first id like to apologize for my ignorance, im new to this but i really want to learn and do this stuff myself.

i was under the car changing oil and just looking around tring to identify parts when i saw this (pictures below). it doesnt look new, there is nothing dripping on the floor but that side seems wetter. it looks like a gasket is leaking to me. im still waiting for my workshop manual to get here but id guess its turbo related. if someone could identify this area, is it serious, how hard is it to replace that gasket(assuming thats what it is)? my downpipe is coming today and with that precat out there will be alot more access to that area. any info would be great.

thanks a bunch guys.

BTW, im at work and shouldnt be posting or even on the net so if anyone has questions i might not reply till tonight. screw work i cant think about anything but mazda

 

How many miles do you have on your turbo's, the turbo oil seals may be going.

If not check your Y-pipe coupler, it also comes from there over time and if it have any cracks.

 

you might also check to make sure it's no accumulating there from another source.

 

Ditto to the previous replies...

My turbos leaked like that for a few years and I never bothered to fix it until I replaced everything recently.

 

turbos have 19k on them.

im not sure if this has anything to do with my possible leak but im gonna throw this out there anyway.....

i changed the oil and filter and flushed the coolant so i decided to run the car a bit harder.

the car pulls like a beast when i step on the gas in any gear but when i run 1st and 2nd hard...to about 6-7k, 3rd(at wot) just doesnt pull like it does if i step on the gas at a lower rpm in 3rd. im still waiting for my boost gage so i can offer any more info.

i guess my question is this....assuming im boostin properly, will 3rd feel the same if 1st and 2nd are run close to the redline as is does if i step on it at like 3k? i know this sounds like a really stupid question but being new to the car i dont have anything to compare proper working order to.

thank you for you time.

btw, i love this forum, with searching i learned i most liley need a new oil pressure sender i never would of been able to figure that out on my own.