Oil leak
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Oil leak
Hey, so as the topic suggests, i have an oil leak. It was an unnoticeable trickle till last weekend (thats how it always happens right?)So anyways, it all looks to come from the front of the engine, just above the oil pan. Im thinking it is the timing chain cover? Im hoping its a gasket thing... anyways, what it kinda odd is it doesnt leak any oil while sitting, only while driving, but in a day i went through two qts! I am running royal purple 5w30. I always let the engine warm up properly, and normally dont get it above 2.5k rpm. But 2.5k rpm is where i cruise at 65mph. Anyways, any advice and or suggestions before i try to get into is will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
There is no leak from the valve cover, or the oil filter, and the leak is at the frontnof the engine, underneat the crank pully. (You know, the largest one on the bottom of the serpentine belt setup) i want to post a pic, but photobucket isnt working on my phone anymore :-( i hope this will be a cheap gasket and oil change fix!!!
#5
CF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Bergen County, New Jersey U.S.A.
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1990 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6 Renix
#7
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: newberg
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Not uncommon or hard to fix. Just get a timing cover gasket set and it should come with a front main seal. Take like an hourish to fix. Hardest part is getting the dampener off especially if it hasnt been of in the last 10 years!
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles CA
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6 Cyl
Do you need to remove the radiator to get to it? I may have the same issue.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Russellville, Arkansas
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
No, you do not need to remove the radiator to replace the front crank seal or timing chain cover gasket. At least with the tool I borrowed from AZ. I was able to remove and install the harmonic balancer without removing it. I was so relieved. Made the job much easier and faster.
#10
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kernersville, NC
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1988
Engine: 232 I6
As other's have said, either front main, timing cover or oil pan gasket. Follow the oil trail from the bottom towards the top to find where its leaking from. Either of the three are and easy fix for the average mechanic. There's no oil circulating when its not running, hence why it doesnt leak.
#11
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,971
Received 1,559 Likes
on
1,263 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
A flashlight and the OP's eyes will answer all his questions. Likely a front crankshaft seal. Cheap even to have professionally done.
#13
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,971
Received 1,559 Likes
on
1,263 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
#15
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,971
Received 1,559 Likes
on
1,263 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0