Engine oil leak through exhaust

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

 Hi everyone,

I have an oil leak in the engine - somewhere - and the oil gets burnt through the exhaust when I start the car up in the mornings.

What is the most likely cause of the oil leak?

I’ve been driving it around for a while and topping up the oil often to keep it going. I leave it run for a few minutes while it calms down from 1500 to 1000rpm before I start driving - otherwise I struggle to get up hills even in second gear.

Is it a job I can do myself (considering I did change the cam belt once)? I’m a DIYer and followed an Mx5 manual to do it.

Any ideas how much it would cost or how long it would take to fix it?

Thank you.

3

Probably valve stem seals or piston oil control rings. Both are long winded and expensive jobs to put right.

Given the apparent lack of power when cold it does sound as though compression could be a problem which reinforces the worn out piston rings theory.

4

It’s probably cheaper to get an engine from a scrapper. Someone like Autolink who has a good reputation in the MX5 community, can supply.—

By the way, I like your thinking on the colour scheme, mines Chaste White under Mariner Blue

5

That sounds nice (the colour) - do you have any pictures?

And thanks for the advice - I will enquire with Autolink.

6

Oh yes, I’ve got hundreds…don’t panic here’s a taster from last years owners club calendar November—

7

Must agree with niggle valve stem oil seals or oil control rings, but have you tried cleaning out the engine breather it my be blocked and causing crankcase compression ie back pressure which will no help you oil consumption.Try taking the oil filler cap off whilst on tick over do you get a bluey smoke out of the rocker cover if so its more likely your engine is goosed.

Alan

8

As a last ditch attempt you could try dropping some Redex down the spark plug holes on a warm engine and leaving overnight. If your piston rings are gummed up it might loosen them up and restore some compression.