Oil leak diagnosis

[Scout1067]

I have the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l in my CJ. There is oil leaking off the Transmission bell housing and I have to add about a 1/4 quart of oil a month. When I take off the inspection plate the flywheel and clutch are dry. There is a little seepage around the oil pan as well.
I suspect a main seal but wonder how or if I can verify that without splitting the pac. This is my daily driver.

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[Lumpy Grits]

Wipe your hand behind the back side of the valve cover, and I bet you'll find it.
How many driven miles for that loss of 1/4qt?
LG

 

[TnCJ]

Wipe your hand behind the back side of the valve cover, and I bet you'll find it.
LG

I agree!!!

 

[Scout1067]

Wipe your hand behind the back side of the valve cover, and I bet you'll find it.
How many driven miles for that loss of 1/4qt?
LG

I put about 500 miles a month on it. I was already planning on replacing the valve cover gasket. It currently has a cork gasket installed and it looks pretty rough. I have the Fel-pro silicone gasket on the way.

There is just a slight film between the valve cover and firewall and I don't see how that could account for the amount I am losing. I am thinking the best way to go about this is to replace the valve cover gasket first and see what happens with the leak from there.

A further question. When I redo the valve cover gasket does it make sense to replace the studs while I am at it?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Why replace the 'studs'?
Replace the gasket, and make sure your PCV valve works 'rite'.
Then pressure wash the engine and see if you find another leak.
LG

 

[Scout1067]

Why replace the 'studs'?
LG

I won't if it does not make sense to do so, that is why I was asking. Mine has what looks like Allen Head bolts holding it down. I have the aluminum valve cover at least.

 

[RealJeep]

Oh well, all old vehicles mark their territory.

 

[Belizean]

I won't if it does not make sense to do so, that is why I was asking. Mine has what looks like Allen Head bolts holding it down. I have the aluminum valve cover at least.

I bought a used AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l to rebuild for my jeep and it came with the aluminum valve cover and also the Allen Head cap bolts holding it down. Couple of different sizes also. To get it to work right I also had to get some different size washers and grind a little on the sides of the washers and to get the right length cap bolts, file down a little bit of the length on 3 or 4. Took a little work but came out good