This is for my 98 Grand Cherokee 5.9, i know this is a dodge forum but this leak looks like its going to be REALLY expensive to fix if its what i think it is.. so i need all the help i can get.. Jeep or not its a 5.9 magnum engine same as the dodge...

Basicly it started 2 days ago, a week ago tho i noticed i had bubbles in my coolant, the radiator cap was bad and not holding pressure right. (engine temp was fine tho always 200f (electric fan) i never overheated trust me i watch my temp and oil pressure like a hawk.

I replaced the cap and no more air in the system but now starting yesturday i noticed the stain on the ground a good sized one.. Looked under the Jeep and the tip of the oil pan had coolant dripping off it. Following the trail its going up the side of the engine near the A/C clutch... At first i thought it was the water pump but this leak is behind the water pump cover that you unbolt. I managed to find where its coming from up top i took pictures..


I know the picture doesnt show the angle right, but its coming from right there. I looked around and it isnt coming from anywhere else the water stain starts right there, i washed my Jeep thinking it was left over coolant from when i replaced my radiator cap after some splatterd all over but it isnt, within a few hours the streak comes back and its already dripping again. This really sucks, and the spot its in looks like its something thats going to be hella expensive to fix. It looks like its coming from the cylinder head

Pics were a little big so ima just give you the links to click on


http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...2/55555555.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...HPIM1980-1.jpg

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...2/HPIM1981.jpg

 

Timing cover gasket most likely. Fix it yourself.

 

Coolant can leak from the timing cover ?

 

Yep, there are water ports.

 

So the picture i took is the timing cover then ? How sure are you that this could be the leak.. Im sure your right tho, your the 3rd person to say this on the forums i posted my question in..

How hard is this to fix ? I do have a friend whos a retired mechanic, and has like 30k in tools so he says anyway (he has a lot) but he wont be back for another week or so.. I dunno if he would help me do this for free, he probably will since he helps me with a lot of stuff i dunno..

Guess ill check my haynes book and see what all is involved to fix this... Any info you can give me tho on what i need and how would be great tho

 

Without actually seeing for my self, I'd never be 100 percent sure.

Well you need a gasket set of course, and since the cover will be off, you should replace the timing chain.

 

It's not that bad to do IMO. I just got done doing the plenum gasket/water pump/timing chain. You'll have to get the AC and alt and bracket out of the way. Remove the clutch fan and shroud. Take off the water pump and then the rest of the bolts for the timing chain cover. You'll probably spend more time cleaning than disassembly and reassembly lol. If you have a lot of miles on the engine may want to consider new water pump, hoses, or timing chain since you'll be right there anyway.

 

Very wise idea.

 

Well money is a problem so i cant replace chains, or sprockets or water pumps.. Unless the chain is like stretched im leaving it alone. Engine has 123k mils, not too much.

Do you need more pictures or are the ones i got ok ? I can go back out there and take pics of more angles..

 

Found this awsome thread. That guys engine was leaking in the same EXACT like exact spot mine is leaking at.. So i guess your right i do have a timing chain cover leak. Good pics in that thread and i guess your right i should get a new chain and sprockets.. Do you have the part number off hand by any chance or know how much that costs ?

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/s...20/index2.html