I separated the tranny from the engine and found the bell housing caked in thick oil on the inside. Behind the release bearing is an oil seal according to the Hayne manual. Could all this oil be caused by the failure of this seal?

The flywheel and engine don't appear to be as dirty, so I think that this oil didn't come from the engine. Here is a picture. I wiped away some of the oil on the bottom to help show the contrast between clean and oily.

I'm going to order the seal and try to replace it myself. I'm looking for some advice from anyone that's tried this. Anything else I should consider doing while the tranny is out?

The prior owner stopped up the bell housing drain hole with a wad of gasket sealant. I guess to stop the oil from dripping out onto his driveway. Cheap fix? NOT! All I could say is SHHIIIAAATTT! Because I just high pressure washed the engine. And when I pulled out the plug (before separating from engine) a bunch of water poured out.

 

almost every tranny i have seen looked like yours. i replaced the seals on my tranny before and on my 12a that i sold. hopefully it works like its describes and doesnt get crap all in the cluch. the 12a gasket was like 10$ from mazda took like 5 min to replace it...

 

I'm trying to find out what that huge rubber circle thing is under my tranny. It seems to drip oil out of it consistently.

 

It is covering an inspection hole. If the oil is thin then it is engine oil, if it is thicker then it is transmission fluid.

Now back to the thread starters questions.

That is a common thing. The seal is very easy to replace. You buy a gasket and a seal.
Other things to consider while the transmission is out. Rear extension housing seal. Transmission mount. Famous for seperating.

Rear main engine seal even if it is not leaking. How many miles on the original?
Did you remove the transmission to replace the clutch?

Service the transmission fluid if it has not been done in the last 50k or 5 years.

 

Not to jack the thread but im doing a refreshing to my tranny while its out also. What exactly is the rear extension housing seal? Where can i get a new tranny mount cheap? And also what gasket do you mean to replace with the seal? Sorry im just a little confused and not the best with trannys. Thanks in advance. - Nick

 

Every transmission I've ever dropped from any kind of car has had a wiggly input shaft. The result of the shock loads applied to the clutch, and the reason that I operate my own clutches with some care and consideration. If the shaft is wiggly then the seal is bound to leak.

 

seal is easy to change, but you have to get the gasket as well, it helps set the endplay of the trans.

 

I had my rear seal replaced a couple months ago and still leaks like crazy......what else can leak engine oil out thru that inspection hole?

 

Anyone else want to hijack this thread?

Rear main engine seal!

 

The stationary gear o-ring.

 

Damn jeff you typed it before i could. But like in the questions i asked before.....what gasket????????

 

Whoops... sorry guys.

 

http://mazdatrix.com/g3.htm

 

Thanks rx7doc, i haven't been on mazdatrix in awhile. Im going to be getting those parts while the tranny's out.

 

mazdatrix has given me good service always. if you will want a tracking number, put a request for it in the comments section during your order. Since I'm in Cali, I get my stuff usually in 2-3 days.

they once sent me the wrong air filter for a 12A instead of my 13B. then instead of me returning it they just said keep it and sent me a 13B air filter.