Hello! I purchased a used 2000 XJ in September and I've been loving it. Although, for the past few weeks I've noticed a very small oil stain where ever i park. I would estimate it to be no bigger than a silver dollar in diameter. I've been keeping an eye on my oil and it's been totally fine. Now, I should also say that the oil pressure gauge doesn't work--it's pinned at 80. I knew that when I bought the truck, and my mechanic said it wasn't a big deal. I've inspected under the hood and notice some oil buildup on the lip of my valve cover; my father said it's probably a bad valve cover gasket and that we could replace it if I got one online. However, he's not a mechanic, and I wanted to get the opinion of some people who knew better (that's you guys), especially because today I noticed when i started my truck up, grey-white smoke coming from the exhaust. it only lasted about 15 minutes, and I didn't smell any oil or coolant, so I'm thinking condensation, but it did alarm me. I should mention that it was also the first real cold morning here today since I've had the truck, so maybe the weather had something to do with it.

What do you all think? Should I be more concerned about the oil leak and take it to a mechanic, or try and replace the gasket with my father? And how about the exhaust? Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks!

 

Just keep an eye on the exhaust for now, don't take any action cause it's probably related to the weather. Mine also puffs out a little white smoke at startup. And it happens more when it's cold out. But my cat converter is internally broken and my o2 sensors are old so that also has something to do with it

As for the oil leak, do the valve cover gasket. Dont cheap out and get a paper or cork one either. Get a fel pro rubber gasket. Typically the valve cover is not what causes little pools of oil underneath since oil doesn't sit at that level when cold. It would more likely seep out of the valve cover when you're in motion.

More likely a leaky oil pan or rear main seal will cause dripping like that. So get underneath and take a look! Good luck!

 

Sounds like you have a typical jeep. It leaks, it smokes, some of the electronics dont work and it probably makes funny noises when your driving it.

Common places for leaks is the valve cover, around the oil filter adapter or the rear main. Honestly I think oil leaks are great for motors cause you regularly add fresh oil. The oil pressure sensor is a simple fix, its right about the oil filter and usually gets damaged during oil changes when your not careful, simply unscrew and replace.

Mine smoke alot in the morning cause its so cold and dumps fuel into it, pretty typical.

 

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the help and advice.

 

Oh and just a word of advice, when you do the valve cover gasket, don't over tighten the bolts. They're known to snap if you go to hard on em. Ask me how I know. Grrrrr