Mk1 Oil leak (longshot)
Discussion
Good afternoon folks, I know I'm perhaps being a bit ambitious by trying to get this diagnosed over the internet by a few dodgey pictures, but here goes 
DSCF3243 by St_Anger1, on Flickr
DSCF3242 by St_Anger1, on Flickr
It's only leaking very slowly at the moment and has only been doing so for a couple of days, but I checked the oil levels yesterday and they seemed to be fine. My technical knowledge is by no means brilliant, but I'm posting here because I totally stumped as the where it's leaking from - there's not much that could be using oil at that bit of the engine, is there? Had a good rummage about feeling around all the pipes and stuff to no avail, so have it booked into the mechanics tomorrow to get it up on a ramp for a proper look. Would just like to have half an idea of what might be going on before I go!
First thought was possible the radiator, when I opened the cap it didn't hiss like I'd have expected, but there was still plenty of fluid in there and the temperature dial on the dash hasn't been doing anything out of the ordinary!
Just checked another dipstick 5 minutes ago to find no fluid in the resivoir, problem is - I've no idea what is supposed to be in there/what it's for!
Black cap in this pic;
DSCF3245 by St_Anger1, on Flickr
Like I said, I realise it's quite a long shot asking for a diagnosis on the internet, but PH has surprised me in the past!
Many thanks in advanced
DSCF3243 by St_Anger1, on Flickr
DSCF3242 by St_Anger1, on Flickr
It's only leaking very slowly at the moment and has only been doing so for a couple of days, but I checked the oil levels yesterday and they seemed to be fine. My technical knowledge is by no means brilliant, but I'm posting here because I totally stumped as the where it's leaking from - there's not much that could be using oil at that bit of the engine, is there? Had a good rummage about feeling around all the pipes and stuff to no avail, so have it booked into the mechanics tomorrow to get it up on a ramp for a proper look. Would just like to have half an idea of what might be going on before I go!
First thought was possible the radiator, when I opened the cap it didn't hiss like I'd have expected, but there was still plenty of fluid in there and the temperature dial on the dash hasn't been doing anything out of the ordinary!
Just checked another dipstick 5 minutes ago to find no fluid in the resivoir, problem is - I've no idea what is supposed to be in there/what it's for!
Black cap in this pic;
DSCF3245 by St_Anger1, on Flickr
Like I said, I realise it's quite a long shot asking for a diagnosis on the internet, but PH has surprised me in the past!
Many thanks in advanced
attym3 said:
Power steering I believe. Check tighten the unions to the power steering pump. 
Ahh thanks for that, will need to get that topped up ASAP then - had another good feel about but still could feel any moisture round about the pipes. Will fill up the fluids and check again tomorrow to see if there has been any leakage. Check to make sure it is oil - the water pump can fail causing wet patches. If there is oil, and it doesn't look fresh, check the oil levels over a couple of weeks to see if it goes down.
If not, it could be because any oil is difficult to shift. I had the same patch as you, and Mark from Freelance Mazda advised I had no leaks, but it is really hard to get rid of the stain (even steam cleaning etc).
If not, it could be because any oil is difficult to shift. I had the same patch as you, and Mark from Freelance Mazda advised I had no leaks, but it is really hard to get rid of the stain (even steam cleaning etc).
JFReturns said:
Check to make sure it is oil - the water pump can fail causing wet patches. If there is oil, and it doesn't look fresh, check the oil levels over a couple of weeks to see if it goes down.
If not, it could be because any oil is difficult to shift. I had the same patch as you, and Mark from Freelance Mazda advised I had no leaks, but it is really hard to get rid of the stain (even steam cleaning etc).
I see what you mean, but it's definately fresh fluids dripping from somewhere as the patch wasn't there last week! I'm pretty sure it's not water though as it has the same consistency/colour as oil, I have no idea what the power steering fluid looks like though - is that more oil than water in appearence?If not, it could be because any oil is difficult to shift. I had the same patch as you, and Mark from Freelance Mazda advised I had no leaks, but it is really hard to get rid of the stain (even steam cleaning etc).
That does look to be power steering to me its in the same place as mine failed. my issue was the power steering return pipe which runs back into the resevoir. Apparently its quite common on the mx5 that the return pipe corrodes and then leaks gently. I guess not being pressurised it doesnt need to be to sturdy. Mine had leaked for a while before the ps fluid got to a critical level. p.s. ps fluid has an oily feel and does stain like oil.
If that is the problem its not too difficult a job to fix and the replacement part is about £40 (you might need a blow torch to get the nut off though).
If that is the problem its not too difficult a job to fix and the replacement part is about £40 (you might need a blow torch to get the nut off though).
St. Anger said:
JFReturns said:
Check to make sure it is oil - the water pump can fail causing wet patches. If there is oil, and it doesn't look fresh, check the oil levels over a couple of weeks to see if it goes down.
If not, it could be because any oil is difficult to shift. I had the same patch as you, and Mark from Freelance Mazda advised I had no leaks, but it is really hard to get rid of the stain (even steam cleaning etc).
