Oil leak, from where?

[XJ Un-Limited]

Specs.... 1992 Cherokee Limited with the 4.0 HO and all the goodies.

It's coming from the front right of the block. Basically underneath and to the inside of the alternator. I've changed the oil pan gasket out about 8 months ago, but that didn't slow it down any. There's no visible leaks from the head on up. I haven't torn into it yet to narrow it down and see for myself, so I figure I'd ask to see what ideas you all come up with.

I've let this go too long now to ignore, the driveway is oil splattered and the underside of the Jeep is WELL lubed. :rolleyes:

On the plus side, the left side motor mount was easy to change the other day. If thats any indication, changing the tranny mount won't be a problem either. :D

[Antman]

Have you had a water pump failure lately? The wobbley bearing in the pump may have caused the fan pully to slice a hole in your timing chain cover.

[XJ Un-Limited]

Haven't had any water pump failures. But the idea of the timing cover leaking has passed my mind, and I've been leaning towards to that's what it is. Just haven't verified it yet. If it's the case, probably not a bad idea to change out the pump anyways, for all I know, it's still the original pump, and still miraculously hanging in there.

[AZJeeps TJ&XJ]

If there is nothing coming from the head on up, try looking at the tranny lines that go into the cooler right in front of the alternator, that is if you are running auto. If not, then I would suggest a good degreasing, then drive it to the store, then take a look that way you should be able to isolate the leak..

[XJ Un-Limited]

After posting this same question on NAXJA, I've gotten these responses for possible leak locations: Timing cover, loose alternator bolt, oil filter adapter block, distributor o-ring and the front main seal.

I've just changed the o-ring on the oil filter adapter block when I did my motor mounts so it's not that. After a thourough degreasing, it seems it's not the distributor o-ring. Somehow, the alternator bolt doesn't seem like the culprit, but it will be checked. To me, that logically means the timing cover or main seal. Looks like I have a some wrenching to do!

Hopefully this might give some insight for the rest of you guys/gals running a 4.0 that has some oil leaks.