Can't stop the oil leak

[mk1Miata]

Any surprise that there is no leak yet?

[exiledan]

just picked up my gasket and o rings...ae there 2 orings in there or one, and did you take the alt. off to get to all the bolts...im getting ready to do this same job tomorrow, any help would be appreciated...

[cooljess76]

2 o-rings and yes you have to remove the alternator.

[mk1Miata]

I replaced two o-rings and the gasket. I used a gasket prep that I got from work, but I'm sure that a similar tube of stuff is available from permatex. I took off the air box, the two caps on the idler and tensioner pullies (I'm not sure I needed to take off the idler). I took off the alternator belt, the alternator and the wires attached. I then took off the alternator bracket to give full access to the oil filter housing. The job was really not that hard. I used cleaning biscuits on my drill to clean the mating surfaces, and reassembled all with anti seize. I then re-read the instructions and couldn't remember which way I put the tube back into the housing and redid the job, just to find out I had it right the first time. I did not drop the oil to do the job as the oil was fresh-not too messy.
The job I did still holds, and the end of the month is coming up....time to go get my money back from the garage!

[exiledan]

awesome, yeah i fairly confident in my skills, but its always helpful to tap the minds of those that did it before me...thanks everyone...

[cooljess76]

When I replaced the gasket on my clubsport, I didn't know about the two o-rings. So I just ordered the gasket and when I took the filterhousing off I was like "oh crap!" So off to the parts store I went. Couldn't find an exact match for the orings so I ended up getting a pair that were slightly smaller in diameter, but almost 50% thicker. They stretched over the "bush" nicely and provided a very snug fit. After reading this thread, I'd almost advise doing what I did to ensure no leakage, lol.

[exiledan]

Just got done replacing the gasket and o rings, couldnt have gone better, started at 10 done at 12, nice and clean, no leaking, the old orings were square and hard as nails...wow, thanks to all who helped advise, gonna do half the job again next week as i have found out my altenator is not charging properly..thanks again to all.

[mk1Miata]

I received my $ back from the second repair, but the owner swears that he replaced both the o-rings and that one must be defective. I couldn't argue with him any more and let it end there.

[atlanta318ti]

nice write ups and appreciate the various experiences. I was thinking by my front seal was leaking but now know that I need to check further before breaking it down since it could be the oil filter housing instead (or possibly in addition). I'm almost at 190k miles and this is the first leak I've had.

[b.u.ti-ful]

I am looking at the filter housing job too.

Ordering the parts today.

It's too cold in my garage though!

[b.u.ti-ful]

BTW, if you haven't found it, here are the excellent instruction:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20854

[6speed ti]

I had the same problem thinking that the oil pan gasket was leaking. I replaced the two orings and the profile gasket for the oil filter housing assembly. Problem solved. The removed orings were flat and brittle. It is very important that you properly torque the mount bolts in the correct sequence. First snug them down then the final torque. The two middle ones first then pick one at either end then go opposite end crossing over then the next one next to that one then the opposite one at the other end. Just like bolting down a cylinder head or intake manifold on a V8 Chevy or Ford.

[pdxmotorhead]

I just did mine and when I put it back together I took a bunch of high res shots. Whats the best storage location? and should we set up a special no talk sticky thread to receive the instructions and pics?

Dave

[b.u.ti-ful]

A lot of people use flikr, photobucket and smugmug to host the pics.

I am half way into this job right now. It will be most of a day for me as I am slow. Happily, I got everything off without breaking anything.

Some notes:
Had to move the power steering res. to get out bottom alternator bolt.
Much prying needed to remove alternator.
Seems like the leak has almost nothing to do with the gasket, and everything to do with the O-ring/bushing assembly above the gasket.
Will use much anti seize on reassembly.

[b.u.ti-ful]

Quick question - I know some have stated using gasket cement of one kind or another, but I am pretty sure no cement is supposed to be used on this gasket.

I did not find any traces on the original gasket.

Anybody have an opinion on goo or no goo?