[Stormbringer]

I have a 95 XJ with a 4.0 HO. The rear main seal has started to leak a little bit. I have talked to my mechanic about this and he has told me and others that this is a common problem once they hit 100,000 miles or so ( I'm @ 115,000 ). He also tells me replacing the seal is pretty much a lost cause because it will start leaking again in a short time. His suggestion is either put a new engine in it ( take your chances on a junkyard find or a rebuild ). Or redo the bottom end. I priced a long block from the local Chrysler dealer about $2200.00 and really don't want to go down the junkyard route.Anybody out there with the same problem? If so what have you done? It still runs very strong, good oil pressure and I make sure the oil level is good. Any feedback would be appreciated!
One last thing, anybody ever try to shoehorn a V-8 in one of these things? If I have to replace the engine at sometime I want to consider "all" my options.
KEEP ON WHEELIN !!!

[00Vert]

He obviously wants to sell you a rebuild job. I can't blame him because I sell rebuild jobs too. But if your engine is running good in all other respects, you can either ignore it for a while or change the seal. It may run a long time with just a small leak. Buy a drip pan. If it gets to the point that you can't live with it, change the seal. There is a new Ford-type rubber lip seal out now that replaces the old "rope" seal and it will seal it just fine. Only a 1 day job (I take allot of breaks) to change it out. Your mileage is still very low if you have taken care of it. If you have low oil pressure or it smokes, do the rebuild job. Phil

[Stormbringer]

Phil, thanks for the info. I have been using this mechanic for 20+ years now and trust him to the fullest. And totally understand the "business" end of it. He's not trying to force the rebuild on me. Just his opion. By the way the Ford type seal you mention is it available from MOPAR or a aftermarket thing? Bill

[katarn444]

Also there is a double lip rear main that helps to prevent leaks from returning.

K

[VAbartndr]

The rubber seal is available in many gasket kits. the last few rebuilds I have done I have used it. RIght now the manufacturer I have been using escapes me. another option if you do swap the engines is to get a stroker built for you. you don't have to do too much custom fitting, if any, and you get very nice numbers.

[jmjeeps]

@ 115k miles, your just breaking it in... The seal will last you another 100k if you replace it... and to my knowlege, it is an easier job on the HO's... just drop the oil pan rathjer than the transmission right...
Matt

[grandman17]

just replace my rear main seal in my grand cherokee 2 weeks ago, took me about 4 hours, its not hard if you find a good read up on it, but i cant say anything about it leaking again becuase i just replaced it 2 weeks ago so the best of luck

[Stormbringer]

Thanks everyone for your input !!!

[gumby]

Dude the seal is $13-17 and a sunday afternoon. nothing cosmic about it. clean the sealing surface well take your time and don't over tighten the oilpan bolts. **** at that price you can afford to change it every 4 months its an easy job.

[XJ4oh]

Holy crap. Im sorry, but go to a different mechanic. It sounds like he's trying to rip you off. If you replace the seal (which can be done with basic tools in a few hours) it will last another 100k or more, like said. There is NO reason to rebuild or swap in an engine just because the rear main went out. Thats a total waste of cash, sounds like he was trying to take you for a ride there. Thats like people who rebuild their engines at 100k because their "high mileage" even though they can run perfect.

[rolledthatho]

man **** ive driven my car with a busted rear main seal for like 3 years, sure costs some oil but its no worry, and like everyone else said 20 bucks and a sunday afternoon

[hmmhoyhoy]

Well your going to have a really hard time finding a jeep that doesnt leak