engine leak

[uss2defiant]

engine oil leak

Hey all,

hopefully someone can shed some light.
Looks like a possible front main seal leak?
It smelled like oil. don't think it is ATF since that's pretty distinct smell.
It looks like it's coming from behind the P/S pump.
Definitely did not see any of this 3500 miles ago.

Here's a bunch of pictures I took. Thanks in advance.

Looks like oil is caked on around the P/S pump and below it is a film of oil.

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[IMGhttps://s25.postimg.org/q6upu9emn/IMG_20171223_170746405.jpg[/IMG]

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[HoosierJeeper]

I'm going with the oil pressure sender. Front main seal is behind the harmonic balancer.

 

[ltd02]

I'm going with the oil pressure sender. Front main seal is behind the harmonic balancer.

This or rocker cover? It isn't power steering is it?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Maybe but it looks really wet around the sender.

 

[uss2defiant]

I'm going with the oil pressure sender. Front main seal is behind the harmonic balancer.

i changed the oil pressure sender 2 years ago.
mopar part.

 

[uss2defiant]

This or rocker cover? It isn't power steering is it?

smelled like oil.
did not smell like atf which is what i use in my p/s pump.

whats the rocker cover?
is it the same as valve cover?

 

[towpro]

if its oil, it attracts dirt, if its ATF, it will show clean as it washes dirt away.

But I don't see anything really leaking, at least not very bad. I think I would wash it off first

 

[uss2defiant]

sorry. the picture doesn't do it justice.
I just wasn't off the area in hopes I can figure out the source of the leak.
I'll type up something comprehensive to explain what i see after I have a quick bite to eat.

sigh..... merry xmas to me.

Thanks for all the fast replies
merry xmas to all and happy holidays and happy new year.

 

[ltd02]

whats the rocker cover?
is it the same as valve cover?

Oops yes valve covers, I do that all the time. :Insane:

 

[uss2defiant]

The circled area is where most of where I see 'fresher' oil

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here's another view. You can see how the surface is reflective due to the oil

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The highest part of the source since to be from behind the P/S pump.
Around the P/s Pump and above has some caked oil.

Here's showing some oil stains above the P/S pump it it looks old?

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There's some old caked on oil in the circled area. this is the driver side valve cover in the front.

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My skid plate is caked with oil and dirt....

How would I determine that the leak is from the valve cover?

 

[ltd02]

Still leaning toward the valve cover or oil pressure sender but isn't that weird plastic plug in the left head behind the power steering pump? Could that be leaking?

 

[uss2defiant]

are you referring to this?

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[uss2defiant]

i suppose I could remove the P/S pump to check what's going on behind it and/or if the leak is the P/S unit?
Anything special i need to do to remove the unit? or is it just the bolts?

 

[ltd02]

No there is a big round but flat black plastic plug to give access to timing chains in the front of one of the heads. I think it's big and behind power steering pump if my memory is correct.

Here is the hole it covers: http://www.americancylinderheads.com/images/cylinder_head_images/ac101c4/ac101c4_5.jpg

PS pump just unbolts with three bolts and you can swing it out of the way. No special tools required.

I'm still leaning toward the sensor or cover...

 

[uss2defiant]

No there is a big round but flat black plastic plug to give access to timing chains in the front of one of the heads. I think it's big and behind power steering pump if my memory is correct.

Here is the hole it covers: http://www.americancylinderheads.com/images/cylinder_head_images/ac101c4/ac101c4_5.jpg

PS pump just unbolts with three bolts and you can swing it out of the way. No special tools required.

I'm still leaning toward the sensor or cover...

ahhh... that's what it is. I read some posts about some plug behind the P/S pump. Is that prone to failure? I think I read that there's an o-ring involve.

Oil leak on front of 3.7L engine - Jeep Garage - Jeep Forum


Is there something I can do to verify if it is the valve cover? i don't see any fresh oil around the valve cover.
tape some paper around the valve cover?
Is it usually the front lower corner of the valve cover that leaks?

Thanks.

 

[uss2defiant]

I suppose there's pressure forcing the oil out of the oil pressure sender?
If it's a drip i would not think that the area above the sensor would be wet with oil.

Thoughts?

I've degreased and cleaned the area after an oil change. I'll give it a look see in the morning.

 

[ltd02]

ahhh... that's what it is. I read some posts about some plug behind the P/S pump. Is that prone to failure? I think I read that there's an o-ring involve.

Oil leak on front of 3.7L engine - Jeep Garage - Jeep Forum


Is there something I can do to verify if it is the valve cover? i don't see any fresh oil around the valve cover.
tape some paper around the valve cover?
Is it usually the front lower corner of the valve cover that leaks?

Thanks.

Yes that's the plug I was referring to. I've never heard of them leaking and I've had mine out a few times but no leaks and there probably is an o-ring but I honestly never paid attention to it. I guess if your PCV and breathers got plugged (super unlikely!) it could build pressure in the heads and force oil out this plug or valve cover but not likely. I'd be more inclined to think it would be the back lower corner of a valve cover gasket on either side but if the compromise is bad enough then who knows.

I wouldn't think the pressure sender would spray oil upwards unless the leak was very large. You could reinstall the current one with a bit of thread sealant. I know the sensor has it pre-applied but I use the "brush in bottle" Permatex for any fittings that don't come with it already applied.

Detecting a valve cover leak is tough so maybe check the torque on them first.

 

[towpro]

or you can take the approach "the sending unit is going to leak some day" so just replace it now in case its already leaking. than if that's not the problem, "the valve cover gaskets will leak some day" so go ahead and replace them now.

 

[uss2defiant]

pressure sender already replaced a few years ago.

yeah... i dont like just throwing parts on the wall and seeing what sticks.

 

[uss2defiant]

hmmm now the fluid has a slight atf smell.