All:
After two tries, my mechanic (competent) hasn't been able to get my oil pan to seal... we're not talking a little bit of leak, we're talking a 1/2 pint of oil on the ground every time i park.

we're going to try a new pan, but he also mentioned that at some point Mazda upgraded/changed the motor mounts to help w/ this problem, and that mine might be the old ones.

Anyone heard of this or know what the deal is?

Also, any recon on either the Aspec upgrade pan and/or the reinforcement braces from Staffs or Gotham?

 

I havn't heard of motor mounts being a problem. Maybe your pan has a fracture or he just isn't using enough sealant.

 

i have a similar problem with oil leaking from the pan, but not as bad as yours. i'm going on my 4th time trying to get the pan to seal properly. i also got a new oil pan, but that didn't really solve the problem. i'm thinking about removing the subframe to allow for a cleaner reinstall and i guess using more sealant...anyone have any suggestions for any particular type of sealant?

have you tried getting rid of the gasket?

the biggest PITA is cleaning off the old sealant off the pan before reinstallation...

 

Clean off all the old sealant. Clean and degrease the surfaces well, including the bolt holes for the engine mounts. Install the pan with new sealant. Let the sealant dry 24 hours before adding oil to the engine.

 

Not sure how often this actually happens, but there's been told stories that if you don't clean the sealant out of the bolt holes, especially for the motor mounts, screwing in the bolts covered in sealant can cause pressure to build in the bolt hole and split the block, creating an unsealable leak. Just so you know...

The upgrade on motor mounts refers to the replacement of one of the mounts with a cast iron unit as opposed to the stock aluminum. I've worked with both, and they are virtually identical as regards their dimensions, so I don't think they matter much wrt oil sealing issues.

Do what Damon said. He bees da man (well, ONE of 'em, anyway )

 

I have never had a problem sealing oil pans...I have seen many cars with the oil pan that is leaking, it turns out to be something else.

 

Sure it's not the rear output shaft seal leaking and running across the oil pan flange?

 

Mr rx-7 tt,

Rotor_Dee (Demetrios) had a look at it when he was tuning my car, and confirmed that it is the pan/mounts.

Everyone seems to have their own technique for sealing these (his was to use a TON of sealant and no gasket), your best technique greatly appreciated!

 

How was the tuning? Was it for PFC?

I need to get PFC tuned but DEE is not very good at replying to anything.

 

little secret...shhhhhhhh

http://www.nopistons.com/forums/inde...howtopic=30113

 

I saw a page where the technician used a sharp punch and dimpled the block surface and the oil pan. I did it this way and have not leaked a drop in 5K I would let it dry overnight for sure. Inspect the pan and keep it if it looks good also inspect the block surface for problems. Clean clean and tight motor mounts.

 

might want to check the pcv system is functioning properly. dont want any pressure to build up in there

 

The oil filler neck is vented to a JAZ catch can w/ filter.

 

Ive read if the pan is just a little warped your S.O.L. your just better off buying a new one. To check this get a piece of glass, or miror and place your cleaned pan on the surface. (seal side down) Youll see right away if your pan will seat flat or not. Even if its alittle off your going to have a leak, no matter how many gaskets you use.

 

I worked in a dealership for 20 years as a tune up and drive-ability tech and once someone has had a crack or two at something and has not been successful it was my feeling to pick another tech to take a crack at the problem. Sometimes even with basic repairs one tech will have been told to do something just a bit different and on this application it wont due.

 

http://www.a-spectuning.com/

These guys have a custom pan and O-ring to help prevent those leaks. A little spendy but look nice.

 

I've had emails in to both guys at A-spec for over a week, no response.... i'm not sure that pan is well tested yet...