I've had an oil leak for a while now that always leaves a small spot when I park. It has always looked like it's coming from the passenger side. I washed the underside today and determined that it is leaking on the front of the engine kind of under the tensioner pulley. It pools there and runs down on the passenger side front. I included a pic of the leak. I haven't looked at an exploded view of the front of the engine, but I'm thinking this is going to require pulling everything off the front of the engine.

Anybody had this? Any idea how bad the job would be?

 

Your gear case cover is leaking. If you actually want to replace the gasket you have to pull the whole front of the engine down. This includes removing the radiator and condensor and anything else that's in the way of the camshaft as it will have to come out. Big big job.

What I would do??? I would clean the area with brake cleaner, and lay a nice bead of the Mopar gray gear lube RTV along the seam where the case meets the block. I've done this on a few customer trucks with great success.

 

That's what I was afraid of. Is this area a common leaking spot? I think I'll try to patch it like you said. There is no pressure there, right? Maybe it will seal off.

 

I wouldn't say "common", but it does occur every now and then. Just clean it up good and lay a nice bead. Some guys even pull the front cover, loosen the aluminum gear housing, add the RTV bead, and then tight the cover back down. Again, I have a few trucks out there with just the bead and they are doing just fine. I do HIGHLY recommend the Mopar Gear Lube gray RTV. Good stuff.

 

Do I just go to the dealer and ask for it? Know any place to order online?

Thanks for the help!