- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
Many thanks Rob! Raymond sets that bar high, I can only hope to do half the job he does.
1982 "Vintage Red" CJ-7 Renegade
- Thread starter spankrjs
- Start date
- City
- Richmond
- State
- TX
I think the ethanol fuel mandated by the enviro nazis is the cause of so much fuel system problems. My ‘82 sat on a deer lease for 3 years with a constantly full gas tank and in the end I had to replace all components in the gas tank due to rust and algae.
Around here, some of the Buc-ees tourists traps (gas stations) sell non ethanol fuel with a blue pump handle. I only use that fuel in my boat and if a vehicle will sit for a year I will run the tank dry and fill it up with that. It has helped stave off some of the issues.
Around here, some of the Buc-ees tourists traps (gas stations) sell non ethanol fuel with a blue pump handle. I only use that fuel in my boat and if a vehicle will sit for a year I will run the tank dry and fill it up with that. It has helped stave off some of the issues.
- City
- East Norriton
- State
- PA
Some more rural stations(Wawa) kinda near have started me sell the non ethanol fuel. Next time I am heading towards one I need to bring a couple 5 gallon cans home with me of that stuff. I pass them often but they are not exactly 18 wheeler friendly.
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
Update time....
Finally pulled the transmission to figure out where the leaking was coming from. For reference, I had leaks from the bottom of the bell housing, on the body of the transmission, and somewhere above the skid plate (enough that oil was dripping off the transmission bolt mounts).
Bellhousing
Body of Transmission
Skid plate
Finally pulled the transmission to figure out where the leaking was coming from. For reference, I had leaks from the bottom of the bell housing, on the body of the transmission, and somewhere above the skid plate (enough that oil was dripping off the transmission bolt mounts).
Bellhousing
Body of Transmission
Skid plate
Last edited:
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
With the help of a friend, got the transmission out.
Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it), the inside of the bell housing was dry from the transmission. Just some pooling at the bottom lip, but no origin source was evident.
That means oil was coming somewhere at the back of the engine, at least for the bellhousing leak. Pulled off clutch and pressure plate and inspection cover. Oil on inspection cover.
The back of the engine had some oil on it. The best I can tell, it could be a small oil pan gasket leak at the rear as shown below. Oil could be coming out and being flung around by the flywheel. Not 100% sure. I did note that the transmission bolts at 10 and 2 o'clock were coated in engine oil on removal. That is another mystery. Does anyone have a way to tell if it's the rear main seal? I can't see any oil dripping from the seal down. If I blot the oil at the oil pan leak, it comes back immediately. I wiped down the engine last night and will look to see if that makes the origins of this leak any more clear. Any recommendations for an oil pan gasket set (one piece vs multi-piece, etc.)?
Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it), the inside of the bell housing was dry from the transmission. Just some pooling at the bottom lip, but no origin source was evident.
That means oil was coming somewhere at the back of the engine, at least for the bellhousing leak. Pulled off clutch and pressure plate and inspection cover. Oil on inspection cover.
The back of the engine had some oil on it. The best I can tell, it could be a small oil pan gasket leak at the rear as shown below. Oil could be coming out and being flung around by the flywheel. Not 100% sure. I did note that the transmission bolts at 10 and 2 o'clock were coated in engine oil on removal. That is another mystery. Does anyone have a way to tell if it's the rear main seal? I can't see any oil dripping from the seal down. If I blot the oil at the oil pan leak, it comes back immediately. I wiped down the engine last night and will look to see if that makes the origins of this leak any more clear. Any recommendations for an oil pan gasket set (one piece vs multi-piece, etc.)?
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
As far as the skid plate oil leak under the transmission... the whole belly of the transmission is an oil slick. I suspect a leak between the cases as the flat mounting perch on the belly had a lot of oil on it, and that's near the seam between the cases. Wiped it down and observing to see if a source can be found. Advice, theories are welcome!
I hate leaky Jeeps, but a small amount here or there I will ignore. The extent of these leaks could not be ignored. I was hoping to have her ready for next month, but that may be a dream at this point.
I hate leaky Jeeps, but a small amount here or there I will ignore. The extent of these leaks could not be ignored. I was hoping to have her ready for next month, but that may be a dream at this point.
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Verify if it is transmission/transfer case fluid or engine oil dripping off the transmission mount. Since the transmission/transfer case are already on the floor, I would change the Dana 300 input shaft seal AND the T5 output shaft seal. The T5 seal should not be leaking since it is new, but who knows.
