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Where is my oil going?

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Old 05-15-2009, 02:57 PM
  #21  
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One thing you may check is the under side of the car after aggressive driving. I've seen an oil leak that was only under power which caused it to basically spray the whole rear of the car. Since it was only under power there was no puddle in the driveway.

Just a thought.
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Old 05-15-2009, 03:01 PM
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So there is NO smoke when you do a cold start?
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Old 05-15-2009, 03:11 PM
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One more thing... I do not have a Miata at my disposal right now, so I can't check, but is there anything above any exhaust component that could be leaking? I bet something is leaking onto the exhaust and burning off before it hits the ground. That way there is no puddle, no sign of the leak. Especially if it is a clean drop, and hits only the exhaust. That would also explain your smell of burning oil at stops. BAM!
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Old 05-15-2009, 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by FRT_Fun
One more thing... I do not have a Miata at my disposal right now, so I can't check, but is there anything above any exhaust component that could be leaking? I bet something is leaking onto the exhaust and burning off before it hits the ground. That way there is no puddle, no sign of the leak. Especially if it is a clean drop, and hits only the exhaust. That would also explain your smell of burning oil at stops. BAM!
I was thinking the same thing with the oil supply port on the CHRA like Sam said. If it leaks there, it could be burning off on the turbine housing.

May be time to pull heat shield and check.
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Old 05-15-2009, 04:22 PM
  #25  
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Curious and feel stupid asking in this point of my Miata career. What does CHRA stand for?!?

I just swapped in a Mazdaspeed PCV. Hopefully that helps. Also replace the PCV hose. Mine was 15 years old full of crunchy goodness.
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Old 05-15-2009, 04:27 PM
  #26  
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center housing rotating assembly

the "thing" between the compressor and turbine housing.


picture for visual aid added:

Last edited by FRT_Fun; 05-15-2009 at 04:33 PM. Reason: PICTURE ftw
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Old 05-15-2009, 08:50 PM
  #27  
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like i said before no leaks in the car at all. I just replaced the clutch so i inspected everything. The turbo set up only has like 600 miles on it.
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Old 05-15-2009, 11:27 PM
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Explain to me how you are so sure there are no leaks. Just because you "replaced every seal" does not mean that it is impossible for there to be leaks. If something was leaking onto the exhaust and burning off you would never "see" a leak.

You are right, oil has to go somewhere, and you have ruled out just about every realistic answer, so it's time start going back over some of them and making sure.
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Old 05-15-2009, 11:27 PM
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all aboard the fail boat, non stop to fail land, where I can double post all I want.
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Old 05-15-2009, 11:35 PM
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because the amount of oil i am loosing can not simply be a leak. I checked the CAS, Valve cover, and front main seal and the exhaust and all are dry. I need to try to put a catch can and see if the oil is collecting in it.
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Old 05-15-2009, 11:51 PM
  #31  
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You said the clutch was fine? Could be dripping out the bell housing's drain hole from the rear main seal, probably wouldn't see it until the engine's running and possibly only while moving.

Have you checked your horns? Maybe they're the problem. You should probably take them off and NEVER PUT THEM BACK ON.

I loose a little oil occasionally, probably about a quart every 3-4 track days, but I have a large amount of oil on the side of my engine, so that's probably where it's coming from.
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Old 05-15-2009, 11:55 PM
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Changed the rear main seal and the clutch last week. The front and back of the engine are dry. Horns are staying on the car.
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