93 Cherokee with oil/transmission troubles (first post ever)

[93JeepLady]

Over a year ago I parked my beloved 93 Jeep Cherokee Sport and haven't used it since. It began having transmission problems (a hesitation upon going forward/backward while the engine raced) and it also developed a nice oil leak. I am now in a situation where I am desperate to get this vehicle fixed as we have three adults in this family and only one car that is working -- one was just pronounced dead yesterday!

I have a place where I can get a free (key word -- FREE LOL) estimate for the transmission problem but along with this massive oil leak I also have a neutral switch problem (Many thanks to this message board and the wonderful people on it who responded to another person who was having starting problems with a 92 Jeep -- you helped me get mine started after a whole year!). I am trying to see whether it is still worth fixing this baby or if I need to bite the bullet and get another car not something I want to do.

Here's the problem ... (I can post a photo if needed) ... it appears the leak is just above the axel because it appears it is dripping off the front of the engine. There is some oil residue around the (forgive my ignorance at what to call these things) long, rectangular section in the middle of the engine (valve cover gasket ... head gasket ... unsure which is the term). The drip seems to be coming down from the fly wheel area (that one I know LOL)

If the engine tilts to the back wouldn't the oil be driven to the back of the engine?? I'm so confused

Any help would be greatly appreciated ... I love my Jeep and hate to give up on it but I also do not have a great deal of money to invest in it - unfortunately.

Again, I can post a photo of the engine if it is needed.

[89ltd]

post photo if you can

[Dale Aeppli]

I think what you are referring to is the front crankshaft oil seal, located in the front timming cover. If so it can be changed without too much trouble. The seal is around $6.00 at auto zone. dale
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[93JeepLady]

Thanks Dale ... I'm gonna post a photo as requested by 89ltd ... it's snowing like crazy here and it's bitter cold so I'll have to wait until tomorrow ... will try to get it posted tomorrow evening. Would appreciate it if you both would check out the photo. It's going in some time this week for estimates and I'd really like to have a clue of what's going on so I don't get "reamed" YIKES. I really appreciate your time and expertise.

[b1gfella]

If I were you I would start by getting the transmission serviced (filter changed and fluid change) and the valve cover gasket replaced.

Typically the 4.0L engine will blow this top gasket and oil will go everywhere. Making you think oil is leaking from everywhere else. It's an easy replacement.

As for the tranny you may just have a clogged filter but I don't know that much about the tranny.

My advice is to get the tranny fixed at the tranny shop and see if they will change that top gasket for you. It's very easy and it takes a home mechanic about 30 minutes to do in a driveway.

[shadyjay]

How do i go about changing the valve cover gasket? Never done it before, have no clue where to begin. Help me out?