On the engine, I would go with the oil pan gasket. I was careful when I picked up/transported/installed the engine, but the previous owner, maybe not? I have had good luck with the Fel-Pro one piece pan gaskets, just pay attention to where they tell you to put the small dabs of RTV in the corners
Glad it wasn't the transmission leaking, well, at least for now, let us know what you find
Put an oil wick/some oil behind that pilot bushing before reinstalling the transmission
Around post #662:
On the engine, I would go with the oil pan gasket. I was careful when I picked up/transported/installed the engine, but the previous owner, maybe not? I have had good luck with the Fel-Pro one piece pan gaskets, just pay attention to where they tell you to put the small dabs of RTV in the corners
Glad it wasn't the transmission leaking, well, at least for now, let us know what you find
Put an oil wick/some oil behind that pilot bushing before reinstalling the transmission
Around post #662:
spankrjs's Biloxi, MS '83 Scrambler
Another hour tonight, just about ready to pull: both shifter, transmission/Dana 300 to skid plate bolts, six frame bolts loosened up, clutch linkage and boot, reverse light and 4wd light harness plugs disconnected. For my future reference, skid plate to frame bolt locations: That's it for...
www.cj-8.com
Last edited:
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
Many thanks for the insights, especially the oil wick/oil behind the pilot bushing. I was leaning towards the Fel-Pro one piece oil pan gasket before you mentioned it, so will probably go with that one.Verify if it is transmission/transfer case fluid or engine oil dripping off the transmission mount. Since the transmission/transfer case are already on the floor, I would change the Dana 300 input shaft seal AND the T5 output shaft seal. The T5 seal should not be leaking since it is new, but who knows.
On the engine, I would go with the oil pan gasket. I was careful when I picked up/transported/installed the engine, but the previous owner, maybe not? I have had good luck with the Fel-Pro one piece pan gaskets, just pay attention to where they tell you to put the small dabs of RTV in the corners
Glad it wasn't the transmission leaking, well, at least for now, let us know what you find
Put an oil wick/some oil behind that pilot bushing before reinstalling the transmission
Around post #662:
spankrjs's Biloxi, MS '83 Scrambler
Another hour tonight, just about ready to pull: both shifter, transmission/Dana 300 to skid plate bolts, six frame bolts loosened up, clutch linkage and boot, reverse light and 4wd light harness plugs disconnected. For my future reference, skid plate to frame bolt locations: That's it for...www.cj-8.com
Right now I am honestly completely stumped as to the origin of the leak(s). I thoroughly cleaned the whole back side of the engine last night, in hopes that it would start weeping again from wherever its leaking. I will check again tonight. I cleaned up the oil in my suspected oil pan leak location, and now nothing is accumulating there...hmmm??. Checked from the valve cover all the way down, nothing is indicating how I would get oil in the bellhousing mounting bolt location at 10 and 2 o'clock. There wasn't a little oil, they were soaked. No other leak locations noted. There is an Allen type plug on the back of the engine. I can see its got some goop or tape around it, but no leaking noted. That is higher up by the freeze plugs.
As far as confirming the oil type in the leaks, I would say its all thin like motor oil. I'm not sure what gear oil was in the transfer case or transmission and if it was thicker than motor oil. The oil under that transmission mount is thin and clear like motor oil. No drop in motor oil level though, which adds more confusion.
Right now, I'm stumped. Hopefully some new evidence will present itself.
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
Found a definitive source of a leak on the transmission last night. Removed the bellhousing, and found oil coating the interface with the transmission. I was surprised because I didn't suspect oil was coming from this location at all.
The culprit on the transmission side...
I was hoping to not have to get into the transmission, but that looks to be the case now.
The back of the engine was dry overnight. Will put back on the flywheel, bell housing and starter. I will run the engine, then remove all this again and check for leaks.
The culprit on the transmission side...
I was hoping to not have to get into the transmission, but that looks to be the case now.
The back of the engine was dry overnight. Will put back on the flywheel, bell housing and starter. I will run the engine, then remove all this again and check for leaks.
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Looking at the picture of the face of the bell housing that goes up against the face of the transmission, I see oil up high and around the perimeter. I would bet that is motor oil. The damp spot on the front of the transmission, in the front countershaft bearing location, is probably not from inside the transmission, but oil just collecting there. That lower bearing has sleeve retainer all around it, and is a press fit. Could be a leak, but doubtful.
Wipe off the face of the transmission really good. Let it sit for a day or two with the input shaft pointing slightly down. See if the oil comes back. Also, check around the front bearing retainer. It is sealed with RTV to the front case, could be a leak here?
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
Will do that Raymond and report back.
- City
- Biloxi
- State
- MS
Valvoline MTL IIRC.
I'm thinking engine since the oil was at the top and side of the T5 to bell housing interface.
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
More updates...
