i got my xj about a 1000miles ago and it started leaking oil.i cant seem to track the spot of the leak down let,i know its not around the filter.cant really tell if its the valve cover or rear main.the thing i am wondering is should it leak about the same amount(sounds dumb i know)some times it leaks a half a quart over night and some times dont leak a drop for a week?i dont get it!
dose anybody else have a issue like this or know what is causing it?

 

only thing i can say is...wash it down and run the engine and have a look. IF POSSIBLE have it raised up on ramps and/or jack stands, or a hoist[if you know someone with access to one] USE CAUTION OF COURSE! SAFETY FIRST! let it run for 20-30 mins? shut her down and inspect from there.

there are dyes that you can buy, about 6 ounces, you pour them into the crankcase after washing the area down, then run the engine for a set time, then using a black light you locate the leak, the dye highlights under the blacklight and it's quite easy to see. I have used them in the past, they work great.

good luck
Stumper

 

It is very common for the oil filter adapter gasket to cause leaks. It is a PITA but should be the cause of your prob.

 

X2 on the o-rings,also check the back side of your valve cover.

 

the valve cover has some nasty make shift gasket maker.maybe this weekend i will pull it all apart and check it...very possiable that it is the valve cover.(did'nt notice before).it almost looks like window cualk(sp)

 

ok i put some stop leak in tonite.i hope it works for now..also what should my oil pressure be at?it is in the middle of the gauge now..

 

Why would changing the oil filter adapter gasket be a PITA, unscrew one bolt and it's off.

 

Yes one of the easyest things to do on a xj...

 

I would say start by checking to make sure your valve cover, oil filter, etc is tightend down properly. My friend said that he had an oil leak in his XJ, turned out that the valve cover bolts were LOOSE. Not so much that the valve cover was coming off, but enough that it wasnt sealing properly. Also, remove your trans inspection cover and check to see if your RMS is leaking as well.

 

It's not hard to do, it's hard to get to.

 

yeah its rainy today so maybe tomarro i can check..

 

ok i went to my barn and put it on my ramps,cleaned it up under there and found that the oil is running down the passenger side down around the bellhousing.it looks like its coming from above the rear main.so i am almost sure its the valve cover..

 

Make sure you use a torque wrench! I didn't and I snapped a bolt right off. If tightening down doesn't work, you'll have to take the valve cover off and renew the seal. Should be pretty easy. BTW, tightening down worked for me. No more leakage!

 

one of these days i am going to do it,when i find a torque wrench.how tight should they be?