Visual inspection for oil leaks (Mazda 121 (3))

If the engine is oily and the oil consumption is high, you need to check where the oil is leaking. To do this, check the following places:

Open the oil filler cap and check the gasket for cracks or damage.

Check the tightness of the ventilation hoses on the cylinder block, valve cover, air filter or intake manifold.

Valve cover gasket.

Cylinder head gasket.

Location of installation of the ignition distributor flange.

Oil filter gasket. A Oil pan drain bolt and its gasket.

The junction of the engine and gearbox (gasket on the flywheel or on the gearbox shaft).

Since in the presence of leaks the oil spreads over a large surface of the engine, it is difficult to determine the leak location at first glance. When searching, it is recommended to work in the following sequence:

Wash the engine with special cleaners, which must be washed off with water after the action of these cleaners. Before washing, cover the generator and fuse box with plastic film.

Apply talcum powder or chalk to the engine joints and gaskets.

Note: In workshops, a special aerosol composition is used for this purpose.

Check the engine oil level and top up if necessary.

Take a test drive. Since the oil becomes more fluid when the engine heats up and flows out of leaks faster, you need to drive about 30 km at high speed.

Then inspect the engine with a portable lamp, detect any leaks and eliminate them.

The original text is published on Mazbook