Hi
I’m getting a big water leak from the bottom of this - crankshaft ?.
It seems to be coming from right out of the middle of it and literally pours out.
Recently changed the thermostat and gasket and flushed cooling system through as water was fairly dirty looking, then it overheated and i find this little problem !
I was thinking headgasket failure or maybe waterpump - theres no trace of sludge on the dipstick or oil filler cap and she runs fine apart from the water pouring out.
Hoses all look ok so its deffo something to do with this ? any ideas, would a waterpump problem show its self by leaking from here?
I’m not familiar wih the 5’s engine layout but could it be a core plug that’s popped out?
This can happen when an engine overheats and the result is that water pours out almost as fast as you can fill the rad.
I think its a fair bet that its the water pump, mine also started to leak after I flushed the system… It cost me £230 fitted with new cambelt and drive belts at Sam Goodwins.
I agree with the water pump diagnosis by Air_1.
It is located at the front of the engine in this area. Changing the water pump means cam belt removal I think?
Yeah i think so too.
Have ordered all the parts i think i will need and will be having a go at it myself.
I’ll probably follow the guide on miata.net garage section as it looks pretty comprehensive - any further hints or tips for timing belt changing would be appreciated though.
The Miata stuff is all good, but I would advise a workshop manual as well, the one from MX5 parts is the best bet, much more comprehensive than the Haynes version.
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/30
Stuck at the moment as can’t get the crankshaft bolt off ! Have wd40’d it over night so hope it might make a difference otherwise i’ll need to make a tool or something to stop it moving as i try to undo it.
Some info on a tool here
Got It off !
Wife to be had a good idea of pouring Boiling water onto it thru a funnel, and bobs your uncle it came off easy !
Got all the other bits off as well so just waiting for the parts to come now for refitting !!