Got the Jeep running this weekend, only to find an oil leak.
It appears to be coming from the rocker cover area; specifically from about the carb back towards the rear of the engine, drivers side only. I have tightened the cover bolts as much as I dare for fear of stripping them out.

Is this a "normal" problem, something that happens regularly for the YJ series?

What is your recommended repair; besides replacing the gasket, is there something else I'm overlooking?

If you have a metal cover replace the gasket.. If a plastic cover..OH SHUCKS! The best results I have had with a plastic cover is to simply purchase a new cover..plastic comes with the squishy gasket installed and a new metal cover will take a common gasket.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Big Jim:
It's actually a factory aluminum cover (that I hope isn't warped, causing the problem). I bought a new gasket ($7.19) during my lunch hour today and hopefully will get time to install it this weekend.

Ed

yep install the gasket and be done with that part. but after you do the rear main seal will go lol maybe not yours but mine did.I like to joke it has to much compression and blows seals/gaskets because of it lol.

Howdy RR What I do is to get a little sealant and put a few spots on the CLEAN gasket surface of the cover.. I then install the gasket with bolts in the holes if/as needed... I then set it gasket down on my bench for a few hours till the sealant hardens. Doing it thisaway allows moving the cover around without the gasket slipping out of place before installing the bolts into the head.
I NEVER install any more sealant than is needed to glue the gasket in place on the cover! ALSO I never use sealant on the head or the bottom of the gasket.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Thanks to all who responded!
Hopefully, I'll get the new one installed this weekend.

Sorry for all the stupid questions, several reasons:
1) first Jeep
2) first used car in 30+ years
3) High School Auto shop was 40+ years ago
and lastly...
4) Most of my cars in the meantime have been company cars that someone else took care of.

I greatly appreciate the knowledge base on this forum!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />