Miata Mailing List: August 1994, Message #74
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   From: BILL.ALLEN@metrokc.gov
Subject: A Spin Story
   Date: Wed, 3 Aug 1994 16:45:57 -0400

Another of our chapter members has a tale.  This one is hair raising.  No, it's
not the one about the top's latches releasing at 60 mph in Diane's Miata, also
a true tale :-).  Linda was driving North, in the center lane,  on I-5 at 60
mph in her automatic transmission Miata.  Suddenly, the transmission seemed to
disengage, Linda's response was to give it more throttle and it went to the red
line.  Then the rear wheels locked up and the Miata's rear swung out to the
right.  Linda reacted with counter-steering and the Miata went into a 360
degree spin, hitting the median divider three times.  She said the car never
seemed like it would roll.  She and her passenger both had their seat-belts on
and were not scratched.  (I didn't ask about the airbag.)  The repair bill is
estimated at $8000.  A forensic mechanic is examining the transmission.  She
had been in to her dealer several times complaining of heat around the
transmission tunnel.  Her dealer said it was normal and typical of convertibles
in the summer.  He also gave her the mechanically-challenged, "stupid women"
routine.  Linda said you could not touch any part of the tunnel and some parts
would burn you.  (This is the second shoddy service report I've heard on this
dealer in the last week.  Prior to this, they've been well-regarded!)  My
speculation, at this point, is an oil-cooling problem, with the oil finally
burning and causing some sort of lock-up.  If I learn more, I'll share it. 
Anyone know of a similar circumstance?
Bill Allen