i just got an 86 rx7 GXL the only thing wrong with it is when its started and running it sprays oil from somewhere on the front of the engine, what could cause this? i have not seen for myself where the spray comes from because im afraid to start it because i dont want to damage the engine, any help please?

 

check around the front cover where the front cover bolts to the engine. If the leak is on the passenger side, check the oil metering pump. Also look where the oil cooler line attaches to the front cover. I think its on the front lower driver side.

 

I'd bet oil cooler line.&nbsp Nothing else is really high pressure enough to cause a spray in that area.


-Ted

 

i cant find the leak anywhere, im going to get some oil and start it up then look. oh yeah, should i put oil or atf fluid in the plug holes before i start it? its been sitting like 4 months.

 

Also, don't rule-out the possability of a cracked oil passage...

 

i've seen oil spray out of the dipstick tube if it isn't in all the way

 

called the mazda dealer they said it was the front seal or something in the front, i cant rember, and that it would cost about $325 parts and labor sound right to you guys? i dont know a whole lot abot rotaries yet but im learning, thats why i want to know what this is and how to fix it so i can prevet this kind of thing from happening again.

 

most likely, the oil cooler lines as Ted said.

They always end up leaking up at the couplings. You can get nice ones at www.mazdatrix.com if that's the problem.

hugues -

 

you could probably fix it yourself for less than half that amount if you take the time to study and learn about what you are going to do. Most things on the rotary engine are similar to a piston engine, until you get inside the engine itself. But things like water pumps, manifolds, distributors - very similar, and really simple once you are familiar and confidant enough to work on it your self.

give it a try!

 

i want to try to do it myself, and i was wondering what the best book would be, and where i could get it?