Mindspin311

I was under the car the other day and saw some oil surrounding the oil return line off the turbo. Could this just be a bad gasket or something else?

here are some pics:

Mindspin311

anyone?

MARTIN

Is it fresh oil, or old gluey type...?

Mindspin311

Felt pretty fresh to me.

MARTIN

Make sure the ruber gasket is in good condition, and tighten the bolts. Have you removed your turbo recently?

Mindspin311

I havent touched the turbo. If its not the gasket, what could some other causes be? and where could I get a new gasket?

Mindspin311

up

RETed

That flex pipe rarely fails...at least in my experience, unless someone banged on it with a hammer.
It's most likely the flange is leaking.
Can you confirm the flange connected to the turbo center is wet with oil?
I don't think I can see it from your pics.
If it is, it's most like the gasket.

Now the bad news, on a Zenki 86 - 88, it is near impossible to access the two bolts to take the flex pipe out without removing the turbo.
I noticed you have a Kouki 89 - 91, and I dunno if you need to remove the turbo.

Please replace the gasket - this stupid gasket is one of the very few that is required and cannot just be replaced with silicone RTV.
Trust me, I tried.


-Ted

MARTIN

yes, if you dont want oil leaks everywhere, try not to use rtv for oil related items.. Now rtv ontop of a gasket is great. And yes I believe its easier removing the turbo than trying to mess with it in the car. I have everything removed and blocked off and it is still a mission to play with the return pipe.

Mindspin311

where can I get this gasket guys? It seemed pretty easy to get too, I could see the two bolts on the flange.

mr_vaughn

iTrader: (1)

www.mazdatrix.com

i just bought some last friday...

RETed

I've managed to RTV the other end of the pipe opposite of the turbo CHRA, and that worked.
I've also managed to RTV the other short pipe into the front cover with just RTV with no leaks.
Go figure.

That flex pipe to the turbo CHRA is the one I could never seal with just RTV.


-Ted

Mindspin311

I cant seem to find just the return line gasket, do I have to buy a whole set to get it?

full-cruise

iTrader: (5)

hey i just got the whole set of coolent gaskets that go around the turbo and i think those where $3.80 each.. if theres a dealer around ya go there. but they will have to order them for u.. and get both ends when ya do this

Mindspin311

Both ends as where it meets the turbo and the oil pan? Im probably going to stop by Mazda today. You think the gasket is different because I have a non-stock turbo?

homebrewer

Dude,
Wipe the area down with some solvent and then check after a couple of hundred miles.
I would bet you a case beer that the oil is coming from your oil filter when you remove and replace it at every oil change.

MARTIN

The oil filter couldnt be anyfarther from the turbo. So You OWE me a case of beer.
Make it Corona...

RETed

If you can't find it or think the $3+ for the stupid gasket is too much, go down to your local auto parts stores.
Grab some generic gasket material in sheets.
Put the sheet over the flange and gently tap the edges with a hammer.
Viola!
Instant gasket.
I would recommend to coat the two faces with a thin coat of silicone RTV - this helps with sealing.
Bolt everything up and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!



-Ted

Mindspin311

Thanks for the tip, Im going to talk to mazda and see what it will cost to get one through them.

And where is my beer, the filter is on the opposite side of the car.

hondahater

iTrader: (2)

I just bought gaskets from mazdatrix the other day and that gasket is under the exhaust gaskets so look there and it will be half way down the page. I have no idea why they put it there.

Mindspin311

Haha, maybe thats why.

Mindspin311

Im guessing this is it? "86-92 Oil Pipe At Bottom of Turbo"

hondahater

iTrader: (2)

yep thats the one. they use the same one for both ends.