Smell of oil inside the car

[Randy]

Hi folks, think I might need some help with this one..

So I FINALLY got my car back on the road after being off for about a month, but I noticed today there is a distinct smell of oil inside the car when I come to a stop.
I got out, and checked underneath the engine for leaks, dipstick level, oil cap, and I am going to check the filter now shortly. All seems fine, and I can see no evidence of oil spillage. Around the the engine is bone dry.
I serviced the car before it went off the road for a few weeks, but it had made a round trip to Galway that weekend, and the smell was not there.

Any suggestions welcome on this. I don't want the car to blow up with me in it..

[Randy]

Oh, and there's also no excessive smoke coming from the exhaust once it's fully heated up.

[Randy]

Update: I just checked the filter after it cooled down a bit, and it was a bit loose. Tightened it up and will take it for a good drive tomorrow to see. Here's hoping.

[650Ginge]

Have you check the boot around the gearstick. Probably the turrent oil coming through it.

[leamyj]

Have you check the boot around the gearstick. Probably the turrent oil coming through it.

+1

[Randy]

So it still smells this morning..
How do you check the boot? Just take apart the gearstick and look around?

[leamyj]

Dismantle the casing around the centre..screws under the ashtray and inside the center piece box, also left and right of the centre dash panel..easy job!

John

PS..I'm assuming you've a mk1 or 2? Dunno about the make up of the mk3..

[Randy]

Yeah mk2. I had the center console off about a month ago, so I know how to dismantle it easily enough. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't confusing myself.

[650Ginge]

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/gearlever-shi ... -1111.html

[Randy]

So I discovered that this smell is coming from my diff housing this morning... The smell is stronger when you stand outside the car.
I have also noticed a "knocking" sound coming from the rear passengers side often when driving the car. So this morning, I got underneath it and noticed a very slight bit of play in the rear passenger drive, and some oil drops coming out of the diff on that side.
Anyone got any idea how to fix this? Sounds like an oil seal gone, or the drive isn't connected properly, or it came loose.
Note, the housing was recent replaced, and had been driving fine for about a month before I noticed this.

[MX5Spares]

Any possibility the halfshaft carrier bearing is gone as the oil normally wont leak if the bearing is good. We have diffs cheap as it cost too much to replace bearings and labour also .Check the diff oil level and shake the drives up and down to check for excessive play 086 8226506

[Randy]

Any possibility the halfshaft carrier bearing is gone as the oil normally wont leak if the bearing is good. We have diffs cheap as it cost too much to replace bearings and labour also .Check the diff oil level and shake the drives up and down to check for excessive play 086 8226506

There's only a little bit of play in the passengers drive, going left and right, not up and down. Driver's side seems good.
Are you on about replacing the whole diff? I wouldn't think of it as that serious..

[MX5Spares]

Well if there is play in one side and not other ??? There is a reason for oil leak unless you try a new seal but if bearing is worn it will definitely leak again as the bearings are carrying the diff itself and they are under pressure while you drive .more so if you are going hard. Standard 1.6 diff only 100e or 250e for LSD 1.8 086 8226506

[sidewaysreilly]

Seals are a known weak point.

[Randy]

Seals are a known weak point.

It's gone into the mechanic this morning after me having to replace the PS and alternator belts because the guy who had it before me couldn't even do that right.
I'll get them to give it a good looking over and see what they say. I'll keep your number on file, rob.