Sometimes Life Throws You a Challenge

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
12/07/2018 at 10:55 • Filed to: WAY2BLU, Oil

Autocross is tomorrow. Noticed a drop of oil on the garage floor last night, and this is what my MR2's oil sump looks like. Blehhh. What can I do?

The car’s been running perfectly fine, no CEL and the dipstick oil level has been consistent since I added a quart 2 weeks ago.

So far I’ve texted my mechanic to try to book an inspection and/or repair if there are any openings at the shop today.

What do all y’all think? Should I still take the risk and autocross it if there isn’t time for an inspection? Seems like a very slow leak.

DISCUSSION (28)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 10:58

Well it’s a 20-something year old ‘Yota, I would recommend the ol’ shurg emoji dot pee en gee.

BeaterGT > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:00

Send it.

way2blu does a rev update > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/07/2018 at 11:01

Almost 30 tbh. Been doing hard 0-60 pulls onto the freeway every day for the past 2 years, and it’s never had any engine issues until this leak :P

The “Camry Engine” is super reliable, but is it worthwhile to push my luck?

atfsgeoff > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:01

First test the PCV system, then start tracking down your leak. With a clogged PCV, you’ll get random oil leaks all over the place that will not be solved by replacing seals until you get the crankcase pressure down. No sense chasing your tail until the root cause is determined.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:02

You’re right, I recommend more extreme measures: cardboard on the garage floor under the pan.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:02

Noticed a drop of oil on the garage floor last night

Is that not how you check that there’s oil still in it?

My garage floor looks like it has a disease from all the oil drops from my old vehicles.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:02

Unless it’s something catastrophic, no worries, get it fixed when ever you want to. I dove a subaru for 4 years that was about 2 drips a day and t he car didn’t use any oil at all.

way2blu does a rev update > BeaterGT
12/07/2018 at 11:02

“An engine-out service is 60% of an engine swap...”

^me, rationalizing the risk

way2blu does a rev update > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
12/07/2018 at 11:04

Hahaha, mine shares its engine with Camries (Camrys? Camri?) everywhere so this is a first for me.

That makes me feel a little better about this 29-year-old car.

way2blu does a rev update > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
12/07/2018 at 11:05

Funny enough, I already did that.

Problem solved!

way2blu does a rev update > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
12/07/2018 at 11:06

Will strong G-forces and high revs at autocross make it worse? Or am I just overreacting to a couple drops of dinosaur juice?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:11

If it was not leaking before like has it been wet for the last three years? I wouldn’t worry about it. If this is new and not coming from the drain bolt I would want to know exactly where it is coming from before commencing hooning. I would feel terrible if it was a crank shaft seal or front seal ready to blow and you are out there banging at 7k and she blows oil everywhere.

BeaterGT > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:12

What’s that old saying? “If the LS fits, swap it ”

way2blu does a rev update > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
12/07/2018 at 11:15

Very good point, I’ll still try to get it inspected today and see where it’s coming from.

I wish I could rev it to 7k... only goes to 6200 :( It’s definitely blow oil everywhere if I somehow got it to 7000 :P

way2blu does a rev update > BeaterGT
12/07/2018 at 11:18

I actually figured out how it could fit AND be CARB-legal.

E-Rod LS3 + Built Subaru STI gearbox mounted backwards + generous sawzall application to the trunk area = perfection

The LS would be backwards too so I’d have to run side pipes out in front of the rear wheels.

BeaterGT > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:20

What an abomination. I love it.

In all seriousness though, I wouldn’t worry about the drop. Just plan on resolving it before the next outing.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:20

My 2.0 mazda revs to 7k + very easily. Gotta clear the carbon out of the cylinder head.

f86sabre > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:53

The bottom of our 2005 Mini has looked like that since about a year after we bought it. Check the levels and you are fine. Odds are that 80% of the cars at the autox have bellies covered in oil.

f86sabre > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 11:54

The bottom of our 2005 Mini has looked like that since about a year after we bought it. Check the levels and you are fine. Odds are that 80% of the cars at the autox have bellies covered in oil.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > way2blu does a rev update
12/07/2018 at 14:20

Open headers with engine lid permanently removed.

way2blu does a rev update > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
12/07/2018 at 14:29

I’ll build you one better:

Flip the heads around, so the intakes are on the sides and it has an 8-into-1 shorty header between the cylinder banks.

Adjustable-length exhaust trombone out the top that’s like ITB intake runners but on the exhaust side. Tune the ECU to change the length based on engine RPMs so it always resonates perfectly.