Coolant leak!

I have a 88 4.0, auto(AW4), 4x4. I have noticed that there is antifreeze comng from bell housing of the tranny, a good steady flow. Is there anything behind the flywheel :banghead: that could be leaking, I figured on removing the tranny(half disasembled) to look, but thought I would ask first. I removed the coverplate to the flywheel and can watch the antifreeze come out from the bell housing with the engine running. This is a "freebie" and I want to sell it, but won't till I fix or at least find what is wrong! Could I have a cracked block?! I checked the freeze plug on the back of the head, its dry!
Also what is the easiest way to remove the tranny and T-case? Seperate them or remove in one assembly. I have a suv jack and jack stands. :banghead: :confused:

Maybe you have a head gasket leak near the back? Also check the temp sensor. It could be leaking and draining back over the block.

I thought of that, and will check it today before I attempt to finish removing the tranny. The engine runs very well(218K) so a cracked block doesn't seem to be the logical culprit, but who can say. The odd thing is, at times it will run and the temp will be normal(below 210), then other times it will creep up ass the 210 mark a little. I removed the mechanical fan and installed an electric 14", fit perfectly and covers the rad. completely, this seemed to help a lot. Its wired, ignition on/hot throught a relay. The other fan comes on too when the temp climbs, so i know its working. I figure a new rad. is in order, but I would like to find this leak first before I spend anymore $$. Thanks Saudade.

Often there is a frost plug at the back of the engine (Not sure about the 4.0 engine ) and it may have rusted thru. Hopefully that's it and a simple fix for you.

JD

Hay JD! HOw's it going? Well I braved the thought and called the dealership, there is in fact 2 freeze plugs on the back of the 4.0 one on the left, other on the lower right. The "right side" seems to be were the leak is coming from. So as soon as I figure out what size "reversed" torx socket I need to get the last 2 remaining bolts out, I will let youall know what I find. After all this, I may not want to sell her!!

Doin good gtmud!

From readin your posts, Sounds like your in the Jeep business and doin good too.:thumbsup:

On this little problem, the left plug might be higher and out of the "muk" in the water jacket but you might consider replaceing both of them. While you have the plugs out, run a rod or something into the jacket and loosen any sediment in the bottom and flush it out.

You might find that some of the side plugs are "weaker" too, so maybe this is the time to do the others while you are at it.

I use the teflon pipe thread sealer on the circumference of the plug after cleaning the hole with emery cloth. There are special drivers available but I've used sockets that fit LOOSELY inside the plug. If they fit too tight the plug collapses and grabbs the socket.

:2cents: :cheers:

JD

before you start tearing stuff out of the jeep try this. since you have an 88 pop the hood and remove the overflow bottle and check the bottom for cracks. the closed cooling system pressureises that bottle. im in the process of repairing mine right now. that bottle comes off without any tools just has a rubber strap. good luck and let me know!

i think it would be the frost plug, 20 hours labour, parts- .25 cents.