This is my first post on the forum and am not certain I am in the right area, if not sorry about that and please redirect me. Meanwhile here goes.

First off, I just recently bought a 2000 XJ sport, and I had been waiting for this day for a long time. I have to say I love it and its everything I expected it to be and more.

That being said I was in the process of undercoating when I found something that didn't look quite right. I attached pictures to help explain of course.

So 4 hours and one $15 trip to the junk yard later the problem is solved. My only concern now is if I should be using a gasket here? I am hoping someone would be familiar with whether or not I should. Any help is much appreciated.

 

Nope. That's just an inspection cover, and not a fluid seal.

Besides, see how there's that notch at the bottom? That's there to allow oil out, so you can see if there's a leak at the input seal or rear main seal. Seal that plate, and you can get a leak and end up with an oil batch that will wreck your clutch.

 

what kinda oil pan plugs that ?

 

whoa thats a thick seal!

 

Thanks for clearing that up 5-90! I do and did see the gap and didn't really see any evidence of a gasket when I pulled the part at the yard or on the plate. I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask, just in case.

I am glad I saw that the plate was missing, I assume it wouldn't be good to get sand or mud in there. The only reason I saw it was because I wanted to undercoat before I get out on the beach.

 

Not really sure, just got the jeep 3 weeks ago and haven't paid much attention other than noticing it was looking gnarled up.

It is a bit meaty now that you mention it.

 

It's factory, there is a nylonish gasket molded to the drain plug.

 

Same on my 1999. Super handy, no leaks, no crush washer nonsense.

 

As long as it comes back out, it's not a big problem. I need to figure out where my inspection cover went...

Nice having the moulded seal on the plug, but it will eventually wear out. I just automatically wipe the threads clean and put RTV black on the plug before it goes back in - not only does that seal the threads, but it also helps keep the plug from seizing (if you've ever had THAT happen, you know it's something to be avoided!)