Update: Miata Help Needed

"IJustWantMyZBack" (IJustWantMyZBack) 08/07/2020 at 16:05 • Filed to: None

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Paging the Miata owners here. Recently installed a VDO oil pressure sender unit. Fired up the car and I have an oil leak ...but it doesn’t look like it’s coming from the sender unit. Instead it looks like it’s coming from a line right above it (see red arrow in first pic).

Any input would be appreciated. I need to get this car on the road in the next two weeks.

Looks like I was falli ng down the wrong rabbit hole. Started the car up on the lift (thank you QuickJack) and saw the trickle of oil coming from... The 19 mm banjo bolt on the back of the valve cover . A quick tighten with a box wrench it seems to have stopped. And before you ask, the valve cover was just off for timing belt job so I must not have tightened it all the way.  Fingers crossed that does the trick. Thanks for all your help! 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > IJustWantMyZBack 08/07/2020 at 16:30

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I would say welcome to the “just don’t let it run out” club, but maybe it’s an easy fix. Is there a gasket there? I’m not sure where that is on the motor based on the pic. I’ve gotta solve my Cyl 2 misfire before December to keep my registration current. Otherwise loving my miata!

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > IJustWantMyZBack 08/07/2020 at 16:41

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For something like that I would clean it off thoroughly (the spot in question that the red arrow denotes) and then idle the car and watch it. There’s not much to drip down from above on to it, you should be able to watch the leak.

If that outlet is what’s leaking I would try making a paper gasket, then if that doesn’t work RTV.

GoodIdeaAtTheTime > IJustWantMyZBack 08/07/2020 at 17:10

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Is it actual engine oil or “knock sensor goo” whi ch is common on NB M iata knock  sensors to leak. replace the sensor with an oem part. they all eventually leak, especially when they start failing.

Cash Rewards > IJustWantMyZBack 08/07/2020 at 17:26

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Im in the "clean it, check your level, run it a bit and see if it comes back" school of thought here. 

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > IJustWantMyZBack 08/07/2020 at 17:35

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No, that is not a turbocharger.

IJustWantMyZBack > GoodIdeaAtTheTime 08/07/2020 at 18:25

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It definitely looked like oil. TIL that  i s the knock sensor. I guess I need to check the torque on the pressure sender unit.