Miata Mailing List: April 1995, Message #50
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From: "MIATA"
Subject: WEEKLY digest of "miata" mailing list (part 4 of 6)
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 1995 05:22:08 -0400
Subjects of messages in this digest:
====================================
Re: Painting Miata's Braces
overly friendly felines
re: warranties
Re: Heat shield service bulle...
Re: Gratuitous plug.
re:Top Down at 29 degrees
Re: Painting Miata's Braces
Most selling convertible in EUROPE
Re: Painting Miata's Braces
Re: Front License Plate Location
Re: Painting Miata's Braces (Mouth Grille)
Re: Most selling convertible in EUROPE
Ride of H, V, and Z rated tires
RE: Lousy factory radios et.al
cubbies 'n' such
A/C not working
Oil Filter
Re: Shipping your baby
Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
I've got the shakes
Re: Shipping your baby
Re: I've got the shakes
Re: I've got the shakes
Rick Hansen's Registry for Yellow Miatas
Shakes II
Additional sound systems
re: oil filter
Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
Re: police detectors
Re: Heat Shield SB
Re[2]: Shipping your baby
Tire pressures
Oil pressure
Redline MTL source in Baltimore
Storage
I actually use the black plastic face plate
400+ gallons
Re: Front License Plate Location
Retirement!!!
Mouth grill... what problem?
Water Wetter?
Re: Oil Filter
I've got the shakes.
Hippy Hippy Shakes
Chassis stiffening, Caterham 21
Re: 400+ gallons
Re: Front License Plate Location
Re: Retirement!!!
RE: Retirement!!!
Re: Front License Plate Location
Re[2]: 400+ gallons
OIL FILTER
Radios that will actually fit
Delurking with a barrage of questions.
Re: Delurking with a barrage
Re: Most selling convertible in EUROPE
Clearwater phone# ??
Re: Chassis stiffening
RE: Clearwater phone# ??
Re: Radios that will actually fit
Re: Delurking with a barrage of questions.
Birds
Re: Mouth grill... what problem?
Re:Heel-n-Toe
Re: Motor/Research Octane
I thought this was kinda funny
Mialites and Hella Horns!
DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid
An honest mechanic!
Sunbelt rentals - San Diego -
====================================
>From archive-owner Wed Mar 29 21:21:50 1995
From: jsimmons@ainet.com (Jim Simmons)
Subject: Re: Painting Miata's Braces
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 21:21:25 -0500
>The other day in the sunlight I was again taken by the fact that one can see
>a lot of shiny metal in the little "Sharkmouth" opening on the front of
>Miatas. It looks like BaBa is wearing braces because of all metal. The car
>has A/C, so the condenser is there, along with some other shiny brackets and
>tubes.
>
>Has any one tried to spray that stuff with a flat black paint? Would doing
>that cause problems with the A/C cooling or warranty?
>
>Tony Capoccia and the BaBa
>95 Red/leather
>Columbus, NJ
>Member MCA and Del-Val Miata Club
>
Tony--
Thats exactly what I did on our '92 Classic Red, B, A/C, ABS, LSD.
Some thoughtless individual had backed into our Miata and broken the black
piece behind the bumper. While I was replacing this very large, and very
inexpensive part (>$10), I very carefully removed the tiny stones in the
fins of the condenser, and shot a very thin coat of flat black paint on it.
It looks far better IMHO than any grill. If the paint is not thick, it
should actually help the thermal transfer properties of the condenser.
This was done about 20K miles ago, and the A/C works just great. Here in
California's Great Central Valley, sometimes it's too hot to put the top down.
____
Jim Simmons, R&D Director, Airship Remote Technologies
E-mail: jsimmons@ainet.com
Snail: 1050 North Carpenter Road, Ste E, Modesto, CA, USA
Phone: +1-209-578-9565 FAX: 549-8784
Building tomorrows airships for the business of today.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Wed Mar 29 22:08:22 1995
From: gsgeorge@cei.net (Geoffrey S George)
Subject: overly friendly felines
Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 22:07:40 -0500
Greetings!
let's talk kitties!
personally, i'm a canine lover myself - BUT i have neighbors
who appreciate the feline side of pet ownership. i choose to
honor their choice & even honor the presence of their pets
(in my area, dogs must be housed, leashed or fenced but cats
may roam free - in their defense, i do not think you can
(should?) restrain a cat to a defined area)
i may be too, TOO picky... BUT, when i find "kitty prints" on
JOYRIDE's black zymol or top in the morning i could easily become
F U R I O U S !!! and loose control.
i am looking for an equally "pleasant" alternative.
