I blew the main seal the other day. Started leaking oil... and I hate leakers, with a passion. Not a big deal, just wordering if this has happened to anybody else? But since the tranny is gettting dropped I figure now is a great time to upgrade the clutch. Is anybody running around with a stickier preformance clutch?

I DO NOT advise getting a "racing" type clutch, as you need smooth, progressive clutch uptake offroad. The racing clutches tend to be "on or off", with not much controlability in between.


What would be good would be a double plate clutch.

anybody make a double plated clutch for the Sportage?

Given the Mazda origins, I think if you looked around you may find something that could be adapted, but I don't know of anywhere. More wishing/thinking out aloud.

It appears from browsing the FSM that real main seal is an external design. Which means you can replace it without pulling the engine or even having to drop the oil pan and crankshaft. But obviously the tranny has to come out plus remove the flywheel.

If you want that section of the FSM send me an e-mail at mjats@juno.com

no thanks, I got my mechanic doing it. I don't drop trannies! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />
After searching the net and my mechanic searched his data base we only found OEM replacements for the clutch. since I dont need a new one, just wanted to upgrade it while the trans was down, i'll be sticking with the stock clutch. maybe later <sigh!>

Update:: I told the my mechanic, to look at the clutch as it might be a bit glazed. Well he called me today and recommended changing it out as the Clutch, Disc and Flywheel, and throw-out bearing all show signs of extreme over heating.

(sorry for poor quality pic= cell phone camera)

Flywheel is fine, but the rest has hots spots and pitting.
I've been driving with manual shifters since I was 15. I dont think I could have done such damage to the clutch and not on other vehicles I've own in the past. I'm thinking that being that I bought the Sportie used maybe the previous owner rode the clutch in its earlier miles.

Any thoughts?

But serously, I'm not driving (and 4x4ing) any harder that I've driven, Jeeps, AMC Eagle, Sentra 4x4 wagon, Dodge Raider and Cherokees!