Leaks, gaskets and a rebuild.

[CaptainNate]

So it turns out I have a serious leak somewhere, not entirely sure where but there is a lot of engine oil on and around the bottom of the sump. I'm guessing the head gasket has gotten itself a hole.

Last time I was doing big maintenance I discovered the engine is a replacement 1.6, not my original 1.6 - so I have no idea what maintenance has been done to it in the past or how many km's the engine itself has done (The chassis/drive train is on 193xxx). This causes headaches for myself, because I like knowing what has been done to my beast.

This is my 2nd serious oil leak, first was the valve cover gasket. I am in the mind-frame to do a 'rebuild'. I want to replace all the gaskets, timing belts, sensors and waterpump. So essentially a 100,000km service with a few extras.

Not being mechanically trained (I changed my wording from 'minded' due to the fact I can generally figure things out for myself, but I want to play it some-what-safe when it comes to the heart), I'm not entirely sure where I should start with planning this activity. I've found a few ''gasket kits'' on ebay, and will probably go down the line of purchasing one of them unless I am told otherwise to buy everything separately. Apart from the gaskets, water pump and belts - is there anything I should be looking at doing? I don't have the largest budget in the book which is my main concern, especially seeing as I don't want to let this evolve in to a larger problem. I do know my radiator + fans will need doing sometime in the future as well.

Before someone says ''Take it to someone who knows what they're doing", I would rather keep her with me and learn while I fix it/get helped. The second reason I can't, is well - a large sum of money spent on a mechanic will most likely make me single and sad.

So basically - I've gotten myself in over my head and not entirely sure what to do next.

[corners]

Can you degrease the motor at all? It will then be easier to identify where its leaking.
If its low it could be the front crank seal

[CaptainNate]

I'll flick a quick message to my friend and see if he can do it before shes taken off the hoist, if not I might just shower myself in degreaser on the weekend.
Front crank seal also sounds pretty likely actually, I did the rear crank seal when I did my clutch/flywheel last Autumn and it wasn't in the best of nick - I'm hoping I didn't manage to put it in too deep? *sniggers*

[emily_mx5]

Please please please do not buy a $50 gasket kit off eBay.
It does not end well.
I made the mistake and had to do every single seal again a month after because nothing held up.
Got all mazda stuff and not a single drop since.

I recommend getting everything from mx5 parts uk, cheapest genuine stuff.
You'll need
2x front cam shaft seals
1x cas O ring
1x rocker cover
1x front crank seal

Off the top of my head 100k service is also
Spark plugs
Oil
Oil filter
Water pump + gaskets
Timing belt
Idler and tensioner pulleys
Tensioner spring



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[sailaholic]

Agree with Emily, genuine gaskets are the way to go. I used eBay evergreen ones for water pump, cam seals and valve stem seals but genuine valve cover and head gaskets, I've got away with it for 4k km so far but it's always in the back of my mind.


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[Mr Morlock]

Its far better to replace with quality products- forget the cheap rubbish on E bay which is an unknown quantity. It is a fact that Mazda in Aust have a certain policy for pricing i.e. they are not selling the same around the globe. If the UK guys are selling OEM items and pricing is right then go that way. On the subject of radiators I would buy an original or a known brand I mean internationally known direct replacement because it will fit and it will last 10 years. Why do OEM gaskets and seals last longer- because they are made to a spec- the Chinese specials can be made from anything with no testing and no proper control over formulation. Not everything non oem is bad but just get some advice on what brands etc are ok.