Miata Mailing List: August 1994, Message #119
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   From: fischman@nynexst.com (Gary Fischman)
Subject: Re: Service Questions
   Date: Thu, 4 Aug 1994 13:41:54 -0400


> I located the fuel filter under the car in the back near the tank.
> Is this filter under pressure from fuel in the tank at all times?
> (can I just replace it by releasing the hose clamps and swapping
> in the new one or will all the fuel in the tank start draining while
> I do this?

That's what I did. I didn't have any difficulty. I used vice grips on either
side. No fuel came out except what was in the filter. Replace filter, remove
grips, start car, no sweat.
> 
> About brakes...does anyone flush their brake fluid?

Yes. It made a dramatic difference in the brake performance.

> Could I just suck up most of the fluid in the resoirvoir and replenish
> with new fluid (will this do any good or do I really need to flush
> the stuff that is in the lines out).  (gotta be careful to always leave
> some fluid in the resoirvoir when doing this or air will get in the
> system).

That won't do any good. You have to fully replace all of the fluid. The reason
is that brake fluid is very hydroscopic - it absorbs water. This in turn
lowers the boiling point of the fluid. You need to get all of the fluid
out so there's no more water.

> 
> What is the recommended manual transmission oil and limited slip diff oil.
> (I've got one)
> 
> Anything else I should do?
> 
> BTW- I drive with the top down whenever I can.  I am a real ragtop person
> as my first car was a 78 Bug Convertible (red), my second (and still
> my hobby car) is a 65 Mustang Convertible (289 4speed manual) and now
> I have the Miata for commuting.
> 
> Anyone out there have a real high milage Miata?  I'm going to be running
> a 20k per year pace with this car and I want to keep it a long time.
> I'm interested in hearing from anyone with close to or more than
> 100k miles.

Sorry. I only have 96K.
> 
> jeff
> 
> 
>