(currently my carport is my only protection. i have purchased &
use a car cover. maybe this is as good as it gets...)
does anyone know of an effective "cat repellant" for an area -
such as a carport? would an ultrasonic device do the job? could
sound, light, etc, etc, be used to "repel" the kitties without harm
to either?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- gsgeorge@cei.net "Winning may not be everything...
Geoffrey S George but losin' sure is nothin'"
Little Rock, AR *** Cyber-Miata Club *** 93LE MIATA #732 ***
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 01:37:56 1995
From: ed.walker@aquila.com (Ed Walker)
Subject: re: warranties
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 01:37:36 -0500
J.Simmons tells me:
>I guess I forgot about those days. I haven't laid on a garage floor
>since I was a teenager. I'm sorry I can't relate to owning a Buick....
>I used to do warranty claims for the local Porsche Distributer in
>the late '60s and early '70s. I signed off on many claims because it
>was the politically correct thing to due, but I actually found only
>about one percent of the parts submitted for claims were defective.
So the dealers did bogus work and then hit up Porsche for the money.
Had they no shame? Screwing both their customers and suppliers too?
By the way, a close friend was a service manager in a Chevy shop and
was fired for being too lenient. Only fixed what was broken, and
actually
gave someone a refund once. Nice guys still finish last.
Someone else here was complaining about being dusted by a Buick. That
wasn't my Buick. I let fellow MX5'ers pull ahead so that I can admire
their cars. I even let Capri's get in front. Still, the GM 3.8V-6 is
a good engine, with nice low end torque. Most of the big GM sedans can
run 0-60 under 9 seconds. They're also invulnerable to cats, and their
horns sound nice when you fit them inside a Miata.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 02:37:33 1995
From: ARacer@aol.com
Subject: Re: Heat shield service bulle...
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 02:37:10 -0500
On: Wed, Mar 29, 1995 11:57 AM PST
Jesse_B_Kunst_at_CFW06PO@smtp.bnr.com wrote:
<<<>>
Jesse, the service bulletin that was applied to our '90 base model Miata was
No. 003/90. We bought our car in January 1990, and, according to the VINs
given in the service bulletin, our car was not supposed to have the problem
with the broken heat shield bracket at the exhaust manifold.
But we did develop the problem -- in two steps:
1. In August of '92 we notice a rattle in the heat shield and saw loose and
missing bolts on the shield as well as on the manifold itself. Since I did
not have a tool that could properly torque a couple of the rear manifold
bolts/nuts, we took it to the dealer. (Mileage was 35,500.)
2. By December of '93, the rattle was back. When I tried to tighten bolts, I
noticed that the bracket was broken (looked like pretty insubstantial metal
for the job) and there was no way I could fix it without some metal
fabrication. The break looked like a gradual process, because most of the
metal at the break had rusted. Although the warranty was out (53,500 mi.),
and the VIN did not match the Service Bulletin, Mazda ordered the retrofit
part and installed it without charge.
The Mazda part looked a little like the hose-clamp fix that
Matt_Kenyon/HNS.HNS@notesgw.hns.com described in his post, today. But, it
seemed tougher than most hose clamps I've seen. It attaches to the manifold
and accepts a bolt through the heat shield, so that it is out of sight. The
part number looks like B6Y0-13-468A Bracket on the service record.
We've had no more trouble since Dec. '93. But, this reminds me that I should
pull the shield and check the torque on the manifold attachments -- It would
not be surprising if they have loosened up by now.
Ed Pitts
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 03:21:40 1995
From: jscown@canuck.com (Jack Scown)
Subject: Re: Gratuitous plug.
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 03:21:22 -0500
Keith wrote:
>Disclamer: I do not work for PBC or any other automotive organizations.
