Most common places that leak oil.

[seabass1858]

My 02 kj with 90k is leaking oil and its dripping on the passenger side exaust and causing a faint burning smell throughout the cab. What is the most common spot to leak that would cause this because I keep having to top off my oil. Has anyone ever had this problem?

 

[tjkj2002]

Valve cover gaskets.

 

[seabass1858]

I take it you ran into this issue before

 

[Porkchop]

A few people have with the same ? Check it is kinda common Tjkj knows what hes talking abought. I ditto what he says

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Yep, the bottom corners of the valve covers closest to the firewall drip right on to the cats and make for a nice 'aroma' in the cabin. I just replaced the drivers side on my '03 - and I will probably do the passenger side before long. That side will be tougher than the drivers side thanks to the coolant reservoir, heater core lines, air intake, etc. And those two back bolts - Oy :disgust:

BTW, use the OEM gaskets.

Bob

 

[Jmoo27]

mine just started leaking as well, have to change the gaskets next weekend i suppose

 

[seabass1858]

I just changed my gaskets, took 4hrs but then again i was drinking wild turkey 101

 

[KJDevildog]

mine has developed a few small leaks in the last 20k miles...which is sad because she only has 109k on her. My TC leaks too....

Should probably fix all the leaks before my next deployment so it's in good shape for the wifey.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

The rear of the passengers side valve cover gasket just started leaking on ours as well...

 

[seabass1858]

If my t-case starts leaking from where it splits especially, im just going to put an hd chain and tera 4-1 low kit in mine like i did to my xj.

 

[Kriszilla]

Apparently, it's a plague going around, because I have the exact same leak in the exact same place.

Is the OEM gasket set preferred or is there an aftermarket set that's just as good?

 

[BjBnet]

My driver side is leaking I think. Is it an easy job? I don't mind if it takes a long time to do, just want to know how easy it is. I'll check the how to section...

 

[03 JEEP KJ BIG BLUE]

had both of mine replaced at 120k figured if one is leaking they both are. when it was leaking it was negative 20 or so up here so i had a shop do it. i belive it only ran me $120 or so?

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

My driver side is leaking I think. Is it an easy job? I don't mind if it takes a long time to do, just want to know how easy it is. I'll check the how to section...

The driver's side is far easier - not a bad job at all. I disconnected all the coil packs, injector connections and a few vacuum hoses - biggest PITA were the classic Chrysler electrical connections with the sliding tabs. Those in the engine compartment become brittle and one of mine broke but not in a way that prevented me from reconnecting it. I also disconnected the electrical line going to the alternator so I could move a wire loom far enough to get the valve cover out.

You'll need a 10mm deep well socket for the valve cover bolts and maybe an extension. I went with the OEM gasket - no RTV or sealer necessary. Frankly I didn't trust an aftermarket gasket - don't know why. Just a feeling I had.

Now if/when I have to replace the passenger side gasket... p:

Bob

 

[BjBnet]

that doesn't sound too bad. Thanks for the quick rundown. I think I might pick up the gaskets next week. Funny you mentioned wire loom, I need to replace all of mine. Most of it is brittle and falling apart...kinda like the connectors. I might go with colored loom just to be different. Maybe I'll paint my valve covers too....