oil leak question

I've got an oil leak that seems to be coming from the top rear of the motor, around the Camshaft position sensor/distributor-ish parts and the rear of the valve cover. Is this common, and or likely to be a valve-cover gasket issue, or should I be looking more in-depth? Since I'm new to Mazda engines, I figured I'd ask for special things to look at before I just go and swap the top gasket and then find out I need to do it again along with other stuff. The valve covers are definitely torque'd down properly. Thoughts or suggestions?

It's common. CAI o-ring, not valve cover gasket.

The CPS/CAS has a simple O ring that can be replaced by removing the timing bolt and pulling the CPS out. If it is neglected to long it can oil the clutch. Look here for help: http://www.miata.net/garage/cas_seal.html

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Originally Posted by MadMerv

It's common. CAI o-ring, not valve cover gasket.

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+1, and check your heater hoses. My o-ring leaked and the oil softened the heater hose to failure.

You guys rock. I'll do it after work today. Might even make it to Willhoite's if I finish in time!

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Originally Posted by cone-cerned

+1, and check your heater hoses. My o-ring leaked and the oil softened the heater hose to failure.

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That's only on the 1.8L NA motors, not the 1.6L.

Although while you have it out there's a little rubber cap covering an unused water port on the head. Check it for cracks as it may need replacing.

RJ

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Originally Posted by channelmaniac

That's only on the 1.8L NA motors, not the 1.6L.

Although while you have it out there's a little rubber cap covering an unused water port on the head. Check it for cracks as it may need replacing.

RJ

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Sorry, I forgot he has a 1.6L. CRS is a B*tch.:(

This o-ring was definitely flattened, and the PO had tried to use gasket-maker to seal it in, to minimal avail. Cleaned it up real nice, put in the new o-ring, and I'll drive it around some tomorrow to see if that was the only leak. I sprayed some orange degreaser all around/below that area after it was back together, so I'll rinse it in the morning and hopefully have a better idea of the leak situation(s). I think I'm gonna go ahead and pull the valve cover and do that gasket this weekend, as it appears there is a lot of gasket-maker on that thing. I'd rather drop $25 for a new one and know its done right. Plus, I can do a little painting on the valve cover too. :) Any recommendations on paint for that valve cover? Does it need priming/acid etching?

Be lazy like me and buy a powder coated one from Trackdog: http://www.trackdogracing.com/
Or there is a thread on Miata.net about painting: http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...am+cover+paint
It sounds like you are going to have that car raring to go this season.

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Originally Posted by OZMDD

I think I'm gonna go ahead and pull the valve cover and do that gasket this weekend, as it appears there is a lot of gasket-maker on that thing. I'd rather drop $25 for a new one and know its done right.

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You will need some gasket maker stuff too, for where the corners where the gasket goes up and over the camshafts. You put just a little there to insure that it won't leak.;)

Got it. I have the Haynes, along with all the great DIY's on these forums! :)