>I'm a musician. This is merely a plug from a satisfied customer. They're
>not driving the part down here in a supercharged Miata, but I can accept that.
Why not? Gee, I hate to see customer service go "downhill" like this...
Jack
******************************************************************************
Jack Scown (jscown@canuck.com) Calgary, Alberta Canada
'94 BRG "C" "Prozac"
*******************************************************************************
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 04:35:33 1995
From: dherr@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU (Dennis J. HeRR)
Subject: re:Top Down at 29 degrees
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 04:35:12 -0500
>Being in the Air Force figured you'd use one of those leather flying
>helmets mentioned earlier this week. Being in the Marine Corps I just use
>my issue Kevlar helmet - not much warmth, but great rollover protection!!
>
Thanks for the tip mate! :) I'll try out my dad's helmet complete with
Army issue night goggle - now why I need those Hella light when I can see
without light at all! :)
Dennis (^_^;
/\_/\ "Truth and falsehood are both whatever, and
( - - ) simultaneously not so, rather than not."
==_Y_==
'-' Dennis J. HeRR
University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
_
________________/ \___________________________________________________
((XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) )_________________________________________________/
\_/ '92 Red with hardtop
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 04:52:30 1995
From: LSAPEX@aol.com
Subject: Re: Painting Miata's Braces
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 04:52:12 -0500
>>a lot of shiny metal in the little "Sharkmouth" opening on the front of
Miatas. It looks like BaBa is wearing braces because of all metal. <<
BaBa,
Get yourself a black grill for the radiator opening, it covers the "braces"
and is functional.
Lester Seal
Mass Miata
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 05:37:10 1995
From: sasaki@mosk.semicon.sony.co.jp
Subject: Most selling convertible in EUROPE
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 05:37:01 -0500
Hi.
Several days ago, someone posted that the most selling convertible in Europe
is Mercedez SL. I thought this fact is very interesting. I want to know
more about this. Could someone show me how many SL's are being sold in
Europe in a year (or a month) ? And also, how many MX-5's are being sold
in Europe ?
Thanks in advance.
Takeshi SASAKI
Sony Corp.
Tokyo, JAPAN
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 06:49:43 1995
From: fbro@innet.be (Frank Brochoven)
Subject: Re: Painting Miata's Braces
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 06:49:18 -0500
>>>a lot of shiny metal in the little "Sharkmouth" opening on the front of
>Miatas. It looks like BaBa is wearing braces because of all metal. <<
>BaBa,
>Get yourself a black grill for the radiator opening, it covers the "braces"
>and is functional.
>
>Lester Seal
>Mass Miata
I have to agree with Lester here. I've recently put in a grille and it's
soooo much better looking! It also keeps tiny projectiles from hitting the
radiator and A/C. You have to take out the tie down hooks tho, if you
haven't already (you really should).
DISCLAIMER : I have absolutely no connection with ANY company selling
grilles. (Nor with one that sells replacement radiators - I'd be really
stupid then!! :-)
Frank and grilled Bibi.
______________________________________
Frank and GSM Bibi from Antwerp, Belgium
Members of
Flanders MX-5 Club
Team Voodoo
Cyber-Miata Club
______________________________________
"These are the days of wild..." - The artist formerly known as Prince
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 07:55:07 1995
From: fischman@nynexst.com (Gary Fischman)
Subject: Re: Front License Plate Location
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 07:54:43 -0500
> Now, the only problem is my conscience. As a Christian trying to obey all
> the laws of the land, I knew before I started that New Jersey law says that
> the front license plate must be 12" above the ground. Mine is about 6" from
> the ground, measured from the bottom of the plate. The plate is very visible
> and secure. I have convinced myself that I have kept the "Spirit of the Law"
> while not the "Letter of the Law."
>
> Does anyone know why the minimum 12" height requirement? I could move it
> higher into the grille but was concerned about overheating.
>
I haven't had a front tag in the 5 years that I've had the Miata. I was pulled
over twice - once in New York where the cop couldn't do anything about it and
the other time in New Jersey where I recieved a 30 second lecture and was told
to "get it fixed."
