My '98 1.5l, which I only have $100 dollars invested in, and which also has a salvage title and looks as if the high school shop class tried to rebuild it on a week that the instructor was absent, is now leaking oil at such a rate that I have to think twice before I park it somewhere so as not to do what might amount to criminal damage to property.

My questions are:

A. I can't determine the exact source of the leak(s) - are these notorious for developing leaks at any particular place (cam seals, etc.)?, and

B. Given my investment - and the fact that it has 155k miles - is it even worth the exorbitant cost of Mazda parts to try and repair it?

I'd appreciate your thoughts!

 

with only a salvage title, if you got the time, put it on ramps, block wheels , get under the car and have a look see, check oil filter and oil pan and trans (you said leaking oil, is it reddish colored?) tranny fluid is reddish in color. Again , only salvage title, prob bought someone elses headache. Is IT worth it to start this project? mind your wallet!! good luck

 

Thanks, Copierman. The leak is definitely oil. By the amount leaked, I don't think it's just the valve cover (by the way, does re-sealing it require a gasket, or can you use RTV sealant alone?). Besides the bottom of the engine and undercarriage being covered with oil, it looks like the area right behind the drive belts is wet, too, so I was wondering if there was some feature in that area that was well-known for leaking?

Again, thanks for any and all suggestions and help!

 

I fixed my oil leak! Less than $10.00! I followed the directions to remove the cam sensor cover and the underlying Rear Cam Seal... it practically fell out (though I did purchase the recommended "hook" tool). Repair was as described... easy! Leak is gone!

 

Thanks, Soniyajack!! That sounds (and looks) like a likely place to start, and I think I can justify the $10! You say, "Repair was as described..." - described where? In a repair manual? On this forum? I'd really appreciate hearing more!

Thanks again!