[88jeepin]

ok so i have a huge oil leak. i cant tell where its coming from. all i know is the entire passenger side of my engine compartments covered in oil. its dripping from my starter my trans. pan my oil pan and alot of other places i know most of thats drip back but any suggestions or good ways to find the leak? btw i dont think its a head gasket leak. no water in the oil or anything so anyone have any ideas??

[Huntnsinme]

valve cover? Intake? distributor? hard to say without spraying it off with some gunk, then cranking it and looking for the first squirt.

[OhioYJ]

Passenger side, if you have oil all the way up the valve cover, I'd say the valve cover is leaking, its the only thing to leak that high up on the passenger side. Not to mention the valve cover gasket is only $5 anyways, so it won't hurt you to change it.

I have a writeup on replacing the valve cover gasket here.

[88jeepin]

i didnt know that the distributor can leak oil?? and Ohio, im replacing the valve cover gasket tomorrow. for the 2nd time in 3 months. Im starting to think i may need to buy a more reliable vehicle

[OhioYJ]

Are you tightening the valve cover bolts evenly? Are you sure your valve cover isn't warped? Are you using RTV? Are you cleaning the mating surfaces very well?

[88jeepin]

check, uh how do i check that? check, and check. im still gonna replace it though.

[OhioYJ]

I'm not sure of a real good way to check the valve cover at home, maybe set it down on a work bench and see if it all looks flat?

[88jeepin]

hmm, ill try that tomorrow. and ohio, i know this is a bit off topic but on your site it where it says to find out your gears. that tag on the diff. cover? where is that at? front or rear ,what?

[OhioYJ]

Should have a tag on both axles, but if your covers have ever been removed, you probably don't tags left. The BOM stampings is probably your best bet.

[88jeepin]

is the BOM on the front or rear?