5 years ago, when I decided to disregard the law, I figured it would be worth
getting a ticket every now and then to preserve the look of the car. I now
figure I'm *way* ahead of the game.
Bag the Tag.
-------------------------------------------
Gary Fischman
fischman@nynexst.com
'90 A Package/Classic Red
http://www.catalog.com/miata/miata.html
-----
Member -
Delaware Valley Miata Club
Miata Club of America
Miata Century Club
Do-it-yourself timing belt Club
Cyber-Miata Club (the listserver)
Miataville Resident
Team Voodoo
-------------------------------------------
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 08:15:26 1995
From: SAMUEH01@MCRCR6.MED.NYU.EDU
Subject: Re: Painting Miata's Braces (Mouth Grille)
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 08:15:03 -0500
Most mouth grilles decrease air flow about 50%. There was a letter in
Miata Magazine indicating that the car tended to overheat in the
summer with the grille in place. This was in spite of the fact that
several sellers of the grill stated that it did not interfere with air
flow. If you have a supercharger or a turbo you should definitely not
install a mouth grille. If you have a normally aspirated car try it
be watch the temp gauge in the summer.
Herb Samuels
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 08:20:32 1995
From: SAMUEH01@MCRCR6.MED.NYU.EDU
Subject: Re: Most selling convertible in EUROPE
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 08:20:22 -0500
Does anyone know what the price of the Mercedes SL convertible is in
Germany? This might make it the best selling convertible in Germany.
I don't know if its still true but many years ago when I was in
Germany I found that many cabs were Mercedes sedans. Apparently
Mercedes are not that expensive in Germany but the distributors
(inmporters) mark up the price excessively in other countries. Is
this still true? If so it may explain why (or if) the SL is the best
selling convertible in Europe (or at least Germany)
Herb Samuels
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 08:27:17 1995
From: SAMUEH01@MCRCR6.MED.NYU.EDU
Subject: Ride of H, V, and Z rated tires
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 08:26:39 -0500
Someone posted previously that H rated tires have a softer ride than
V or Z rated tires of the same dimensions. Although this makes sense
is this generalization true? I can understand that it may be true
from the same manufacturer but between manufacturers there may be
sufficient design differences that there is no relationship between
the ride of H, V, or Z rated tires. Does anyone have any experience
on this?
Herb
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 08:54:25 1995
From: jared.stack@amp.com (Jared Stack)
Subject: RE: Lousy factory radios et.al
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 08:54:09 -0500
I installed a Sony CD unit. I can't recall the model #, but it's the only
unilink controller/CD/radio that Sony makes. I too was concerned about rear
clearancem as it was listed as being deeper than the available Miata space
in Crutchfield's table; I didn't have any problems whatsoever. Look up the
depth dimension for this unit in Crutchfield and use to replace the shallow
Miata value in their table.
Since I didn't buy the unit from Crutchfield, I bought a generic mounting
plate from a local stereo dealer. Very generic plate, it had different
blanks and mounting holes, but there was one combination which matched the
Miata console mount points. Unfortunately there wasn't enough clearance in
the plate to use their screws (poor design) but a little whittling took
care of it. I didn't like the narrow size of the bottom blank because I
later got the Uniden, so I cut some of the bottom of the mount plate off so
I could use the original factory blank on the bottom.
To address another poster's question about CB mounting; the Uniden scanner
is about CB sized. You can use a Dremel tool and cut a hole in the bottom
blank for it. Behind the blank and underneath the stereo is a flat metal
shelf kinda shaped like a handle; this can be used to secure the unit. Size
the required space up ahead of time to ascertain the CB chassis will be
parallel to the radio. BTW, the blank is attached to the front console; you
will have to remove this to get at it's screws.
BTW, I had bought a Mazda cubbyhole piece to replace the blank prior to the
stereo/scanner installation. I never installed the cubbyhole. Even if you
replace the stereo you can still cut out a spot for mounting the cubbyhole
just like I remounted the factory blank. I think it cost $21 from Roebuck.
If anyone wants it, I'd like to sell it for $15 or trade for filters or
something. Email jared.stack@amp.com.
