1989renix

I have a 1989 jeep xj renix it's a 4.0 with an ax15. I have oil coming out from the valve cover and into the air filter also oil coming out of the fill hole(which has a tight seal) and I replaced the rear main but it seems so be weeping when running. It only has 114,000 original miles on the everything so when I hear it's bad rings it just seems hard to believe and my plugs aren't getting fouled. Im also not burning any oil and it runs and idles fine. Maybe it's unrelated but when I shut it off the bottom end of the engine area makes all kinds of clicking sounds. Like as if someone is angrily typing fast on a keyboard. That will go on for 30 seconds or so. Any help with a place to start is appreciated

Dave51

What does that mean, "when I hear"?

What's the compression?

Does it have a (functional) PCV valve?

Start there. Could be one of several major issues but see if it's something easy.

Saudade

At the back end of the valve cover (VC) there's a tube that connects to the intake manifold. There's a small restrictor in the VC end. Make sure it's clear. It's job is to provide CCV (Crank Case Ventilation). Vacuum sucks oil/gas/combustion vapors out of the engine, into the intake manifold to burn. If the tube is blocked, pressure from Blowby can build up and cause the leaks you have.

Blowby is when combustion gases blow by the rings and into the crankcase. If your rings are badly worn, you'll get more blowby. You should do a compression check. At 114K I would expect it to still be good, but testing will verify.

Dave51

That's a stumper. Might be heat-related metal racket. See if the exhaust/cat is clogged. Check vacuum.

Saudade

My '88 does it too. On mine, it's the exhaust manifold along with the preheat shield.

cruiser54

Just for you.CRUISER'S MOSTLY RENIX TIPS

CRUISER’S VALVE COVER MOD

NOVEMBER 17, 2015 SALAD 51 COMMENTSMost early and even later Renix 4.0s could be bothered by excessive oil in the air cleaner box.

A fix from my old days as Service Manager at a Jeep dealership follows. Information was provided to me from a buddy at JeepTech during those days. I don’t believe it ever came out in a Technical Service Bulletin.

Remove the valve cover and turn it over. Next, remove the fluted tubes that are now facing you by removing three screws on each.



Chop 1 inch off each of them. Then, drill a half inch hole as shown in the photo. The flat side of the flute that’s closest to the edge of the valve cover.



Clean and de-burr/sand all rough edges nicely, clean with solvent, and reinstall. Don’t be concerned about the chintzy gaskets that will probably crumble into oblivion when you remove the fluted tubes. They can go back together without gaskets.

Here’s a handy video from my friend Brendan showing more detail.



Revised 09-12-16

cruiser54

http://cruiser54.com/?p=131

1989renix

"when I hear" meaning when I ask others around me and they jump right to piston rings, I'll get a compression tester today and check. Also it doesn't appear to have a pcv valve just the 2 vent tubes. Both are clear.

1989renix

I found a video this morning that is exactly! what mine sounds like

cruiser54

Ticking noise after shut off normal.

Do the valve cover mod.

Jeepwalker

Just curious what drilling that hole in that position actually does? I can't believe I haven't heard of that mod before.

Thanks

cruiser54

Keeps the tube from sucking up splashing oil.

evil_goat

The ticking noise is probably oil dripping back down into the pan. It shouldn't cause any problems if that is the case.

cruiser54

Ignore the cooling down tick noise.

Fix the valve cover.

1989renix

I was away for work for awhile but finally able to do the compression test. Here's what I got
Cylinder 1. 110Cylinder 2. 120Cylinder 3. 140Cylinder 4. 145Cylinder 5. 140Cylinder 6. 125