Word of advice

[MR2BOY23]

If you notice a leak from your rocker cover, get it fixed asap !

Had a leak from the back/left side of the rocker cover for about a month now, chose to ignore it as it didn't seem that serious. Turns out it was leaking directly onto to the alternator causing it to fail Just changed the gasket and had the alternator rebuilt.

Thought I'd post this up so people can learn from my mistakes

[2Seat_Terror]

Been there, done that.
Also, don't spill any oil when topping up...

[iOnic]

Common SW20 thing. Can also leak on your exhaust and catch fire

[DuCKy!]

and had the alternator rebuilt.

ouchies huh
hope i do not ever have to touch my alternator again.

[numbers]

Buy a parts car for cheap

[Benckj]

Another common problem which can be avoided if you search. Most people who replace the alternator never think about why it has so much gunk around it. Its only a symptom of the oil leak problem. Hope others will check and repair.

Others you may or may not know about;

> distributer oil leak
> sway bar bracket mount.
> weak drop links and strut bracket
> ground /chassis wire checks
> throttle cable fraying
> valve cover gasket (outer & inner)
> speedo drive
> window regulator fault
> door wiring loom fault
> electric antenna
> T-top leak
> 3sge oil starvation
> coolant flush
> rad pipe bracket fault
> speaker/HU failure
> manual tranny oil & shift bush(s)
> LHR brake caliper sticky
> park brake cable
> PS relay fault
> Paint clear coat

Sure I missed some -all easy fixes if caught early enough.

[JasonFriday13]

And the O2 wire melting on the exhaust causing it to short, I've now fixed two cars (both 3sge MR2's) that had this problem. The clip on the connector can break, so I just cable tied it to an intake manifold brace, problem solved.

Edit: Not a problem on turbo models.

[Benckj]

Haven't heard of that one^^ before. Best check and tie mine up.

Thanks for the heads up.

[2.R.M]

Yea. i to also have a leak from under the distributer, took it to the workshop and he reckons i should wait untill my cambelt is due (5,000 kms)

Best to attack it with the motor out etc trace it back, it is indeed quite a big leck, i have to top up every few weeks 250ml or so, just to keep oil toped up

this may cost me just over $1000 to get done, however i would be doing a heap of genreal stuff too, like fuel filter, fuel leads, spark plugs, dizzy cap, oil filter, cambelt, o2 sensor coolent flush etc etc

you guys think $1000 would cover Fixing the leak, cam belt and all other stuff as above??

(leak is from the rocket cover i think.... not the turbo lines cheeked them)

Input would be nice guys, even someone to maybe help me install all the maintance stuff to keep prices down lol would be premo.

I have a mate at BNT that can give me all of the above for cheeeeep

[Tronic]

The oil seal in the distributor is shot.

If fact it is now well shot in every SW20 MR2 out there now unless it has been replaced.

Disty comes out real easy, it's a specialised job however to replace the oil seal.

[98beamsmkII]

Electrolytic capacitors in the ECU.
Caused failure to idle when cold and miss-firing in my 92 auto.
ECU error code was #14

[Jacz32]

this post reminds me of the time that my oil filter was leaking onto the exhaust and every time i drove it all you could see is a cloud of bluish smoke coming out of the rear vents. no one on the road would drive close to me lol. cars behind keep keept at least 3 car length away. pretty embarrassing during red lights though.

[War1ock]

The oil seal in the distributor is shot.

If fact it is now well shot in every SW20 MR2 out there now unless it has been replaced.

Disty comes out real easy, it's a specialised job however to replace the oil seal.

Not really, $25 all up if you know how to use a bearing press and a feeler gauge. Rebuilt mine with a high temp seal now so will not be a problem for a while. Here is a link to the place where I learnt to do this can save heaps of cash.

http://gtfour.supras.org.nz/sw20%20distributor.htm

[Odie]

Eek.

Reading all this makes me feel like my car is suddenly going to turn in to a blue smoke billowing money pit

Who wants to buy it for parts when it does?