mlyon83

My Jeep is leaking underneath hood. I also noticed there was oil on one of the sides of my air filter. Any idea what is leaking? I'll take a look, but tomorrow, no sun right now. No flashlight.

Bustedback

You're going to have to open the hood and see whats leaking, could be the valve cover gasket. The oil on the air filter is from the crankcase vent and is not unusual.

mlyon83

I like your shark mobile. What do women think about it?

Bustedback

That's just a random picture I found on the webs, I actually drive a dolphin mobile.

jnicewan

See, thats the problem with the internet. I first assumed you would be a expert on shark mobiles, now I have learned you drive one of the less inferior dolphin mobile.

To the OP, where are the oil leaks, you might have to clean off the engine and watch for leaks afterward. A few problem areas are, valve cover gasket, oil filter adapter o-rings, and oil sender. Most other leaks seem to be the rear main or oil pan gasket, if oil pan gasket is leaking I would do the rear main at the same time.

The oil on the air filter comes from the tube that runs into the air filter box from the valve cover. It is the crankcase vent and as the engine ages and piston rings wear, you will develop "blow-by" gasses. These gasses carry oil/vapor through the breather hose into the air filter box.

mlyon83

I will have to do a thorough inspection first thing tomorrow underneath the hood then, as you insinuate. Still learning my way around from the basics.

The oil comes from the air filter tube? Hm, interesting! Is this a bad thing?

jnicewan

Its not a real bad thing, but it is a good indication of an engine thats getting a little tired. One thing to look at is the other tube that is further back on the valve cover. Thats the PCV tube and it goes from the valve cover to the intake. If you unplugged it from the valve cover with the engine running it should have vacuum.

Most engines will have more blow-by when operating at higher loads and/or higher RPM, like highway driving. Some people modify that tube into a catch can or run it down underneath the vehicle ( non emmisions compliant though ) A mod like this would at least save you from ruining air filters.