I have on 08 Wrangler and am chasing down an oil leak. I can tell for sure that the upper oil pan gasket needs to be replaced. However, I'm also just now learning about a possible problem on 07's and 08's with bad engine timing covers. The TSB from the factory says that the timing covers have a porosity issue and could possibly leak. The problem with that is that mopar wants $1,200.00 for the timing cover replacement kit but to buy a new timing cover from autozone, oreilly's, etc... is more like $300.00. So my question is, If I do end up needing to replace the timing cover do I need to buy from mopar to be sure the new one has the correct porosity or can I buy one from any ol' auto parts store? Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks in advance!

 

Are you the original owner, with the lifetime warranty?

I had the bad cover on mine. The spot the oil decided to drip onto the garage floor made me suspect the rear main seal. Looking into it, it then appeared to be an oil pan gasket leak.
So, I cleaned up all oil residue and watched it until the first sign of oil reappeared. That's when it became clear it was the porous timing chain cover.

Have you cleaned up everything and watched for the source of the leak?

 

I have not cleaned anything up yet. It's obvious the upper oil pan gasket is leaking because theres oil all around it, not just on the back by the transmission. I'm just thinking ahead that if I find I also need to change that timing cover what my options are. I am not the original owner and the Jeep has 118,000 miles on it. I called the local Jeep dealer and was told it is not under any warranty. If this thing needs replacing it's coming out of my pocket!