Engine leaks in 96 jeep cherokee

[Kelsta]

I just bought a 96 Jeep Cherokee which has an oil leak. Should I pull the whole engine apart or is there a common spot for leaks on these things?

[Chaddz79]

they are like landrovers, they have oil leaks so you know there is oil in it.
When it stops leaking you simply top it up ! :)


But seriosly,
what engine is it, and where abouts is the leak?

[Johnnojack]

Pulling it all apart is a massive 2 week minimum job and the leak may be able to be fixed in an hour or 2. 1st clean the engine of all oil and dirt. Then run it a short distance and look for the leak. If it is not visible go further and check again, if it is already too oily then clean it off again and run for less time. Fix each leak as you find it. With modern sealants any engine can be made leak free. Yep even Landrovers.
Johnnojack

[Jeeps]

If the leak is a slight drip from the rear main seal, that's normal :)

If it's from up near the block it's not normal. Cherokees and wranglers leak from the rear main seal almost always. Just like Chaddz79, i wanna know where the leak is? ;)

[Kelsta]

If the leak is a slight drip from the rear main seal, that's normal :)

If it's from up near the block it's not normal. Cherokees and wranglers leak from the rear main seal almost always. Just like Chaddz79, i wanna know where the leak is? ;)

Yes it seems to be leaking onto the exhaust manifold from what i can see. The local jeep dealer said they would have to pull whole engine apart and $2k later. I though stuff that for a joke

[Kelsta]

Leak seems to be dripping onto exhaust manifold near transmission housing

[hillsjeep]

Also check your PCV (positive crankcase ventilation, the rear plug on top of your rocker cover) is not blocked, that makes any leak worse. If it is you will probably have some oil in your air filter.

Oil filter adapters "O" rings is another common leak point and easily fixed for about $10.00.

But as said before the rear main seal is the most common. There's info on how to replace it on Gojeep Home Page (http://www.go.jeep-xj.info) but its a messy job.

Edit, sorry posted this before I read your last 2 posts. I'd definitely get a second opinion.

Also do a search on AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM (http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com). Theres answers to most questions there about Jeeps.

[Jeeps]

My rear main seal (which was replaced 3 years ago) stayed mostly moist and only dripped occasionally for the last 3 years up until recently. The only reason it doesn't leak atm is because i just had a new clutch installed so i'll have a few months before the new seal fails and it starts to become moist again ;)

[hillsjeep]

Touch wood, throw salt over my left should and anything else you can think of... mines not too bad. I get about a 5cent size drop a week.

[jg1982]

Leak seems to be dripping onto exhaust manifold near transmission housing

If it's definitely dripping onto the exhaust manifold, then logically it should be something above the exhaust manifold. That pretty much rules out everything except tappet cover gasket or breather/PCV valve. Either of which (or even both) should be a very cheap and easy fix.
I'm guessing this is a 4.0 litre petrol six?

[Kelsta]

If it's definitely dripping onto the exhaust manifold, then logically it should be something above the exhaust manifold. That pretty much rules out everything except tappet cover gasket or breather/PCV valve. Either of which (or even both) should be a very cheap and easy fix.
I'm guessing this is a 4.0 litre petrol six?
YES it is the 4.0lt petrol six

[Gojeep]

Be rear main seal or the rocker cover gasket. Neither require the engine out so find another mechanic! See my site as suggested and even print out the write up and give it to your mechanic on how to do it.

[snorky]

has anybody had an electrical problem with a 96 cherokee as i drive along it just dies then coms back again . i have replaced a coil already

[Gojeep]

has anybody had an electrical problem with a 96 cherokee as i drive along it just dies then coms back again . i have replaced a coil already
That will be the CPS ( crank position sensor ) as common for those to start playing up after 100,000. It is a quick fix to buy one form the dealer and fit it yourself. Two small bolts on the back of the bell housing on the passenger side.
Have you checked what engine codes you have stored? Just follow the procedure I have on my site to read them.
Computer codes (http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoECUcodes.htm)

[disco_nex]

When I had my old Disco, I discovered that when I changed for the Valvoline oil to Penrite, it would stop leaking. May want to try that, or just put up with it. I also noticed, they can leak around the oil filter.

[hillsjeep]

The oil filter one is usually the "O" rings. IT only costs $9 for a new set but undoing the T60 (I think it is) Torx bolt was about the hardest bolt I've ever undone!!