Engine Oil Leak Inspection - Jeep cherokee 2000 Service Manual

9 - 74 4.0L ENGINE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
CYLINDER COMBUSTION PRESSURE LEAKAGE DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
THROTTLE BODY
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
TAILPIPE
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH
RADIATOR
MORE THAN 50% LEAKAGE
FROM ADJACENT CYLINDERS
MORE THAN 25% LEAKAGE AND
AIR ESCAPES THROUGH OIL
FILLER CAP OPENING ONLY

ENGINE OIL LEAK INSPECTION

Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the
engine, particularly at the area of the suspected leak.
If an oil leak source is not readily identifiable, the
following steps should be followed:
(1) Do not clean or degrease the engine at this
time because some solvents may cause rubber to
swell, temporarily stopping the leak.
(2) Add an oil soluble dye (use as recommended by
manufacturer). Start the engine and let idle for
approximately 15 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to
make sure the dye is thoroughly mixed as indicated
with a bright yellow color under a black light.
(3) Using a black light, inspect the entire engine
for fluorescent dye, particularly at the suspected area
of oil leak. If the oil leak is found and identified,
repair per service manual instructions.
(4) If dye is not observed, drive the vehicle at var-
ious speeds for approximately 24km (15 miles), and
repeat inspection.
(4) If the oil leak source is not positively
identified at this time, proceed with the air leak
detection test method.
Air Leak Detection Test Method
(1) Disconnect the breather cap to air cleaner hose
at the breather cap end. Cap or plug breather cap
nipple.
(2) Remove the PCV valve from the cylinder head
cover. Cap or plug the PCV valve grommet.
(3) Attach an air hose with pressure gauge and
regulator to the dipstick tube.
CAUTION: Do not subject the engine assembly to
more than 20.6 kpa (3 PSI) of test pressure.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Intake valve bent, burnt, or not
seated properly
Exhaust valve bent, burnt, or not
seated properly
Head gasket leaking or cracked
cylinder head or block
Head gasket leaking or crack in
cylinder head or block between
adjacent cylinders
Stuck or broken piston rings;
cracked piston; worn rings and/or
cylinder wall
(4) Gradually apply air pressure from 1 psi to 2.5
psi maximum while applying soapy water at the sus-
pected source. Adjust the regulator to the suitable
test pressure that provide the best bubbles which
will pinpoint the leak source. If the oil leak is
detected and identified, repair per service manual
procedures.
(5) If the leakage occurs at the rear oil seal area,
refer to the section, Inspection for Rear Seal Area
Leak.
(6) If no leaks are detected, turn off the air supply
and remove the air hose and all plugs and caps.
Install the PCV valve and breather cap hose.
(7) Clean the oil off the suspect oil leak area using
a suitable solvent. Drive the vehicle at various
speeds approximately 24 km (15 miles). Inspect the
engine for signs of an oil leak by using a black light.
INSPECTION FOR REAR SEAL AREA LEAKS
Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the
source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the
engine, a more involved inspection is necessary. The
following steps should be followed to help pinpoint
the source of the leak.
If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal
area:
(1) Disconnect the battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle.
(3) Remove torque converter or clutch housing
cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil.
Use a black light to check for the oil leak:
seal leakage or crankshaft damage.
possible causes are a porous block, distributor seal,
camshaft bore cup plugs oil galley pipe plugs, oil
Inspect valve and valve seat.
Reface or replace, as necessary
Inspect valve and valve seat.
Reface or replace, as necessary
Remove cylinder head and inspect.
Replace defective part
Remove cylinder head and inspect.
Replace gasket, head, or block as
necessary
Inspect for broken rings or piston.
Measure ring gap and cylinder
diameter, taper and out-of-round.
Replace defective part as necessary
(a) Circular spray pattern generally indicates
(b) Where leakage tends to run straight down,
XJ
CORRECTION