On the back of the engine side of things, I reinstalled the flywheel, bellhousing and starter yesterday. Ran the engine until temperature was at normal operating temp (about 25 minutes +). Couldn't drive it, transmission is out. Nothing obvious noted. Removed starter, then bell housing, then flywheel. No oil coming from up top on the engine, triple checked the valve cover. Only oil noted was again at the interface of the oil pan under the crank. However, looking through one of the flywheel bolt holes I saw a streak of oil running down. This would indicate rear main seal. Looks like I'm doing the oil pan gasket and RMS. Generally concerned why the RMS would fail on a somewhat newly rebuilt engine, but life is stranger than fiction. I'm just hoping its the seal and not something to do with the crankshaft surfaces. Wont know until I get into it.
On the transmission, I did a huge mistake. Not thinking I leaned it back to look at the front, and since the transfer case was off, oil went gushing out the back. What a mess. With what oil was in it left, I tipped it forward for a few days. No oil noted on the front of the case. Not sure how motor oil would get between the bellhousing and transmission, but not on or in the bellhousing. I'm stumped, frustrated, etc.
Ordered Felco oil pan gasket and RMS today. Got some work to do on bracing the engine so I can remove the PS motor mount and then the oil pan. This is going to be some work based on the amount of RTV I'm seeing on this oil pan gasket.
On the back of the engine side of things, I reinstalled the flywheel, bellhousing and starter yesterday. Ran the engine until temperature was at normal operating temp (about 25 minutes +). Couldn't drive it, transmission is out. Nothing obvious noted. Removed starter, then bell housing, then flywheel. No oil coming from up top on the engine, triple checked the valve cover. Only oil noted was again at the interface of the oil pan under the crank. However, looking through one of the flywheel bolt holes I saw a streak of oil running down. This would indicate rear main seal. Looks like I'm doing the oil pan gasket and RMS. Generally concerned why the RMS would fail on a somewhat newly rebuilt engine, but life is stranger than fiction. I'm just hoping its the seal and not something to do with the crankshaft surfaces. Wont know until I get into it.
On the transmission, I did a huge mistake. Not thinking I leaned it back to look at the front, and since the transfer case was off, oil went gushing out the back. What a mess. With what oil was in it left, I tipped it forward for a few days. No oil noted on the front of the case. Not sure how motor oil would get between the bellhousing and transmission, but not on or in the bellhousing. I'm stumped, frustrated, etc.
Ordered Felco oil pan gasket and RMS today. Got some work to do on bracing the engine so I can remove the PS motor mount and then the oil pan. This is going to be some work based on the amount of RTV I'm seeing on this oil pan gasket.
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
Well, now I am feeling completely baffled and frustrated 
. Let the jeep sit all week. Went to check that there were no oil leaks from anywhere other than where I suspected at the RMS. Put my hand on the back of the engine where the top of the bellhousing mounts and there is oil there. So much so it dripped down along the drivers side, off the ear of the engine and soaked the exhaust. I looked/felt the back of the valve cover area, it was a little moist, but no true source of oil leak found. The engine is painted black which makes finding these leaks a bit harder. I suspect the plastic valve cover is leaking near the firewall. Just a guess. Open to any other suggestions, but I am baffled. Right now it appears I'm doing a valve cover reseal (and probably a metal cover over plastic), rear main seal, and oil plan gasket.
. Let the jeep sit all week. Went to check that there were no oil leaks from anywhere other than where I suspected at the RMS. Put my hand on the back of the engine where the top of the bellhousing mounts and there is oil there. So much so it dripped down along the drivers side, off the ear of the engine and soaked the exhaust. I looked/felt the back of the valve cover area, it was a little moist, but no true source of oil leak found. The engine is painted black which makes finding these leaks a bit harder. I suspect the plastic valve cover is leaking near the firewall. Just a guess. Open to any other suggestions, but I am baffled. Right now it appears I'm doing a valve cover reseal (and probably a metal cover over plastic), rear main seal, and oil plan gasket.
- City
- Charlotte
- State
- NC
Sorry for your troubles, plastic covers are prone to leaking or crack as torque spec is very low…Well, now I am feeling completely baffled and frustrated
- City
- God's Country
- State
- AR
Clean the engine, toss some flour on it, see where the wet spots are.
But yeah, if you have a plastic valve cover, replace it. Raymond has a great how-to somewhere around here on the valve cover to keep them from leaking.
But yeah, if you have a plastic valve cover, replace it. Raymond has a great how-to somewhere around here on the valve cover to keep them from leaking.
- City
- North Dighton
- State
- MA
I was looking for his thread on that but haven't found it yet.
- City
- God's Country
- State
- AR
Here ya go!
1984 SL Restoration
I was wondering if you could post up a couple pictures of the SB brace bracket transition ( pass side ) from hanger to frame area since it ( hanger ) is bolted to frame. Thanks. Nice work !
www.cj-8.com