Does anyone know why these spots could be wet? It recently rained here, but when I parked the jeep (and its a 98 TJ wrangler by the way) after driving casually for about 2 minutes around the neighborhood, I noticed slow dripping from under after i parked on level ground. Im pretty sure it was dripping from the smaller circle in the image, and I noticed it was more wet where the bigger circle is-- compared to the rest of the undercarriage.
TJ2
TJ Expert
Starrs
TJ Guru
Is it puddling on the ground or just like its pictured? TJs leak...if it’s not noticeable on the ground I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it if it were me.
TJ2
TJ Expert
It's a known maintenance work for TJs with high mileage. It's no big deal, just keep an eye on your engine oil.
It's not easy if you do not have a garage lift, for the exhaust is on the way to drop and remove the oil pan.
Most of us in this forum is familiar with this issue in a good way
I once saw a 4.0 TJ that didn't have a RMS leak .... wait, I think that was in a dream
TJ2
TJ Expert
TJs likes to mark their territory... (4.0L) they also growl like a lion!
Start at the top of the engine and work your way down. Replace valve cover gasket , they all leak or seep. Fel-pro gasket maybe $ 33 and its a hell of lot easier than tackling rear main just yet.
TJ2
TJ Expert
Some of us just leave it as-is so the under belly rusts do not spread out
^^^This. I thought I had a RMS leak. Let it go for years cause it was just an occasional drip. I decided to start from the top. Replaced my valve cover gasket, and low and behold, no more drip. A leaky valve cover gasket can mask a RMS leak, fyi.
Thank you guys for all the responses! Much appreciated. There isn’t too much of a puddle, could the rain have something to do with it?
TJ2
TJ Expert
No.
The wet water/oil splashes on the bell housing is when the oil gets through the road wind while you are driving.
I say leave it alone, good for rust prevention.
wouldn't worry until you are topping off oil during the time between oil changes. It is not a hard repair if you have a place to do it.
Just a thought... did you park your ride beside another with a bigger lift and tires? If so it may have been a little intimidated and wet itself. Mine gets lift envy all the time.
Seriously though, as stated start at the top and work down. Also it can be difficult to see the rear of the valve cover so take your time there cause it is over the same location as the RMS.
Seriously though, as stated start at the top and work down. Also it can be difficult to see the rear of the valve cover so take your time there cause it is over the same location as the RMS.
Blank
TJ Enthusiast
I once saw a 4.0 TJ that didn't have a RMS leak .... wait, I think that was in a dream
Or it didn’t have any oil lol
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Your rear main seal is leaking, a very, very common problem on these 4.0 engines. Here's a great how-to guide on how to fix it: Rear Main Seal Replacement (4.0)
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