Massive oil leak five minutes after starting

1986 MAZDA B2000
160 MILES
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DEREKFORREAL
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  • 2 POSTS
After installing a head gasket, (all went very well). I started motor, ran it for ten minutes, stepped to front of truck when idle was good, and there was a 4’x4’ puddle of motor oil under the truck.
Because I poured a whole quart of oil on my cam and followers after installing the head, I automatically figured I had blown a rear main seal. Pulled transmission and replaced pressure plate/throw-out etc., while I was going to be down there anyways and all went well again.
Started truck five minutes into it starting again, same as before. A 2’x2’ puddle of oil all over my poor driveway. I took a closer look at where leak was coming from, and it seems to be above the starter/oil filter area. Is this an oil sending unit maybe? (Oil filter screws directly into side of block)
Feb 7, 2018 at 2:42 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Sending unit is most likely. Unless it has the factory oil cooler, the gasket on those can fail and dump oil quick. Should not be hard to find a leak that bad though. I am guessing you verified it is not the valve cover gasket already?
Feb 8, 2018 at 6:13 PM
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DEREKFORREAL
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Yes I have sir. Thank you for your reply. Problem is similar to another persons on here so when I do find out I will post fix.
Feb 9, 2018 at 10:01 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 15,200 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
There is an outside shot it could be a fuel pump to head gasket, as I recall that engine has a cam driven mechanical pump. Give it a bath with a brush and Dawn laced water, then dust it with some baby powder or foot spray, start it and look for the oil streaks.
Feb 9, 2018 at 11:34 AM
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