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Thread: Massive Oil Leak at the crankshaft Seal area H E L P ! 91 Miata.

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    Engine Builder Store69's Avatar
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    Unhappy Massive Oil Leak at the crankshaft Seal area H E L P ! 91 Miata.

    I have an oil leak right by the crankshaft seal area on my 1991 Miata,I've replace the seal twice and it's still there, so i decided on a new oil pump and the oil still spitting out... the Oil presure gauge is all the way to 90psi??? I Need Help
    What can be causing this leak?
    Thanks for any help ...
    Last edited by Store69; 01-10-2010 at 09:51 AM. Reason: 1991 Mazda Miata

  2. #2

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    Any chance that the front seal for the oil pan is the culprit? I'd guess this would've been changed at the same time as the oil pump, but doesn't hurt to ask.
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    Engine Builder Store69's Avatar
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    It's was Changed...

  4. #4

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    It's a simple setup so there can't be much wrong.

    First thing: Check the seal to make sure it's the correct one. There are a couple of different sizes depending on the crankshaft that's in place.

    After that: Are you sure it's coming out from seal area? Maybe the pump body is cracked? Did you silicone the oil pan gasket? Is the oil pan cracked or missing a chunk from the seal area? Is the crankshaft OK? If it's out of balance/bent you'll never get a seal to work.

    What work was done on the car just before the leak started?
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    Mr Miata Solutions Rogue's Avatar
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    Check the dipstick plug on the new oil pump.
    Its on the left side of the pump and is for FWD applications.
    Miata's have a plug in it, and it is virtually invisible unless you know its there.

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    A stupid question, but is there any chance the seal was installed backwards? Also, I presume the nose of the crankshaft was smooth, no groove worn into it?

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    Quote Originally Posted by cwisenheimer View Post
    My bet is on Rogue....
    Once Rogue has spoken, there is no need to offer any more advice.
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  9. #9

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    Did you figure it out yet? I too just replaced my cams seals and front main seal and I've still got a massive leak as well.

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    Engine Builder Store69's Avatar
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    No,still have the leak,the engine runs great but...
    I have a spare JDM B6 engine and I'm thinking about doing a straight swap...

  11. #11

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    Sigh.. I think I might be in the same boat too. This is getting aggravating. The car runs perfectly fine, except that you cant drive more than 20 miles without the crankcase draining. Plus the motors are so cheap its almost worth it to just swap the motor and save the hassle of another failed attempt.

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    Any experience on engine swap ? i got the JDM with a transmission still attach to it,i think i will replace both.
    any idea where i can rent an engine hoist ?
    Last edited by Store69; 02-02-2010 at 09:52 AM. Reason: miss

  13. #13

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    You guys talked to Rogue?? May save ya some $$$ and time!

  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by Store69 View Post
    Any experience on engine swap ? i got the JDM with a transmission still attach to it,i think i will replace both.
    any idea where i can rent an engine hoist ?
    I've not done the swap before, but it doesn't look too difficult. I think before I swap the motors I'll try to find some oil dye and see if I can trace the leak to its source.. since its dripping onto the crank pulley its just throwing oil all over the engine bay, I cant tell whats what. I guess I havent replaced the oil pump or any of those related gaskets yet..

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    Did you check the camshaft seals? Pull the valve cover...should be easy to see.

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    Engine Builder Store69's Avatar
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    I did the oil pump after the first leak,changed the seal twice,loosen the timing belt,ac belt and Alternator belt...
    and i still have the leak.
    Saturday i will start removing the engine,if you have time,stop by and we'll make it a Tech day LOL !

  17. #17

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    Ive also replaced the cam seals and front main seal.. no luck!

  18. #18

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    A good reason to say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Make sure you don't see any nicks or scratches on the cam shafts or crank shafts. Even the slightest scratch will cause the seals to leak. If you need something to press the oil seals in, go to Home Depot and buy a couple of coupling fittings for a pvc pipe in the proper sizes.
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    Engine Builder Store69's Avatar
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    And how do you fix or remove the scratches from the crankshaft ?
    How big of a job is it?

  20. #20

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    Not to be an ass but why not talk to Rogue first before you go through the trouble of replacing the motor? It has been suggested a couple of times. Swallow your pride and have him take a look at it. He does great work and is not in it to rip someone off. If it needs something done he'll tell you and then save you mucho money and time. If you have not done a swap before I would suggest helping someone who is doing one before you tackle it. It's not hard but time consuming and can be a pain doing some of the stuff. I'm glad I had Adam to help with the first motor and that Rogue did the second one for me.
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