NB (1998-2005) NB Miata discussion within. In 1998, Mazda released the second-generation MX-5, production code NB, for the 1999 model year.

Leaking oil at back of head

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Old 06-12-2012, 05:08 PM
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Default Leaking oil at back of head

My 99's engine was rebuilt, but I've noticed I've had to tighten a few bolts here and there after the install. I'm leaking a tiny amount of oil at the back (pic is copied from the internet, but I circled the area).

From the pic, there's oil gathering around the at the bottom of the vertical bolt to the left of the round, bronze cap. (Sorry I'm lost in this area of the engine). The vertical bolts here are tight.

Anything else I can look at the try and fix it myself? I've done stuff like a coolant reroute, but I really don't want to do work inside the engine other than maybe removing the valve cover. I'm getting lazier with age.
Attached Thumbnails Leaking oil at back of head-oilleak.jpg  
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Old 06-13-2012, 12:20 PM
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If you had a CAS there I would say it needed an o-ring. I'm not sure what seals that area on a NB engine since it is different from mine. is it leaking around the brass plug?
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Old 06-14-2012, 06:44 PM
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I'm not quite sure, but possible. Even that horizontal bar across the brass plug has a light coating of oil. How's the brass plug locked in there? Is it just a matter of taking a BFH and tap it in?
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Old 06-14-2012, 07:48 PM
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From a buddy:
"that brass plug is actually not brass but there is an o-ring on it. remove the bolt holding the bar over it. and pop the plug out with a screwdriver replace and your good. or, if your in a pinch you can rtv it. i dont recommend this though as youll have to clean it up at some point."
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Old 06-14-2012, 07:48 PM
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Pop it out, new o-ring, RTV, re install. Those always leak.

Which water neck is that? I need to redo my reroute.
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Old 06-14-2012, 08:41 PM
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Thanks guys. Sorry hustler, not my pic. You can ask this guy, which is the first pic I found that I could steal.

http://westfieldmx5.devocht.com/pict...olant-reroute/
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Old 02-16-2013, 04:34 PM
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Necropost, but wanted to follow up. Engine's bone dry now. I removed the small bar that keeps the cap from backing out, but still wasn't able to pry it out. Loosened the two bolts at the top corners around the seal, and came out easy.

Thanks again SixShooter and Hustler.
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Old 02-20-2013, 07:32 PM
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I'm just glad it worked out.
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