2004 MT. Got a new engine at 81,200, and just replaced the oil this morning at 82,2XX. Took off the oil filter and this is what I saw. Now why the hell would there be a huge gap between the rear iron and transmission? Did they forget a piece, or use an AT part on my MT? What am I looking at?

 

Finally found other photos of that area. There's supposed to be a block-off plate between the oil filter neck and engine lift hook. Not sure how I never noticed that before, but it just raises a bunch of other questions.

Why is that there? What is it supposed to grant access to? Is there supposed to be a gasket below it? What prevents oil from seeping around it and onto the clutch?

Reason I ask, a few hundred miles after my engine replacement, my clutch started slipping. And before I took off my old filter, I noticed it wasn't on tight and had dripped a small amount of oil onto the engine. A little too coincidental...

 

the guy probably forgot to put it back on.

 

From what I can see, it's bolted on with one of the really long thrrough-bolts behind the flywheel. Shouldn't this plate be on the engine from the reman facility?

 

I really want to say that's funny, but I feel for you. The transmission is supposed to be flush with the rear iron. Someone fcuked up pretty good, go back to the crap stealership and **** on them.

 

It's just missing the block off plate. Calm down and take it back to the dealer and tell them to put one on. You can see the plate here on my new motor.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9krpmrx8/6099928445/

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/uh-theres-hole-my-engine-wtf-199995/

 

Thanks, guys, that helps. It looks like that plate has a second bolt inside, behind the flywheel, on the 13b-REW. But on the RENESIS, there's just the one bolt on top. Can anyone confirm? If that's the case, I'll just order it and install it myself. It would cost more to drive the 2.5 hours round-trip to the dealership.

I'm still wondering why the plate is even there to begin with.

 

to make it look nicer + to prevent more dust going in + prevent dust inside from flying out + prevent idiots like you to question wtf is wrong with the design.

 

No ****. Why is the HOLE there?

 

Yes, just one bolt on top as shown in the pic above. Let me know if you need the cover and bolt.

 

probably to inspect clutch?

 

re-read, I already answered ur question.

 

PM sent.



I considered that, but it opens to the wrong side of the flywheel. I'm thinking there's a manufacturing purpose. I was just curious - thought someone here would have some insight.



No, you haven't.

 

.....................

 

In the early 70's the starter sat on top of the engine in that location. I'm not saying Mazda never changed the top design of the rear iron. They might have a new reason to have the plate.
Inspection access?