MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Sandracer31 on May 27, 2023, 20:45

Title: Lost Oil
Post by: Sandracer31 on May 27, 2023, 20:45
I'm new to the group, I've had a route round but can't see what I'm looking for.

I checked the oil and there's nothing reading on the dip stick. There is oil pretty much all over the engine, below the rocker cover.

I've done a little research and changing the rocker cover gasket appears achievable on the drive.

Question is, is the ticket cover gasket the most likely cause of losing the oil? Or should I be looking for something else?
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: normanh on May 27, 2023, 21:00
Is the filler cap secure?

Norman
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Sandracer31 on May 27, 2023, 22:15
Yes filler cap is secure, no staining around the filter cap.

Just below the rocker cover.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Alex Knight on May 27, 2023, 22:53
Clean everything up.

Change the rocker cover gasket.

Check again for leaks.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Sandracer31 on May 28, 2023, 08:22
Sounds like the best plan. Will be at it Tuesday. When the motor factors is open to get a gasket.

Thanks for the responses.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: puma2 on May 28, 2023, 08:27
Quote from: Sandracer31 on May 28, 2023, 08:22Sounds like the best plan. Will be at it Tuesday. When the motor factors is open to get a gasket.

Thanks for the responses.

some are open Monday with short opening hrs
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Topdownman on May 28, 2023, 08:47
I would definitely start with a de-grease and clean up. Measure how much oil you need to get the oil to the right level and note the mileage.

Drive the car, see where the oil seems to be coming from and how much you are using before deciding what to change.

Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Carolyn on May 28, 2023, 09:31
While you're doing the cam cover gasket, be sure to clean the sealing surfaces.  Also, you might consider changing the chain tensioner O ring.  If you message me with your address I'll send you a replacement that is much better than the OEM one (which often doesn't seal properly).  No charge, courtesy of the club.

There's a 'how to' on doing the tensioner.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Ardent on May 28, 2023, 11:30
Quote from: Sandracer31 on May 28, 2023, 08:22Sounds like the best plan. Will be at it Tuesday. When the motor factors is open to get a gasket.

Thanks for the responses.
I got mine from toyota. No dearer than any one else. Sub £20 at the time.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: mr2garageswindon on May 30, 2023, 09:51
Is it leaking or burning the oil?
Have a look at the spark plugs.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Ardent on May 30, 2023, 23:26
Yes it's money.

But if non on the stick I'm tempted to suggest. Drain it. New filter. Add 3.7 litre.
At least then you have a proper starting point.

Than monitor very closely. Your guide is 1 lite per 621 miles. (1000km) Yes, I know.
As per owners manual.
Title: Re: Lost Oil
Post by: Alex Knight on May 31, 2023, 15:55
Quote from: Ardent on May 30, 2023, 23:26Yes it's money.

But if non on the stick I'm tempted to suggest. Drain it. New filter. Add 3.7 litre.
At least then you have a proper starting point.

Than monitor very closely. Your guide is 1 lite per 621 miles. (1000km) Yes, I know.
As per owners manual.

Perhaps it would be better to say 'maximum consumption' as opposed to 'guide' to avoid confusion?