It's shaped kinda weird (side view):
----
/ |
/ |
/ |
/ |
|-------|
The back angle is more like 30 degrees instead of 60, and offers about 2"
of bottom depth. It's not much of a cubbyhole IMHO, but you can put pens,
gate cards, penlight, etc. in there. It's not big enough for sunglasses.
Jaime Villacorte writes:
> For those people who installed aftermarket radios, did you have problems
>with fit (the radio/cassette player being too deep to fit in the console) or
>with the fitting/appearance of the faceplate that the radio slides into?
>
> I'm thinking of ordering a replacement radio from a place like
>Crutchfield, but I'm hesitant in doing so, not knowing the fit and appearance
>of the radio and it's faceplate. I'm worried about what happens to the
>tiny cassette holder/tray that's under the stock radio: will a new
>face plate completely replace the entire front fascia?
Jared Stack
Classic Red '91B
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 09:13:00 1995
From: krichmon@dgbat02.er.usgs.gov (Mr. Impractical)
Subject: cubbies 'n' such
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 09:12:31 -0500
when i installed my Alpine head unit, i originally bought a mounting kit that
i used for a while - it was the kind that blanks the left over area. a few
weeks later i bought a Mazda OEM cubby from Al Staats at PBC that is larger
than the original. it's a perfect fit underneath the Alpine head unit, and
best of all, it's HUGE - it's deep enough to hold cassette tapes, and it's
twice the height of the original. evidently it's from the MPV or something.
if anyone wants a mounting kit - mail me...i've got one that's slightly used ;)
Keith
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
{} Keith L. Richmond (krichmon@dgbat02.er.usgs.gov) {}
{} A/V Technician (703)648-6551 {}
{} US Geological Survey Member MCA/MSCW {}
{} Reston, VA '93 Mariner Blue Miata {}
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 09:47:47 1995
From: Christina Stockton
Subject: A/C not working
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 09:46:27 -0500
Yesterday it was 78 degrees on the mid-California coast. After taking
my top down I turned on the A/C to cool the interior. The blue A/C
light came on and I could hear a faint change in the engine but no cold
air nor the slight sluggishness that occurs when the A/C is working.
Anyone out there know if this could be just a belt, etc.? Thanks.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 09:59:15 1995
From: peterk@eda.com (Peter K Koster)
Subject: Oil Filter
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 09:58:50 -0500
>From: "Schnabolk, Judy"
>Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 10:39:25 -0500
>
>Anyway a question... What type of special tool do you need to take off the
>oil filter and
>where can I get it? We like to change our own oil .
>
>
>Judy
>jchnabolk@powersoft.com
>
Judy, I'm a red '90 owner myself and have been changing the oil for years.
However, I have access to automotive garage, my father's a mechanic, and I
have been using Motocraft? Motocar? (whatever Ford's name brand is) oil
filter. I did notice that the diameter of the oil filter for the Miata is
different for each manufactures oil filter. So If you find a tool which
fits the oil filter then you better stick with one brand or get a tool which
is adjustable, although I have noticed that fitting any type of tool in the
space Mazda provides is next to impossible.
When I change the filter on my car I go with the old brute force method:
put the car on a lift, remove the air jam from the bottom of the car, take a
LARGE screwdriver and hammer and cut in to the side of the filter until the
filter breaks loose enough to remove by hand. If anyone knows of an easier
way please let me know.
Good luck, and try not get too much oil on the ground!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=
Peter K Koster, P.Eng (416) 425-7800 peterk@eda.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 10:01:49 1995
From: russotto@pond.com (Matthew Russotto)
Subject: Re: Shipping your baby
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 10:01:36 -0500
It's probably safer keeping all that gas hurling down the freeway rather
than negotiating on-ramps and off-ramps to get gas. Besides, compared to a
tanker truck, 400 gallons isn't all that much. And it won't get an 18 wheeler
coast to coast, I don't think (unless there's TWO 400 gallon tanks). 7.5mpg
(3000 miles) seems a little high for an 18-wheeler.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 10:06:04 1995
From: russotto@pond.com (Matthew Russotto)
Subject: Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 10:05:51 -0500
5 minutes? *sigh*... took me almost an hour, and cost me the skin on
my thumb because until I got the clamp around the shield hand tight I couldn't
get any tool (screwdriver or socket) in there and hold the clamp in
place at the same time.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 10:23:40 1995
From: princekr@dssrv01.ds.dupont.com (Kenneth R Prince)
Subject: Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 10:23:15 -0500
>I was not aware of a heat shield recall, but mine rattled like heck at around
>4000 RPM. I fixed it by bying a steel hose clamp from the local Auto parts
>store and wraped it around the heat shield and header. I clamped it down real
>good and have not had a problem in over a year!
