I'm doing the oil pan leak fix and now I see that the car has a steel motor mount. As noted in many threads, the steel mount is missing the nib that presses up again the oil pan to assist with sealing, which of course is right where the leak is.

People have mentioned fabricating a spacer to sit in that spot. Does anyone have pictures or a description of what that would look like? Just wedge a bit of metal in?

(I know some people drill a new bolt hole but I'd prefer a less invasive approach)

Thx

 

???? There is nothing that goes between the mount and the oil pan. What are you referring to

 

From what I've read in previous threads, the original aluminum mount had a nib that pressed up against the oil pan lip. The replacement steel mounts don't, which causes the lip to potentially leak.

I think it's in this location on the oil pan where you can see there's an indent. This is mentioned a lot in oil pan threads but never seen a photo.

 

So mazda did away with the aluminum mount after whatever year. You're misunderstanding something. There's nothing on the aluminum mount that makes it better than the steel one and the sealing area is not a concern. The footprint of the left side steel mount is the same as the footprint of the right side steel mount. Why would the right side be fine be the left not? I've never heard of what it is you're referring to

 

It was this comment from banzai that got me thinking about this:

"This is true, the driver's side (aluminum) mount has a small "nub" on it that pushes against the pan. It takes the place of a pan bolt. On the steel replacement mounts that Mazda sells the nub has been removed. It is necessary to install a spacer sandwiched between the mount and pan to stop a huge oil leak."

This thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...mounts-488739/

 

If you install an oil pan brace you don't need to worry about it.

 

Ah... I see now. While a nice a feature I would say it's more of an assist than a required or critical feature. That tiny circle which was not carried over to the eventual steel upgrade is not making a big difference and is unlikely present for the sole purpose of sealing the pan in a particular location.

It's likely more so there for load distribution for the mount arm itself. The leverage on that cast aluminum arm is a fair amount where the steel one is of course stronger. A spacer or any additional equipment when using a steel mount in place of the aluminum one is not needed. Likely doesn't hurt anything being there but it's also not required...... like the AST 🤣

The pan brace is an essential upgrade regardless of what mounts you're using. I just think it should be noted that it's apparent purpose is not as critical as one would think as it pertains to oil pan sealing. This will alleviate the need to make unnecessary accommodations for something that likely does not serve or solely serve a perceived function...... like the AST 🤣🤣

 

Ah thanks for that info. I purchased the banzai brace so glad that'll do the trick (makes sense actually, duh...)

 

i used that style pan with a steel mount and had a leak, so in take 2, i drilled out that hole to 6mm, to match the rest and just used a bolt, like Mazda did.
the engine already has a tapped hole there, and if you bought a new pan i think it has a 6mm hole there too