Oil collecting around the sump?

[Jimmy No Hands]

Went to view a local UK model today, which drove very well, I was extremely impressed. My only concern was the fairly oil covered sump. It looked pretty fresh. Are sump leaks common on these? I don't know much about them as this is my first real venture into one. The sump didn't look particularly accessible due to the sub frame being in the way.

Are there any other potential areas that it could be coming from? Just wondering how much of a job it could be some time down the line, it's the only thing putting me off the car at the minute. Seller says it isn't excessive, but I'd rather be certain.

[MX-5 Lazza]

More likely that it was the can cover gasket and/or CAS O-ring leaking. Clutch slave cylinder is a 3rd option. Sumps don't usually leak.

[Jimmy No Hands]

Would the cam angle sensor leak collect in that area? Didn't seem to be the cam cover at all. Thank you for the help.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Either would leak down to the sump. Cam cover leaks especially can look pretty innocuous at the top of the engine with just a trace of oil but bad underneath. CAS o-ring (I'm assuming it's a Mk1) can also leak quite badly and that usually leaks down the back of the engine, around the bell housing to the sump area.

[Oldandslow]

You say all over the sump. Could it be coming from the front? Crank oil seal possibly. Leaking sump drain plug. Left overs from recent oil change. Was it a coating or forming drips?

[scrwright]

all over the sump or just rear? Could be front crank seal leaking if all over. Also could be front of cam cover leaking down inside the cam belt area & down to the sump

[Jimmy No Hands]

Just the front of the sump really. From bottom edge of the block down. It's just very very grimy, and the oil collected on the undertray looks fairly fresh. I'm going tomorrow for a better look, but until I can clean the underside and have a proper look I can't really be sure. Looks too thick to be over fill.

Thanks for the help, I'll check the aforementioned possibilities.

[scrwright]

sounds like it could be front crank seal, you can only really tell if you take the cam shroud off which is a pita to do quickly. Check for end float on the crank & any play on the front pulley, if it is a 4 slot front pulley (early 1.6, don't think they were on UK cars but check anyway)) be very careful, could be signs the crank keyway is worn

[Jimmy No Hands]

Car is a 95 UK 1.8