oil leak 89 cherokee XJ

[89cherokee]

What could possibly be leaking oil in the bell housing? I've replaced the rear main seal and the oil pan gasket. I also replaced the "O" ring behind the oil filter bracket. Someone on the forum a while back had suggested that could leak. Well...that "O" ring had hardened and was leaking badly. The replacement was $.77. And it was easy to change...take out the long bolt and replace. But now the oil is coming out the bell housing....any ideas? Thanks

 

[Jeepr]

Valve cover gasket leaking down the back of the block can sometimes look like it's coming out of the bellhousing.

 

[89cherokee]

Thanks, Jeepr, I had replaced the valve cover gasket a few years ago and I never thought to check lately to see if its leaking. Its an easy and cheap fix. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll replace it this weekend and let you know if it worked. Cool.

 

[90Xjay]

Thanks, Jeepr, I had replaced the valve cover gasket a few years ago and I never thought to check lately to see if its leaking. Its an easy and cheap fix. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll replace it this weekend and let you know if it worked. Cool.

You might just check the bolts to see if they have loosened up. That will happen as the gasket shrinks some.