oil leak at distributor

[mtbroadhurst]

Hope somebody can offer some sage advice. After replacing my thermostat, I noticed a small amount of liquid running off the top of the transaxle. Initially, I suspected coolant leaking from the thermostat housing. However, upon further investigation, I determined the liquid was in fact motor oil. I also found out that it was slowly leaking at the bottom of the adjustable bracket that the distributor is mounted on.

So my question is this: is there some kind of oil seal or something where the distributor attaches to the that bracket. If so, is it difficult for a do-it-yourselfer to replace? Does it sound like a faulty distributor? The car runs great and the leak isn't massive, but I want to make everything right and keep oil from collecting on the engine and transaxle.

Any advice?

Thanks!

[frets14]

This is an easy fix. There is an O-ring on the distributor. Remove the two screws that you would loosen to advance or retard the timing and slide the distributor assembly out. You'll see the O-ring. Remove it, take it anyplace they sell O-rings and pick up a replacement. I know about this because I just solved the same problem on my 95 Metro. I think it was an 18 mm, but I don't remember for sure. If you have the old one, it's easy to find a replacement.