I decided to separate the engine and gearbox the other night.
Can of worms comes to mind!
The bell housing is full of gunk and engine oil.
There's pretty much zero friction material left on the clutch.
The clutch release and flywheel spiggot bearings are knackered.
and the flywheel is covered in cracks!
I think the source of the oil is the cam angle sensor, which sits on the back of the head just above where the engine and gearbox mate.
CAS seal leaks are very common on the MX5 and there's evidence that this one had a massive leak judging by the amount of oil below it. I think it had been working it's way into the bellhousing for quite some time.
Saying that, I'm not 100% sure the crank seal isn't leaking too...
Not sure what to do about the flywheel. I took it to my local friendly garage and they advised me not to put it back as it is.
I might be able to get away with getting it re-faced, but I am slightly tempted to replace it with a lightweight replacement
Just not sure funds will allow that!