Hi,
So I have experienced oil leaks from the sump around the turbo side engine mouting area.
Repaired twice, and I did hope that this time I had cured the problem.
No leaks for about 4 weeks, using the car on the odd weekend etc. Took it for a spirited drive last night (ie; 7000rpm gear changes) and its leaking again from what appears to be the sump in the same area.
But although the same area is covered in oil (not a slight leak but a heavy leak, ie large quantities of oil dripping from the cross member etc), I noticed oil dripping from the bell housing inspection cover.
Opened this up and the lowest part of the bell housing contains fresh engine oil.
The clutch is dry with no visible signs of oil contamination, as is the clutch release bearing.
Is it possible this leak is still related to the sump, ie, oil being forced passed the bell housing oil seal, or could the engine be leaking from elsewhere ?
I thought I\'d ask your opinions before embarking on another sump off and reseal episode.
Thanks
Chris
if oil is in the bell housing its most probably the rear main oil seal to be honest. its going to be a gearbox and clutch/flywheel off job with a big 54mm socket for the flywheel nut.
Could also be because the sump sits right up against the bell housing, so oil could be tracking in that way. Normally if it\'s the rear shaft oil seal it gets thrown everywhere when it hits the flywheel, but from what you\'re describing it seems like it\'s sitting in the bottom having just dripped out the back of the sump.
Out of interest is there a way of getting a cheap video camera in that area and then give it beans. I\'ve seen people do it to try and work out wheel tramp. Would need to be inexpensive because it may not withstand much abuse.
Shaun
Cheap webcameras and USB leads would you your friend then I managed to pick up a good one that worked well at night time with mini IR LED\'s for under £15! that was 3 years ago. :Thumbs-up
Thanks Guys,
I too would have expected the whole clutch housing to be covered in oil if the rear seal had blown. But as the oil is only "puddling" in the bottom of the bell housing I suspected it was tracking from the sump.
The gearbox does require replacing as 500bhp has taken its toll on first and second gears and thrid to a lesser extent, so I will investigate the rear seal at the same time.
I am more concerned with the regular failure of the sump to block sealant failure.
I\'ve followed dilligently the advice from the members on here and having many years engineering/mechnical experience I am qualified to complete this work myself.
What also concerns me is that the leak is not a gradual seep, but a significant leak.
The engine is vented to an oil catch tank and a filter, but do these rotary engines produce significant crankcase pressures as experienced on conventional four cylinder engines ?
I did race a highly tuned Ford Pinto engine which required specific attention to reduce crankcase pressures, do Rotary\'s require similar attention?
Thanks
Chris
i am 100% convined that this is the rear main seal! it wont spray out of the seal but will trickle down the back plate and into the bottom flange of the bell housing.
Davehg,
Sounds like you have experience of this problem.
I can understand you view based on my explanation, but do you think this would creat sufficient oil and windage to account for the oil being spread across the cross member and screamer pipe etc.
Do you know if the seal readily available ?
Thanks
Chris
It should be easily available. Pip changed mine last time he did my clutch as a precautionary measure while he had the flywheel off.
Shaun
it really is supprising how little amount of oil can make such a big mess. there only about 10-15 quid and available from any of the tuners or even mazda. ive never had a sump leak on me yet that ive fitted.