Leaks leaks and more leaks!
 

actually, just some leaks, 3 to be exact. I got the car inspected while it was in for some recalls the previous owners didn't take care of (one was 11 years old :eek: ) and they found out 3 things.

1: valve cover gasket is leaking
2: oil filter o-rings are leaking
3: power steering pump is leaking

the last two really aren't important right now, but some ways to fix those problems cheaply and easily, and where to get the parts would be nice if someone knows about these repair jobs.

What I'm wondering is if the leaking valve cover gasket is doing harm on my FE any. I'm also wondering whether or not to get a cork gasket to replace this one, or spend the coin for one made from permadry plus (HD)

The current gasket is supposed to be made from a reusable pre-cured moulded rubber gasket that's attached to the cover.

I'm guessing this ones far gone, so I'm just gonna get a replacement. Cork is less than 6 bucks, while the "performance" gasket is almost 40. I'm leaning towards the cork one, but I don't wanna have to buy a lot of them if they keep blowing out. If anyone has had experience with leaky stuff, please chime in.

1) First try to tighten it down. Sometimes it comes out of spec and retorquing it stops the leak else, get the cork one or you could just RTV it. The valve cover leaking shouldn't be affecting your FE, unless it blew out cause your CCV vents are clogged.

2) New oil filter should fix that? Or does yours have the 90 degree elbow?

3) Pump or hose thats gone? That one is kinda important especially if it blows up on its way out

Well I think it's the o-ring seals on the threaded part, and not the rubber gasket on the filter. I'm not sure about the elbow part.

I'll try re-tightening. RTV?

I didn't get the details on the power steering pump, but all they said was your power steering pump is leaking.

On the ZJs, I think Jeep installed a 90 degree elbow to make oil changes easier, else for every other 4.0 the oil filter screws directly to the block. I think where it screws into the block might be the source of your leak, dunno.

RTV, silicon goop that you use to make gaskets and what not out of.

Get the cork for the valve cover, no reason for a $40 valve cover gasket. At all.

RTV = Room temperature vulcanization ;) I don't think they use cork anymore on those types gaskets.... If your valve cover gasket can be made with RTV - the stuff is cheap (~$5 for a tube - likely cheaper than cork + no cutting). But, depending on design (not sure for your engine/VC) - there could be bolt gaskets. If so you'd have to buy a valve cover gasket "kit" (big box filled with a tube or two of RTV and a little baggie of bolt gaskets). I needed a kit for a Saturn SW2, which cost me something like $12 - not too bad for two tubes of RTV and custom gasket tubule thingers...

See if you can figure out where your PS pump is leaking.... If it's the actual pump, that'll need to be replaced somewhat soon. If it's a high pressure line - replace really soon. If it's the low pressure - it can wait a little longer. If it's just a fitting, that can wait a little too. The last thing you want is your pump to start blowing chunks into the rest of the system - plus rapid failure of the high pressure line sucks in a big way (a freaking mess - trust me) :/ If it's the pump, you may be able to service it yourself - typically there's just a bearing that needs replacing (this all depends on how confident you are with DIY repair).

For the oil leak... I don't know the design, but it sounds like there's a 90 degree elbow screwed on... Can the elbow be taken off and the oil filter be put right in it's place? If so, that's what I'd do. What's a few seconds of convenience at every oil change anyway? <-- I do 10K mile oil change intervals with oil analysis, so my changes are infrequent :p

If you go for the cork gasket coat it both sides before installing.
A quick spray with aluminium based paint is usually enough but any form of gasket sealant is suitable. I use Hylomar or Stag because I have them handy.
This stops it soaking up oil and becoming weak which is normally what causes them to blow out in the first place.

Cheers , Pete.

Well too late, cause I already bought the cork one, it was $5.60 some odd cents and it's already pre-cut.

It's raining right now, and it's supposed to tomorrow, so I'll get back on that power steering pump. Its been leaking I guess since I bought it... that was 9K miles ago. I'll try and find a picture of the oil filter... I'd look in my repair/shop manual but it's in the ZJ, out in the rain :( . I'm gonna try and get X into a garage tomorrow, so I can change it out. As well as inspect elsewhere.

>The 4 liter motors are infamous for oil leaks at the oil filter adapter(90* elbow)
you can buy the seal kit for it from your local dealer for ~ $10, just a couple of "O" rings.
very easy to replace
do it when you need to change the oil
>Valve cover gasket
Cork is OK
coat it with gasket adhesive (echoing Pete)
do not over torque ( the cork will actually squeeze out and you have nothing left between the hard parts)
>Power steering pump
probly the front seal
remanufactured pump ~ $75 at your local parts store
also easy to replace
use a catch pan
I recommend replace the belt at the same time (unless it is already new)
Have fun
S.

Okay, so I started on the valve cover... And what do ya know? The previous owners tried sealing it shut with some form of blue sealer, as well as have the rubber gasket on there. So it took forever (until 7, or about 3 hours.) to get it off. We had to do the dreaded prying, but the sealer cushioned the tool, so after thorough examination, It checked out. Then it got cold and dark, and I was told I should get some rest cause I have to go to school :( . I had 2 mechanics trying to take off the cover. So I have no vehicle to get to school tomorrow. Which means finding a ride.

I\'ve got gasket adhesive that\'s aero grade, and not auto grade. Coming from a mechanic for 30 years, he said that you want adhesive that hardens, but stays flexible. Auto grade gets really hard, which is not the best thing, but it works. It makes it to where it doesn\'t cushion between cracks, and makes it harder to take it off again later.

I have a torque wrench, and a shop manual, so I can torque it to spec. As for the 90 degree thing, yes it\'s the 90 degree thing, and it\'s leaking from the o rings. I\'m not worried too much right now, only to get the more serious ones done.

Power steering, I examined, and it\'s leaking from a place where I can\'t pinpoint it unless I take the pump out. It\'s leaking from the bottom somewhere of the pump/reservoir. I have a catch pan for the job. I don\'t know, but I\'m pretty sure I saw a new pump for around 40 or 50, though I can\'t remember. As for the belt, which one are you talking about?