Miata Mailing List: August 1994, Message #146
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   From: kenw@netaxs.com (Ken Warren)
Subject: Re: Service Questions
   Date: Fri, 5 Aug 1994 06:43:58 -0400

At 01:41 PM 8/4/94 -0400, Gary Fischman wrote:

>> 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.

You forgot to mention releasing the pressure in the fuel lines, Gary. When 
you're working on the fuel system, you really should do this, otherwise you 
could squirt a small amount of fuel an unpleasant distance.

>> 
>> About brakes...does anyone flush their brake fluid?
>
>Yes. It made a dramatic difference in the brake performance.

You betcha; I flush twice a year. I *much* prefer a firm pedal when I'm 
trying to threshold brake into a tight turn on an autocross course.

>
>> 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.

For all you folks out there who are contemplating a track event in the near 
future, this is *very* important. Some schools that let you run your own car 
require that you have your brake fluid replaced within a set time before 
attending their event, and most of those that don't require it *do* suggest 
it. Having your brakes go away at 100 mph going into a turn will just ruin 
your whole week.
--
Ken
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           Ken Warren               E-Mail: kenw@netaxs.com
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Philadelphia Region SCCA Solo II schedule in flux. Stay tuned for further 
announcements!