>
>Best of all it cost me all of 35 cents and 5 min. of time.
>
>Matt
>
What size hose clamp?
Thanks
Ken Prince (91 Silver)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 10:53:39 1995
From: Donnie_Sturgeon-U1591@email.mot.com
Subject: I've got the shakes
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 10:52:56 -0500
I got my new tires mounted yesterday, Bridgestones RE-71RAZ. But I now have the
65 mph shakes. Could someone with these tires give me a ballpark figure on the
correct air pressure?
I think it is strange that my OEM tires never had this problem, and I know the
air pressure fluctuated. Did anybody's OEM tires ever do this or just when you
changed tires.
BTW, I got 39,800 on the OEM(s).
Thanks in advance
Donnie
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 10:57:25 1995
From: "Irwin, Chuck"
Subject: Re: Shipping your baby
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 10:57:15 -0500
>It's probably safer keeping all that gas hurling down the freeway rather
>than negotiating on-ramps and off-ramps to get gas. Besides, compared
to a
>tanker truck, 400 gallons isn't all that much. And it won't get an 18
wheeler
>coast to coast, I don't think (unless there's TWO 400 gallon tanks).
7.5mpg
>(3000 miles) seems a little high for an 18-wheeler.
It probably gets better mileage than you think because it is most likely
a diesel which gets somewhat better mileage. Also Diesel fuel is not
dangerous in the same way as gasoline. It is a lot harder to ignite by
accident. However you can get a major fire if you dump it on something
very hot. I have seen Diesel Railway locomotives that burned while
underway, as a result of a high pressure line rupturing and blowing
atomized diesel onto the exhaust manifold. If it is several locomotives
behind the lead one, the crew may not notice for a substantial time, by
which time the only choice is to break the train ahead of and behind as
close as they can get and let everything still attached burn down. Talk
about messy $1.2M per locomotive! I also once saw a moving van literally
burn down. It was not involved in an accident and the tractor was fine
but the fire must have started in the load. Be glad if they just break a
mirror while moving your stuff!
Chuck Irwin and Cover Girl Silver 90B 62Kmiles
Dialogic Inc. 1515 Route 10 East Parsippany, NJ 07054, 1-201-993-3000
x6162, C.Irwin@dialogic.com
These are the ramblings of Chuck Irwin, a person who sees wonderful and
bizarre things when he closes his eyes, and therefore should be taken
with many grains of salt until something better is written. ( It helps
that I have bonked my head so many times while working on cars)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:14:04 1995
From: Jeff Maurer
Subject: Re: I've got the shakes
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:13:38 -0500
Donnie,
I've not had any problems with mine in this respect. In my experience
tire air pressure causes vibration primarily when there's a differential
between one side of the car and the other. Even 2-3lbs of difference can
do it.
I'd check to be sure that:
. The valves align with the mark (a 3/8" white circle) on the tire, or
are at least close.
. Ensure that they're mounted in the proper direction (a no brainer, but
I've heard of other tire shops mounting them wrong.
. The balancing was accurate (a weight hasn't fallen off, etc.)
These are all pretty obvious. I can only say that these have been great tires
for me, so far. I've no vibration problems at all. They are real sticky
(not a BFG R1, but more like a Yoko A008R).
I also haven't played with air pressure much. I'll be doing some
experimentation this weekend in autox school and will let you know if I
find anything of interest.
Jeff
> I got my new tires mounted yesterday, Bridgestones RE-71RAZ. But I now have the
> 65 mph shakes. Could someone with these tires give me a ballpark figure on the
> correct air pressure?
>
> I think it is strange that my OEM tires never had this problem, and I know the
> air pressure fluctuated. Did anybody's OEM tires ever do this or just when you
> changed tires.
