1980 Mazda RX-7 with 117,000 miles has developed a major oil leak in the front of the engine. The fan blows it around the whole front surface of the engine. The car had been sitting a long time and I changed the oil and started running it alot when it seemed to develop. I suspect the main crankshaft seal but could it be something else? I need some feedback such as the cause, and the approx cost if it is the crank seal. I live in Rockville, MD and would take suggestions on mechanics. Thanks for any help. Rob

 

I've had good luck fixing oil leaks caused by leaking engine gaskets in my 84 GSL by adding Engine Oil Stop Leak with oil changes. Gasket leaks are fairly common in rotaries, especially when the car isn't driven for awhile. The stop leak softens up and expands the gasket material, in many cases stopping the leak (some of my RX7 friends have tried this also and reported good results). You might want to clean up the engine and pinpoint the leak, it might be the oil metering pump lines, which are easy to fix. If all else fails, you can always try the epoxy method!:

http://img122.exs.cx/img122/9840/blockscrewed3zg.jpg

 

Thanks for the advice. Any specific Oil Stop Leak product? I epoxied a plastic nipple of a vacuum hose yesterday! I will hold on to that glue for the next job. Rob

 

I used stuff called "Engine Stop Leak for Brown Engine Leaks". It comes in 16 oz. brown plastic bottles. I get mine at Walmart, but I've also seen it in car parts stores. This stuff worked for me, but other equivalent products are probably just as good.

Good tools for your in the car tool box: Epoxy, duck tape, hammer, brake fluid, long jumper wire to activate the fuel pump when your rear ignitor goes out, cell phone.

Ray