Just get a heavy duty full strength degreaser and soft brush and get to work

I read ya' loud and clear man. [= Will do! First I wanna try and figure out this bog down issue! Ok....anyone please. Is this a "drain plug" too? I dont think so, but hey, what do I know? I will though once someone informs me, kindly please? Looks like a bolt a missing? Could this be my "vac" leak?


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4abd22fe4.jpeg

Not a vacuum leak.

Know how to find one?

Good question cruiser! I have seen videos on how to do it 3 ways. Smoke test, Spray carb.cleaner test (which I'm weary of, being a noob, as well as the next test) propane test. What would be the best method for someone not wanting to burn their eyebrows off?

Spray carb cleaner. No worries.

Thanks cruiser, appreciate it....Watching and learning so I can test tomorrow.

Since we at it, next answer please? What are these lines for? These 3 boots are really spongy and slip off pretty easy from the intake manifold. Anyone? They start here and end on the 2nd pic.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...26ae507f7.jpeg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f9af46b8f.jpeg

Find where they go and use a zip-tie to secure/seal them.

Thanks again, Cruiser. Love learning new things about her everyday. Will report back later with my findings. :)

Save the pics......

Hey all. Well I ran 2 carb tests yesterday around where I should be looking for a vac leak at...and nothing. No idle change. I did notice though, that when I went to the previous pic's location I found something that is, of course, troubling me at the moment. I followed those hoses back to the housing in the firewall, as suggested, and found this... black foam,rubber insulation exposed where the hoses enter. Is it suppose to be like that? When I went to touch it, I know if I pushe d hard enough I could poke my finger through there, since it's so brittle. Is this normal? Thanks in advance...


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...40c5500c8.jpeg

It seems you would honestly benefit from some automotive repair training. It's a 17 year old vehicle, you're going to have a laundry list of questions at this rate lol

And to answer your last question, yes, it's normal :thumbsup:

Of course I would, if I could, but I can't, so that's why I'm here. :tt2:
My husband bought me this, our first, jeep ...for our 20yr anniversary gift to me. (It's what I wanted. For our 5 yr, he bought me my first ever car, 1973 Buick lesabre custom, cause that's what I wanted then. God, I miss her dearly! But that's another story.) Anyways....I needed a new hobby and my new lovely jeep has started me in this direction, which I'm thankful for. I've learned how to do over a dozen things by the help of a lot of people around here, without their knowledge, which I'm sure "guests" are doing daily as well. That's why I chose to finally register and to support this forum for all the good advice we all get. I'm here for the long haul, not just a quick-wang-bang-thank-you-ma'am! So thanks again for the answer. Bet on seeing some more pics and questions from me. :gunsmilie:

Fixed it for ya. It's supposed to rhyme.

See? Not just Jeep knowledge 'round these parts :D

Lol....thanks Newbjeep. I just realized that, as well, but I do say a lot of thangs with twangs like sangwiches and stuff! Nice catch. :cheers:

welcome.
You came to the right place.

Thangs and Twangs... we can use that around here lol