I see what you mean, but it's definately fresh fluids dripping from somewhere as the patch wasn't there last week! I'm pretty sure it's not water though as it has the same consistency/colour as oil, I have no idea what the power steering fluid looks like though - is that more oil than water in appearence?If not, it could be because any oil is difficult to shift. I had the same patch as you, and Mark from Freelance Mazda advised I had no leaks, but it is really hard to get rid of the stain (even steam cleaning etc).
To me it looks very like the cam angle sensor O-ring,
as I have just done mine, and it looked just like that
Tell me when your car is warm and you come up to a junction,can you smell hot oil ?
If so it is definitely that, the oil will be dripping (very slow) down onto the manifold
It is very easy to fix and the part is inexpensive,
_ this one on E-BAY_
also this how to guide
_HERE_
as I have just done mine, and it looked just like that
Tell me when your car is warm and you come up to a junction,can you smell hot oil ?
If so it is definitely that, the oil will be dripping (very slow) down onto the manifold
It is very easy to fix and the part is inexpensive,
_ this one on E-BAY_
also this how to guide
_HERE_
stevie_a said:
To me it looks very like the cam angle sensor O-ring,
as I have just done mine, and it looked just like that
Tell me when your car is warm and you come up to a junction,can you smell hot oil ?
If so it is definitely that, the oil will be dripping (very slow) down onto the manifold
It is very easy to fix and the part is inexpensive,
_ this one on E-BAY_
also this how to guide
_HERE_
This would be my guess too - if its a 1.6 fix it and no harm done. If its a 1.8 the oil will hit the heater pipes and perish them and eventually they will split and dump your coolant everywhere (happened to me) so be sure to check them at the same time.as I have just done mine, and it looked just like that
Tell me when your car is warm and you come up to a junction,can you smell hot oil ?
If so it is definitely that, the oil will be dripping (very slow) down onto the manifold
It is very easy to fix and the part is inexpensive,
_ this one on E-BAY_
also this how to guide
_HERE_
CAS seal is on the other end and opposite side of the engine to this picture? My guess would be either rocker cover gasket (check plugs for oil in tubes) or as said by others its power steering fluid and a pipe has failed or the reservoir has a crack in it (mine did this) so the key question is which level is dropping?
CAS seal is on the other end and opposite side of the engine to this picture? My guess would be either rocker cover gasket (check plugs for oil in tubes) or as said by others its power steering fluid and a pipe has failed or the reservoir has a crack in it (mine did this) so the key question is which level is dropping?
Pete Franklin said:
That does look to be power steering to me its in the same place as mine failed. my issue was the power steering return pipe which runs back into the resevoir. Apparently its quite common on the mx5 that the return pipe corrodes and then leaks gently. I guess not being pressurised it doesnt need to be to sturdy. Mine had leaked for a while before the ps fluid got to a critical level. p.s. ps fluid has an oily feel and does stain like oil.
If that is the problem its not too difficult a job to fix and the replacement part is about £40 (you might need a blow torch to get the nut off though).
Thanks for all the suggestions folks, but Mr Franklin gets the points this time. Just back from the mechanics and turns out the return pipe is completely corroded and although the other hose attached to it is currently in one piece, we decided it will just perish when the clip attaching the two together is removed.If that is the problem its not too difficult a job to fix and the replacement part is about £40 (you might need a blow torch to get the nut off though).
St. Anger said:
Thanks for all the suggestions folks, but Mr Franklin gets the points this time. Just back from the mechanics and turns out the return pipe is completely corroded and although the other hose attached to it is currently in one piece, we decided it will just perish when the clip attaching the two together is removed.
Glad you got it diagnosed.The other pipe is presurised and made of sturdier stuff. if it was me i would just replace the return pipe.
Pete Franklin said:
wow just checked mx5 parts and the return pipe is now £60!! pressure pipe is only £12 so i guess you may as well get them both done at teh same time for completeness
Only £40 on my screen! Probably would just get them both done if it's only a tenner extra, also looking out on Nutz for anybody breaking a '5 for spares and just get a used one.St. Anger said:
Only £40 on my screen! Probably would just get them both done if it's only a tenner extra, also looking out on Nutz for anybody breaking a '5 for spares and just get a used one.
I personally wouldnt bother with a used one- when i removed mine the nut was so stuck that the action required to remove the nut with heat applied actually twisted the pipe to breaking point. bear in mind the mk2s use different parts so any used system will be old. Probably would just get them both done if it's only a tenner extra, also looking out on Nutz for anybody breaking a '5 for spares and just get a used one.Had another look underneath today and am now 99% sure that when changing the return pipe the high pressure hose will go with it 
Looking at buying this but first wanted to ask if it looked alright to the trained eye. I assume all the used parts from them are tested and working? Don't fancy spending £60 on something that won't last a month!
Looking at buying this but first wanted to ask if it looked alright to the trained eye. I assume all the used parts from them are tested and working? Don't fancy spending £60 on something that won't last a month!Edited by St. Anger on Monday 7th November 17:54
Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff