Help identify this leak please

[TheOtherMe]

For reference, this is on the passenger side valve cover just behind the oil dipstick.

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[chevymitchell]

Replace the o-ring that's under here:

Do you have any pictures that aren't so zoomed in? Or maybe a video?

If the packing shown in the picture is letting oil vapor by, that would explain what I'm seeing here. The crank case pressure and oil vapor get pushed out of the passenger side valve cover through the PCV system. Check that at the same time and make sure it's not clogged up anywhere.

There's a fitting on the very back of the valve cover that will run across the top of the engine to the manifold on the drivers side. That's the PCV line.

 

[TheOtherMe]

Replace the o-ring that's under here:

Do you have any pictures that aren't so zoomed in? Or maybe a video?

If the packing shown in the picture is letting oil vapor by, that would explain what I'm seeing here. The crank case pressure and oil vapor get pushed out of the passenger side valve cover through the PCV system. Check that at the same time and make sure it's not clogged up anywhere.

There's a fitting on the very back of the valve cover that will run across the top of the engine to the manifold on the drivers side. That's the PCV line.

Thank you for the response. Forgive my ignorance, but what is that part you're pointing at so I know what o-ring to look for?

 

[kah.mun.rah]

My 2018 had the same leak. It's the o-ring on the variable valve lift solenoid.
This is what I replaced mine with (front passenger) https://www.moparpartsinc.com/p/Jee...MIrf-k34W17QIVwxmtBh257w-9EAQYASABEgImXvD_BwE

If it's the top seal, this is the part: https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-seal-left-side-4893803aa

 

[chevymitchell]

Thank you for the response. Forgive my ignorance, but what is that part you're pointing at so I know what o-ring to look for?

 

[TheOtherMe]

Thank you for the replies and part number. Is this as simple as it looks to replace? I'm seeing one bolt, one electrical connector, and then pull and replace.

 

[MitsJeep]

I have the EXACT same issue on my '18JLU 3.6. The dealer told me it was the oil cooler that had to be replaced, but I am not buying that . This is confirmed what the issue was? and it was not anything to really do with the oil cooler?

Here is mine:

 

[Maverick909]

I have the EXACT same issue on my '18JLU 3.6. The dealer told me it was the oil cooler that had to be replaced, but I am not buying that . This is confirmed what the issue was? and it was not anything to really do with the oil cooler?

Here is mine:

from what i have read the oil cooler will leak down the back passenger side of the motor and down the bell housing on the transmission and on to the floor. This looks like the oil seal to the VVS. I just developed the same leak. ordering the seals to day to get it fixed. @chevymitchell do you recommend any O-ring lube for the install? or just a dab of some 0-20W oil? sorry to revive the thread but i plan to give this a shot and typically i like to use a silicon basic parker o-ring lube for installing my orings.

 

[speedymart]

Super common leak, VVL solenoid o-ring. Not really an issue as it's small, and can be rather difficult to fish out.

 

[chevymitchell]

from what i have read the oil cooler will leak down the back passenger side of the motor and down the bell housing on the transmission and on to the floor. This looks like the oil seal to the VVS. I just developed the same leak. ordering the seals to day to get it fixed. @chevymitchell do you recommend any O-ring lube for the install? or just a dab of some 0-20W oil? sorry to revive the thread but i plan to give this a shot and typically i like to use a silicon basic parker o-ring lube for installing my orings.

I use Super Lube for nearly all o-rings I install. I have brought the number of cut or damaged o-rings on assembly down to nearly zero using that stuff.

https://www.super-lube.com/o-ring-silicone-grease

 

[Maverick909]

I use Super Lube for nearly all o-rings I install. I have brought the number of cut or damaged o-rings on assembly down to nearly zero using that stuff.

https://www.super-lube.com/o-ring-silicone-grease

awesome. Thank you for the quick reply. I will be on the search for a local vendor

 

[DawsonVargas]

My 2018 had the same leak. It's the o-ring on the variable valve lift solenoid.
This is what I replaced mine with (front passenger) https://www.moparpartsinc.com/p/Jee...MIrf-k34W17QIVwxmtBh257w-9EAQYASABEgImXvD_BwE

For just the top seal I think this is the part: If it's the top seal, this is the part: https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-seal-left-side-4893803aa

My 18 JLU Sport S is throwing codes for a VVL solenoid being stuck open and I am going to go ahead and replace all 4 solenoids as there is evidence of them all leaking... When ordering do I need 2 fronts and 2 rears or is each of the 4 solenoids a different part?

 

[Spank]

It's certainly possible it could be the oil cooler, so don't rule that out completely. Mine was leaking very slowly and over time, eventually caked most of the passenger-side valve cover.

Definitely start with the O-ring first, though.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

My 18 JLU Sport S is throwing codes for a VVL solenoid being stuck open and I am going to go ahead and replace all 4 solenoids as there is evidence of them all leaking... When ordering do I need 2 fronts and 2 rears or is each of the 4 solenoids a different part?

I think they are all the same but the service department at the dealership could answer that better than I. Also, the link that I have above was for a 2018 3.6L. I'm not sure if they used the same one on the other engines or not.

 

[PotterJLUR]

We see A LOT of leaks a the shop from the VVL solenoids like you have pictured. If you are still in you 5yr/60k mile powertrain warranty this would be a free repair at the dealership.

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