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Topic: Oil Leak

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OtsiderCherokee
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Oil Leak
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The Cherokee is a 1999, 4.0L with automatic transmission. 

It has a very consistent oil leak at the back of the engine that I am looking for ideas on where to look.  So far the valve cover gasket has been replaced as has the O-Rings on the oil filtere adapter.  It is dripping off the bottom of th bellhousing.  Here's the funny part, at least to me:  It seems to hardly drip at all with the engine running, but as soon as you shut it off, it forms a spot about 3-4 inches around.  At this point I am thinking either rear main seal or pan gasket, any ideas?  If it is a rear main or pan, can either one be fixed with the engine still in the Jeep?

Thanks in advance, this forum most always seems to answer my questions or steer me in the right direction, thank you!!

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1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4X4 4.0L Auto
1989 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 4.0L 5-spd (Using more oil than gas...)
89eliminator
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i would guess rear main. and no you dont have to rip out the trans or motor to replace it.

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mvusse
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The higher your front is lifted, the easier it is. If you are at or near stock height, it might be worth it to remove the axle to be able to get the oil pan on and off.

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OtsiderCherokee
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I am still stock.

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1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4X4 4.0L Auto
1989 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 4.0L 5-spd (Using more oil than gas...)
OtsiderCherokee
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Where is the best place to round up the parts for this? I assume I will need a pan gasket and rear main seal?

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1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4X4 4.0L Auto
1989 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 4.0L 5-spd (Using more oil than gas...)
threeEs99
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My first suggestion would be to try an additive first. It does not sound like your leaking very much. Bars Leaks has an additive spicificaly for rear mains. It not just a quick fix, and also reconditions all related gaskets. Add a bottle to your existing oil, its about $10.00. I works, I had similar leak on my 99 about two years ago. Still not leaking, took about a week to stop compleatly. Its a one time thing too.

If you are going to change the rear main you will need an oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and a oil pump gasket. Most shops did not have pump gasket so pre-order it. Also you will need oil change stuff. Disconnect battery. Drian oil, and change filter. Being stock you will not have to remove axle. Simply disconnect lower shock bolts, steering stablizer, and sway bar end links. This will allow axle to drop enough to remove pan. You may also have to losen trans lines from any bracketing. Once you have it safely in the air remove inspection plate on bell housing, starter, and remove pan. The pan can be rested on axle while you unbolt oil pump and pick up. Let these drop into pan. Tilt pan down and to pass side, rotate it so driverside of pan is lowest point ( counter clockwise) this works best for me. Remove rear main cap ( be very aware of the crank and bearings). One half of the seal is in the cap the other in the block. Use a punch to remove the one in the block by gently taping one end through, rotating it out. Clean all related areas and pan. Reasemble.

My suggestion would be to use Fel-Pro gaskets and seals. The pan gasket from Fel-Pro is a one piece and will save you alot of time. Good Luck - Aaron

PS dont get discouraged if it still leaks. Some do. Before you do change it ask around about doing so. Everyone has there own tricks, that can be handy too.

-- Edited by threeEs99 at 00:14, 2008-11-02

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99 sport.
rust bucket, DD, 3 car seats
04 wj (w/3 car seats too)
DD duty for the lady  
OtsiderCherokee
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Where is the best place to round up the parts for this? I assume I will need a pan gasket and rear main seal?

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1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4X4 4.0L Auto
1989 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 4.0L 5-spd (Using more oil than gas...)
ChevelleSSLS6
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I got an actual dana (victor reins) gasket for the d35 from Napa, in napa packaging... good stuff...biggrin
felpro gaskets at advance, I work there. Good also.

-- Edited by ChevelleSSLS6 at 10:05, 2008-11-03

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My Fleet
1996 XJ "Snowball"- 3.5" lift, bunch of little mods.  I hate pegleg rear axles!
1974 AMC Javelin "Jade Grenade"- 360v8, 4sp, green inside and out. Underfunded Project.
2009 Kawsaki Vulan 900 "Rocket III"- Summer DD
threeEs99
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Matt, I  think he's talking about rear main seal on engine not pinoin seal.

Outsider-try Auto zone, Napa, O rilyes. Any auto parts store really. Had to go to dealer to get pump seal. Rember ask for Fel-pro gaskets.

-- Edited by threeEs99 at 09:09, 2008-11-03

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99 sport.
rust bucket, DD, 3 car seats
04 wj (w/3 car seats too)
DD duty for the lady  
ChevelleSSLS6
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threeEs99 wrote:

Matt, I  think he's talking about rear main seal on engine not pinoin seal.

Outsider-try Auto zone, Napa, O rilyes. Any auto parts store really. Had to go to dealer to get pump seal. Rember ask for Fel-pro gaskets.

-- Edited by threeEs99 at 09:09, 2008-11-03


right, I think napa stocks victor reinz gaskets from my pinion experience.  They might stock felpro as well. Both are quality gaskets.
http://www.dana.com/Automotive_Systems/SealingSystems/


Sorry for the misunderstanding about that.  I'll try to explain myself better next time.smile

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My Fleet
1996 XJ "Snowball"- 3.5" lift, bunch of little mods.  I hate pegleg rear axles!
1974 AMC Javelin "Jade Grenade"- 360v8, 4sp, green inside and out. Underfunded Project.
2009 Kawsaki Vulan 900 "Rocket III"- Summer DD
OtsiderCherokee
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Thanks for the input. smile



-- Edited by OtsiderCherokee at 20:51, 2008-11-03

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1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4X4 4.0L Auto
1989 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 4.0L 5-spd (Using more oil than gas...)
 
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