Hello,
I am new to this forum as I am considering buying a 2011 Wrangler Sahara with 176000 miles on. This is not going to be my primary vehicle and since it drives well and appear well maintained I am willing to go with the high mileage. Though I have done a good amount of research, I would appreciate an opinion or knowledge in regard to this oil leak - please see picture. I can verify that the valve covers are leaking - so they contribute to the mess, but is this also a rear main seal or an upper oil pan or all together? The leaking valve covers and upper oil pan gasket I can do myself but I am a little leery about the rear main seal. How common is the rear main seal - I know the valve cover and upper oil pan gasket are common.

Thank you
Martin

 

I've never dealt with the 3.8L myself, but I've been around for quite a good while and I can't say i ever recall conversations about the RMS on that engine. I mean, any high mileage vehicle that is going to be a possibility, but what you mentioned above are common and well-known issues. Personally, from where the oil is all over the lower pan, and the idea that oil leak is being blow backwards as you're driving, i think it's most likely that upper oil pan. Just my guess though. We've had many members with very high mileage on that 3.8L engine. though underpowered, pretty reliable.

 

Thank you for the reply. I appreciate it.
I have never had a vehicle with an oil leak - does this look like a big oil leak that would deplete the oil level so fast that it is likely the owner would not have been able to keep it up? The engine has a little tick but no more than I consider normal for its design, but I am aware that oil starvation might first show its face later.

Martin