My 2003 Jaguar X Type has an oil leak that is getting worse. The dealer told me it will be at least $1400 to fix. If I get it fixed, will the leak just come back or is there a modification made that will prevent it?

 

Guernz: It depends on how the dealer fixes it. If they simply replace the sump gasket, expect it to leak again like the original, not immediately, but ~50+K miles down the road. If the dealer seals the new gasket with RTV silicone, it won't leak again, hopefully for the remaining life of the engine.

Dealers charge ~$1,400 because 1 of the 15 bolts securing the sump to the engine, dubbed the 'unobtainium bolt', is blocked by the transfer case. So they remove the transfer case in order to remove the sump. An independent mechanic quoted me $1,200 to do this.

So like many do-it-yourselfers in this forum, I drilled a hole thru the transfer case to access the 'unobtainium' bolt, and did the repair for a ~$32 gasket and a ~$10 tube of black RTV silicone. Other's in this forum say they use a special, bent wrench to access the bolt. Search this forum for numerous discussions on both methods, because leaky sumps are a common problem with the factory-installed gasket.

If you shop around, some independent mechanics give you a choice: ~$1,000+ to remove the transfer case, or ~half that amount if you let them drill a hole thru it. A mechanic at a Jaguar dealer said he use to routinely drill a hole thru transfer case, but Jaguar told the dealers to stop when they discovered the holes while reviewing warranty claims on transfer cases (though the warranty claims were unrelated to the hole).

Let us know if you'd like more info to decide which route to go.

 

Thanks dwclapp. Do dealers seal the gasket with RTV silicone as part of the procedure or if I asked them to or is it something they won't do?

 

You'll have to ask one of the senior mechanics (and not the service writer at the front desk).

 

The OEM gasket, a metal and rubber item, does not require RTV sealant all round - only, as detailed in JTIS, on the zone of the joint between the crankcase and the timing cover

 

astromorg: Jaguar / Visteon says the transfer case is "sealed for life" with no oil drain. But we change the oil and appreciate your solution: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-point-105687/

Likewise, Jaguar / Ford says the sump gasket alone prevents oil leaks. But we replace many leaking factory gaskets.

Imho, when someone pays $1,400 to replace a leaking sump gasket, they might as well pay another $10 to RTV silicone it. This seems a wise & cheap hedge against spending another $1,400 if (when?) the new gasket leaks like the factory original.


The only reasons I can think of not to use RTV silicone are:
(1) The redesigned gasket is far superior to the factory original. If anyone knows of this, please tell us!!!. Or
(2) You're going to reopen the sump soon, e.g., for a different repair.

Just my 2 cents. Always looking for a positive exchange of good ideas that keep our X-Types rolling!

 

Worth more than two cents, I think! Thanks!