2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Oil Leak

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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 10:39 AM
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Oil Leak

Hi All,
My '88 RX-7 has developed an oil leak.
The oil appears to be leaking from the upper right side of the block - just behind and a little lower than the alternator mount. There is a small low spot on the block where the oil pools and then runs off. It leaks about a 1/2 a quart every 100 miles. In the 3 years I've owned it - it had never leaked more than a drop or two. What do you think is the cause???
Ohhh, and since I've never needed to take it to a shop before - please recommend a repair shop in or near Long Beach, Ca.

Thanks, Gary
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 10:51 AM
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Uh oh. That sounds like a dowl leak.

Does the leak appear to be coming from between the housings? If so, then the only way to fix it is to disassemble the engine.
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 11:38 AM
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Yep. I think it is...
I wipe up the oil, start it, & within a minute the oil is back.
Where should I take it for repair??? somewhere close to Long Beach, Ca. I hope.
Thx, Gary
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 12:25 PM
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I'd try wiping it off (with the car off that is), and put some ultra black (oil resistant) RTV (or some other type of non-permanent sealant) on there, then let it cure for 24 hours (meaning don't turn the car on), and see if it still leaks (it probably will, but it's worth a shot). Unless it's a pressurized leak, in which case I wouldn't bother.

Of course, this is a band-aid fix for what amounts to open heart surgery if you were gonna fix it right...
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Valkyrie
I'd try wiping it off (with the car off that is), and put some ultra black (oil resistant) RTV (or some other type of non-permanent sealant) on there, then let it cure for 24 hours (meaning don't turn the car on), and see if it still leaks (it probably will, but it's worth a shot). Unless it's a pressurized leak, in which case I wouldn't bother.

Of course, this is a band-aid fix for what amounts to open heart surgery if you were gonna fix it right...
---
I like your McGyver approach. And then add the fact that I don't know dik about nuttin' what don't have pistonz. But hey - what the hell - it's my wifes car -
One way 2 find out without
---
So lets say I apply the ultra black & when I give it a go it leakz...
Is band-aid repair (stage 2) JB WELD
Thx, Gary
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 11:37 PM
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I personally wouldn't want to put JB weld on anything that will some day need to be taken apart, though... although it probably wouldn't hurt if it was a small amount.
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Old Jan 17, 2007 | 08:56 AM
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You won't be able to seal it with anything.
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Old Jan 17, 2007 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Aaron Cake
You won't be able to seal it with anything.
---
I'm sure your right.
Last nite I found two local repair shops:
Rotary Racing in Santa Ana, Ca.
and
Rod Millen MotorSports in H. B.
---
Anybody have experience could you rate either of these two shops??? Gud or bad...
I know I need to get 'r fixed. I don't want to take it to a hack.
Thx,
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