Chasing leaks...how far do you go?

[Ryan_M]

Just curious how much time and effort others have spent chasing leaks on their old Jeeps. Is it ever possible to stop them all or is it just a part of their personalities? I'm reassembling my rig after stripping it down to the frame. Pretty much all back together and running now - just waiting on the tub to come back from the body shop. I had to remove the transmission/transfer case three times to finally stop a fairly significant leak where the transmission mates with the transfer case. That was about a month ago and so far still no leaks there, which is good. Just last week, however, a new leak has started somewhere in the front of the transmission and is dripping out from where it attaches to the bell housing. Yes, I know it would be easier to pull the tranny now since the tub is off, but I can't say I'm really excited about that prospect either. I rebuilt the entire thing when I had it out the first time and have pulled it twice since then. I'm thinking I could live with a small drip here and there. I'm also concerned that since it only recently started leaking, is it really worth the time and effort to go after that or is it an unrealistic expectation to be able to keep the garage floor completely dry? Seems like every time I've broken something or snapped a bolt off or done something equally stupid is when I've gone back in to try and fix a problem I probably could have lived with anyways. Opinions?

[Gunslinger]

Thats a tough one, I guess its really up to you.  I've got a couple leaks that are going to be tough to fix, so I've left them.  On one I lowered the fluid level just a bit so it wouldn't leak, but I've got to make sure I check it often.  I guess there are pros and cons, but you've got to decide.  How much time and money do you want to spend chasing them down?

[athawk11]

Oh Boy Ryan,

That is the million dollar question, and here is a two cents answer.  As you have done, I was all the way down to the frame.  I replaced every seal and gasket on the transmission, transfer case, front and lower part of the engine.   The layers of crud that I scraped off told me I had a problem with fluid loss.  I was determined to stop all losses.  Cleaned all surfaces numorous times. Used gasket sealant and gaskets on all surfaces. I was convinced I would beat the leak....I failed.  

Some of my leaks are from my stupidity.  Some are from worn surfaces that seals run on.  Some are from a poor design on the Jeep itself.  I mean, who taps threads all the way through the transfer case housing into the fluid holding area?  And only in some areas?  (A couple of my leaks are clearly coming through the threads on some attaching bolts.)  Heck, I have a small leak where the emergency brake pull pivot arm attaches to the transmission case.  I mean...really?  That bolt is threaded all the way through to the fluid?  Geeezzz!!   I was so careful about clean surfaces, but didn't think to put sealant on some bolt threads.  To stop it, I would have to drain out brand new, pricey gear oil.  Very frustrating.

At this point, I am reserved to the fact that my Willys will always leak a little.  And when the winter comes...and I have very little to do, I will chase those leaks.  I will likely fail to eliminate them all, but it will give me some more quality time with my Willys.

Tim

[Ryan_M]

Thanks for the input. I'm selfishly pleased that you guys have leaking machines too  . I think I'll leave this particular leak alone for now. If I have another, more compelling reason to pull the tranny again for some other repair I'll address it then. You may find me cursing myself in some future post for this decision but so be it. I found that I am much more eager to spend days chasing small problems during the cold dark winter months when there is nothing to do but tinker in the garage. Now that it's getting warmer and the boat's in the water, the Jeep is competing with outdoor stuff for my free time. Once I actually put some miles on the old girl there will no doubt be other problems to deal with too - Which may not be entirely bad as I'll need something to do next winter  

[Bob W]

These Jeeps were made in a time when it was perfectly normal for cars to drip oil on the ground.

[Carls_jeep]

Yep, I adjusted the brakes today and noticed some leaks that I may try to fix one day. It's not like the floor is covered with oil and coolant. I also twisted one of the ends off an adjuster so the brake job I was putting off will come up sooner than I planned.

If it stops leaking it must be out of oil so I check the levels to replace what's missing.

[macrisel]

Several reasons to NOT fix your leaks:

1.  It assures you that there are always fresh fluids inside.
2.  It will help rustproof various parts of the undercarriage.
3.  It allows your little jeep to mark its territory wherever it stops.
4.  Other drivers following you on the road won't tailgate after they get oil sprayed on their windshield.
5.  It will keep the dust under control in your driveway.
6.  It will help deter theives when they see a pool of oil under the engine.
7.  It serves as weed control if you park in the yard.
8.  It helps keep your mind sharp as you wonder where all that fluid is coming from.
9.  Guarantees you clean the undercarriage every so often.

Finally......it all adds to the personality of owning and driving a vehicle built 60+ years ago.  8-)

[Carls_jeep]

  I like your list and it has truth in it.

[aboyandhisdog]

Hi Ryan,  this is all good advice re: leaks, but to give you one more viewpoint...it can be done with a bit of patience and persistence.  My jeep is far from perfect but I did want to minimize the drips as much as possible.  I still have a small drip from the rear main seal, but all other leaks have been remedied (for now).  It has been 3 years now (only 4500 miles) but so far so good.  I'm sure leaks may return some day and I will deal with them when they do.  It is possible to have a (mostly) leak-free Willys in my experience.

[Ryan_M]

I think I will just start a new "to do" list for each component. No sense in chasing numerous small problems individually. I'll wait til I have a long enough list to justify pulling major components and fix them all at once. At the rate I'm going that list will grow quickly.

[Gunslinger]

Just think of it as a BOY jeep!!