Oil Leak from Oil Filter??

buddy2003 · 05-13-2004, 03:52 PM

Hi,

My '96 4.0 5spd, 150k miles seems to have a persistant oil leak that appears to be coming from the area where the oil filter joins onto the block (it's not the oil pressure switch above it - this has been replaced).

I have had the jeep since last August and have changed the oil filter a few times in routine oil changes, so I know that the seating face is clean. I always spread a thin layer of new oil on the oil filter rubber gasket and the oil filter is securely tightened.

I can't figure out WHY the damn thing is leaking, as the only thing that makes sense is that the metal seat the filter attaches to is warped - but what would cause that??

Any help, gratefully received!

AussieXJ · 05-13-2004, 04:05 PM

The problem is most likely the O ring gaskets on the connection between the filter assembly and the block. You can get a replacement O ring set just about anywhere. Follow you manual for the removal and replacement procedure. I've not done it but it looks to be a simple task.
Of course, once you get the assembly off you can check it for damage. If it is warped you may need a new assy.

**balloo93** · 05-13-2004, 04:56 PM

Pretty easy to do. I just did mine recently. Just make sure you find out what type of main bolt you have, 9/16 male or female.

I had the Female 9/16 and had to use a big allen wrench. If it was male al it will need is a 9/16 wrench or socket.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/325707/4

SimpleXJ · 05-13-2004, 04:58 PM

As AussieXJ said, there are 3 o-rings that seal the oil filter housing to the block. They are about $30 from the dealer, and will require a T60 torx bit to take off. Now here's the fun part - most of us have had a hell of a time trying to get the torx to fit on there - its a tight fit. I ended up welding a 5/8" nut on and using a regular wrench to get it off. Do a search if you need more info - this is a common topic.

Regards,

Hellspawn · 05-13-2004, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimpleXJ

As AussieXJ said, there are 3 o-rings that seal the oil filter housing to the block. They are about $30 from the dealer, and will require a T60 torx bit to take off. Now here's the fun part - most of us have had a hell of a time trying to get the torx to fit on there - its a tight fit. I ended up welding a 5/8" nut on and using a regular wrench to get it off. Do a search if you need more info - this is a common topic.

Regards,

$30!!!!!!!!!!!! USD?

**balloo93** · 05-13-2004, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellspawn

$30!!!!!!!!!!!! USD?

Now that I think about it, I think I only paid like $5 for my set from the dealer.

SimpleXJ · 05-13-2004, 07:59 PM

Wow... I guess my local dealer really got over on me! But yeah, it was $30 for 3 o-rings. Honestly, I wasn't surprised. I checked at a few local parts stores and no one carried these things, so the dealer got my $30.

**balloo93** · 05-13-2004, 09:57 PM

I'll try to find the reciept to double check. I was surprised it was as cheap as it was though, and even more surprised when they had it in stock!

05-13-2004, 04:05 PM	#2
AussieXJ Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 299 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The problem is most likely the O ring gaskets on the connection between the filter assembly and the block. You can get a replacement O ring set just about anywhere. Follow you manual for the removal and replacement procedure. I've not done it but it looks to be a simple task. Of course, once you get the assembly off you can check it for damage. If it is warped you may need a new assy. __________________ [B]Black '91 Limited[/B] 4.0L HO, Stock Dana 30/35 Diffs, NP242 / SelecTrac 3" Black Diamond Lift, Home Brew TC Drop, 31x10.5's Aussie Locker in the rear, Teraflex rear disk brake conversion.

05-13-2004, 04:58 PM	#4
SimpleXJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 443 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	As AussieXJ said, there are 3 o-rings that seal the oil filter housing to the block. They are about $30 from the dealer, and will require a T60 torx bit to take off. Now here's the fun part - most of us have had a hell of a time trying to get the torx to fit on there - its a tight fit. I ended up welding a 5/8" nut on and using a regular wrench to get it off. Do a search if you need more info - this is a common topic. Regards, __________________ SimpleXJ [COLOR=darkred]'88 MJ[/COLOR] - 197K, front bumper, 4" lift front, ford 8.8 & SOA rear [COLOR=darkred]'96 XJ[/COLOR] - 240K, 5.5" lift, 33's, F&R bumpers, removable rear spare carrier, LED tail-lights, etc. [COLOR=darkred]'89 XJ[/COLOR] - 200K on body, 20k on new jasper, 3" lift, 31's, F&R bumpers, led taillights

05-13-2004, 07:59 PM	#7
SimpleXJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 443 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Wow... I guess my local dealer really got over on me! But yeah, it was $30 for 3 o-rings. Honestly, I wasn't surprised. I checked at a few local parts stores and no one carried these things, so the dealer got my $30. __________________ SimpleXJ [COLOR=darkred]'88 MJ[/COLOR] - 197K, front bumper, 4" lift front, ford 8.8 & SOA rear [COLOR=darkred]'96 XJ[/COLOR] - 240K, 5.5" lift, 33's, F&R bumpers, removable rear spare carrier, LED tail-lights, etc. [COLOR=darkred]'89 XJ[/COLOR] - 200K on body, 20k on new jasper, 3" lift, 31's, F&R bumpers, led taillights