I have a leaking rear oil seal. Was told by the first shop that I called that this is a common failure point and that the repair requires the motor be pulled out, flipped over and the crank pulled out to replace the $80.00 seal (labor is $1800.00 to $2000.00). Is this the ONLY solution?

Please tell me that it is not my only option.

Dennis
86\' XJ6

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Sun, 03/13/2005 - 00:55

Well, let's not get carried away here. Its not like I *invented* the idea of cleaning the brether system. I just passed along what I learned from someone else ! Glad it helped.

I'll give you a holler the next time I have some Jag pals over for a weekend project at the Dwyer garage. Always good for a few laughs, bench racng, and, if there's time left over, actually fixing Jaguars :-)

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe

Submitted by reisdp@hotmail.com on Sat, 03/12/2005 - 12:11

Doug, you are the GOD of Jag's! I cleaned the crankcase breather tube. I could NOT believe the gunk that came out of it! (the bath tub may never be the same again)

I changed the oil and filter went with 20w/50w and put in a jug of Lucas oil stablizer. The leak did not stop completly, but it is now like an old Harley.....she just marks her spot when she is parked!

One of these days I am going to drive down to Longview from Tacoma just to say HI!!

Thanks again.

Dennis
86\' XJ6

Submitted by jnbaker@netwalk.com on Thu, 02/24/2005 - 21:07

You might want to be concerned with other problems. On my '87 the rear seal was leaking. Upon pulling the engine, I discovered the main bearings were gone and actually pumping the oil out the seal. Leaked right down on exhaust and smoked like crazy. Best to bite the bullit and fix it right if you plan on keeping the car.

Jim Baker
'92 XJ40
'96 X300

Submitted by gary@jagbits.com on Wed, 02/23/2005 - 21:45

My experience is the seal will need to be replaced and yes the engine must come out. It's a lot of money to fix a leak but it's the only way to fix it. You can try additives but I'll bet a dinner that it doesn't work. Don't feel like you're the only one that had to do this repair!!! It has happened to us all...
Gary Ilcyn
888-524-2487
Jagbits.com
(Owner)

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Wed, 02/23/2005 - 21:43

I've heard the same thing although, never having tackled the job, I cannot say for sure. I think they are telling you the truth.

One thing, though, that I can say.....

Make sure your crankcase breather system is clean. If clogged, crankcase pressure builds up and pushes the oil past the seals. A clean breather system reduces the pressure and while it won't "fix" a leaky seal, it often reduces the dripping to a much more tolerable level.

Cheers

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe