Symptoms
Oil pooling in the valley under the intake, running over the back of the engine and dripping from the bellhousing. Sometimes coolant leaks too.
The fix, step by step
- Remove the engine cover and intake duct, then disconnect the injectors, coils, vacuum lines and brackets.
- Take off the upper intake (seven 8 mm bolts) and the lower manifold (eight bolts).
- Unplug the two sensors on the cooler and remove its five E8 external-Torx bolts.
- Mop the oil out of the valley, move the sensors and fittings to the new aluminum housing, fit new gaskets and O-rings, and torque in sequence.
- Reassemble, then refill the oil and coolant.
- Plug the intake ports with towels while you work.
- Don't overtighten the filter cap, which is specified at 18 lb-ft.
- Curbside Classic suspects overtightening contributes to the cracking.
Tools & part numbers
- E8 external-Torx socket
- 27 mm and 19 mm deep sockets
- inch-pound torque wrench
- hose clamp pliers
- trim tool
- shop vac
- Dorman 926-876 aluminum housing (as used by Curbside Classic).
Where to buy the parts
Crown 68105583AF oil filter and cooler assembly, 2014–2016 JK 3.6Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown 5184294RK oil filter adapter repair kit, 2012–2013 JK 3.6Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Mopar/Dorman 68755454AA aluminum oil filter housing with element (check fitment)Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Engine catalog (Dorman 926-876 and gaskets), 2015 WranglerRockAuto ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.