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While doing a clutch replacement (NB), I'd like to stop an oil leak from the rear of the engine. It seems that it may be from the sump/seal retainer joint rather than from the oil seal/crank.

Can the rear oil seal retainer be removed without lowering the sump? Or is the retainer encased by a lip on the sump lower half moon?



Thanks in advance

I don't know about NB, but on the 1.6 I removed the retainer after I had pushed the main seal in too far. There is only a rubber crescent deal between the retainer & sump. Here is a pic of the retainer showing the slot that holds the crescent seal. REMEMBER THOUGH, THIS IS A 1.6 NA. I'm not sure about NB, but I'm guessing they're similar.



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We just pulled an NB8B apart, and the sump was glued on. The half moon seal would have been possible, but very tough, to remove without dropping the sump... And it would have been impossible to reinstall without resealing the whole sump.

Bear in mind this was an NB8B with MBSP all glued on with aftermarket RTV silicone. YMMV for a car with OEM sump seal still in place, for for earlier model bottom ends.

I had no chance replacing the seal after removing the plate on my 1.6.
You have to remove the sump and reseal it all to do that correctly.
Looks the same in those pics.

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I'm told (by an expert) that sumps on different MX5 models are sealed in different ways by different combinations of sealants(s) and various sizes, shapes and types of gaskets. Bearing in mind the hassles of dropping the sump, having a workshop manual and making certain you have all the right materials might be a good shout.

Are you suspending the motor and dropping the K frame or taking the motor out in order to get the sump off?

RS2000,

my NB was leaking from that location.
I gave it a very good clean with brake cleaner, removed any loose stuff and then glooped it up with the appropriate sealant.
Has been perfect since.

See here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=58668&start=52

Thanks for all replies,

So Beavis, you didn't remove the retainer, just appllied sealant to the outside of the joint ?
What sealant did you use ?

Cheers

Correct, I only replaced the rear main, I did not remove the retainer (because of the significant effort to remove the sump)

Mazda Grey Sealant. looks like this:

Cheers Beavis, excellent - it's certainly worth a try because it's not a major leak.