Where is this oil leaking from?

sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:30 pm

Hi guys,

I put the car up on ramps today and noticed a nasty oil leak underneath. Any advise on where this is coming from, how to fix and is it serious?
(I am a girl so dont know a lot about engine things

)

Thanks Nicky [img][/imi/oilleak005.jpg/][IMG]http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/6786/oilleak005.jpg[/img][/URL]

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sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:38 pm

Having trouble with the image.

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:41 pm

hi Nicky,

Looks like the clutch slave cylinder which is a common problem. It technically isn't oil, it is clutch fluid which is the same as brake fluid.

The part would cost you around $50-$100 and the labour about the same. Any standard garage should be able to safely perform this.

You could do it yourself, but the hardest part would be ensuring the clutch fluid doesn't get air and you bleed it correctly.

Grant

mazdatenfive · Postby **mazdatenfive** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:45 pm

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/6786/oilleak005.jpg

Looks more like a seal from engine or gearbox.

aviper4u · Postby **aviper4u** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 4:46 pm

hard to tell from pic, could be engine rear main seal?

probably best to see what your local mechanic says or just keep an eye on the oil levels if you know how and live with it unless it gets worse?

cheers

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:00 pm

I'd vote for the rear main seal especially with all the oil under the bell housing.
Something I would look at quickly!

Although the clutch slave boot looks a little suspect. It would be difficult for the clutch fluid to migrate across and is not normally that black.

zossy1 · Postby **zossy1** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 8:24 pm

Degrease and pressure wash everything - then take it for a 30 minute drive.

Then look again.

Could be from anywhere. One thing is clear, it looks like a substantial leak.

sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:55 pm

Thanks guys,
I had the master cylinder and slave cylinder fully reconditioned in November. This leak is under the car and further back.
Nicky

olboy · Postby **olboy** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:38 am

3 types of oil in that area
1 engine oil - pull the dip stick and compare the oil
2 gearbox oil - gearbox oil has a very strong bad smell ( wipe it on your finger and have a sniff )
3 clutch fluid - look in the clutch resivoir to see what it looks like ( is it down and does the clutch pedal feel ok )

zossy1 · Postby **zossy1** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 8:44 pm

If you can confirm that it is not coming from the rocker cover or CAS, then this pretty much narrows it down to rear main oil seal or gearbox front seal I think...