Actually I'm thinking about selling my car and saw a website that it was a bad idea to buy 3rd gen car that leaks oil. Mine has been leaking oil for years. About 2 years ago I had KD Rotary put the oil pan back on my rebuilt motor in hopes of stopping the leak. Well maybe that worked for a while, but I have oil drops on the garage floor that have accumulated since then. Actually it was getting to be a mess, so I just cleaned it up. Once in a while I do notice a bit of smoke coming from the front of the car. It must be oil dripping on the exhaust.

So is an oil leak the sign of a potentially extremely expensive fix and that is why it is to be avoided?

I've spent a lot of money on this car over the years and don't want to put a lot more into it anymore. This is why I'm thinking about getting rid of it. Do you think a oil leak will scare off potential buyers or mean a lower selling price?

 

Anything wrong with any car is going to scare off potential buyers. Do you really want to spend money to buy something that's going to be a problem?

As far as the leak, it could be something as simple as the turbo oil return lines. Those are prone to leaks. When you notice the oil drops on the ground, are they in the center where the car was parked or off to one side?

 

It really depends where it is leaking from. LOTS of FD's have leaky oil pans and it is nothing more than a nuisance.

 

could be the oil pan, could be the turbos, the latter is a major problem, the first can be fixed but will still cost you, could involve the motor mounts,etc. Compression and diagnostic(boost test) was the most important for me.

 

thats strange... fixing the oil pan worked first time and after 2 years its leaking again? That seems too soon.

Also, you see smoke from the front of the car and think oil is dripping on to the exhaust system?? I think thats unlikely situation. In order for oil to drip on to the DP, it has to come from the turbos.

I would check your turbos for any leaks. Maybe from the oil lines.. Did you get it rebuilt by someone?? If so, they might not of put the copper o rings on the oil lines... or your turbo is shot.

Either case, excessive oil leak in any car isn't good... It will definitely lower the cost of the car. It might be worth it for you to get it fixed.

 

Mahjik, I have had one now for 1-1/2 years, and the previous owner for about 2 years. It is usually in the middle of the car. We think it's the oil pan, and figure the cost to fix it is not worth it... There's nothing wrong with the engine or anything (at least I think), so it's more of a nuisance. Anything I should be worried about too? If it's the turbo oil return lines, is it a hard fix?

Sorry about the thread hijack, oilleak, but back to your question, I don't think there's anything wrong with having an oil leak and trying to sell it. It's pretty common, mine has it, and if I sell mine, the buyer will be informed of it, and I'll tell them that I've had it for a number of years, and it hasn't affected anything...

 

Or it could be leaking from the front cover. Expensive fix.

 

Mine leaked from the pan when I put it in for about a month. very little though, maybe 3-4 drips overnight. and then one day I didnt notice fresh oil on the ground anymore, hasnt leaked since. and yes the correct amount of oil is in there.

 

Mine leaks from everywhere.

 

The turbo oil return lines just usually need a new gasket, but it's a PITA to do (not for everyone, but those with little patience ).

Here's an older thread about it:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/arrrrg-primary-turbo-oil-return-line-gasket-346470/

 

The largest oil spot did seem to be towards the center, but there also smaller spots spread to either side. I taped a oil absorbant pad to the floor after the cleanup, so I can check to see where it is coming from tonight.

Actually the last time I topped off the oil, I saw a drip trail going all the way to the back of the garage.

 

Dunno if this helps any but my oil filter pedestal leaks a bit. The oil goes down the side of the engine and collects on the cross member, and it drips from there, so it looks like the leak is from the center of the engine. I would recommend cleaning off the engine and crossmember, then take a drive. When you get back, take a good look around the engine and see if you can see where the leak is comming from.

 

When I checked last night, the spots did appear to be more toward the passenger side of the car which would more likely be the turbo oil return lines.