240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

Hey,

So I just got the motor rebuilt and back in my car and I have been fighting leaks here and there. I fixed a few coolant leaks, but I had a large oil leak from the front of the engine around the crank . I Went through the trouble of changing the front main seal and I still have the major leak.

I am pretty sure my oil pan is leaking in the front, so now I am stuck with the task of re-sealing the oil pan. I know its pretty much impossible to drop the pan with the engine in the car, but would it be easier to drop the front subframe rather than pulling the motor AGAIN?

I am thinking about de-powering my steering anyway so this may be a good time to just pull the front subframe out and gain easy access to the oil pan.

Thoughts?

nicacus

iTrader: (7)

When I had to do the exact same thing I took the motor out.. It goes a lot faster the second time around, I had it out and back in within 5 hours or so. (that's what she said) Ziiiing

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

lol this would be more like the 4th time... Im getting real good at it, but its still just a long process

dustinb

If you have access to a hoist, air tools, and some extra people, then drop the subframe. Otherwise, way easier to pull the motor. Also, when you are doing all this, are you properly cleaning the metal off? There needs to be virtually no gasket material when you make the new one, and you have to make sure it's free of oil (oil above the lip too, if it's seeping down it will cause problems until the silicone has set). Also, make sure it sets properly! If it's too fresh it won't seal at all.

240_to_miata

iTrader: (2)

The surface was even decked by the machine shop. It was CLEAN. I just think that the rubber half moon wasn't installed correctly.