>
> BTW, I got 39,800 on the OEM(s).
>
> Thanks in advance
> Donnie
>
>
--
================================================================================
_
/ Jeff Maurer, Staff Analyst
_ ___/ _ __ Business Systems Engineering
/ / / / / / Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.
/ /__/_/ / Internet: jdm@sequent.com Uucp: ...!uunet!sequent!jdm
__/ (503) 578-5062
"It's a matter of character. Who do you trust to sit in the White House?"
George Bush, Campaign '92
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:16:14 1995
From: TAKAHARA@aol.com
Subject: Re: I've got the shakes
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:15:49 -0500
Your shake should be caused by the balance. Go to the store where you
install the tire and have balance checked. Little off balance cause the car
to shake especially at higher speed. the air pressure usually does not cause
the car to shake. (At least not something very noticable.)
Good luck!
TAKAHARA
94White with ACTIVE Bodykits
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:19:22 1995
From: EMERSON@midd.middlebury.edu
Subject: Rick Hansen's Registry for Yellow Miatas
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:19:17 -0500
A member of the SAMOA Chapter of the Miata Club is organizing a registry of
Yellow Miatas. (There has long been a BRG registry.) He is working
through the Miata Club of America, and I assume the next issue will carry a
blurb about this project. One or two newsletters of chapters already have.
Rick's name, address, telephone, FAX, and e-mail address are:
Rick Hansen
209 Rochelle Court
Roseville, CA 95661
916-774-6691
916-774-6693 FAX
RHansen@banyan.com
He will have forms eventually, but perhaps you should send him your own
name, address, e-mail address, telephone, VIN of your car, miles, and year
(with about two exceptions, 1992!). Also let him know if it is a Canadian
or Australian model.
Note the correct spelling of Rick's last name. "Hanson" is guaranteed to
bounce! [:)
Thank you to Rick for taking on a project that involves some real work on
your part!
John Emerson, 1992 Yellow A
Middlebury, Vermont March 30, 1995
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:28:36 1995
From: Michael_Scott-RVFT60@email.sps.mot.com
Subject: Shakes II
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:28:10 -0500
Donnie recently posted a question related to the "shakes" he's experiencing with
his new tires. My shakes problem is a bit different.
Last Saturday, I had the OEM tires installed on new BBS wheels. The famous 65-
mph-shudder, experienced with the old OEM wheels, was gone! No vibration
problems whatsoever! Until ...
The dealer put 36 psi pressure in the tires which made the ride just a bit
harsh. Last night, I took 4 psi out of each tire. This morning coming into
work, the ride was indeed smoother. But, around 65 mph or so, the shakes were
back with a vengeance! Worse than the OEM wheels ever produced. Questions:
When the dealer does the dynamic balance on the wheels, is the tire in place and
already inflated? If so, do different inflation pressures cause different
balance conditions?
Are my only options now to re-inflate the tires to 36 psi, or to take the car
back to the dealer and have him re-balance at 32 psi?
Mike Scott & "PEPPER", who is hoping this morning's shakes were just caused by
some anomoly in the road surface!
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:49:15 1995
From: "Chad W. Bohlmann"
Subject: Additional sound systems
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:44:34 -0500
Hello all!
I just found out that this list exists after appearantly living in
a hole since 1991 when I bought my Mariner Blue. I have had a number of
experiences since then that I sure would have liked to have some input on.
I live in Chicago, and have been in 2 accidents with my car because of the
carelessness of other drivers. Both instances make me hot even now when I
think about them!
One problem that I've had is getting the car repaired properly.
The first accident was from the rear, and it pushed the whole back body
under like someone kicked it in the butt. While in the shop, they fixed
the passenger door ding for free, but when they replaced the rock-guard
stuff on the lower 10 inches of the side, they either didn't apply enough
paint, or put on a rougher grade. I have now had some wax stuck in there
because of the surface cavities for about a year. Also, they used some
sort of non-original part for the plastic bumper piece that doesn't
attach to the body around the wheel wells. I had suspected for a long
time that this piece was put on wrong, and that they forgot to put
the bolts in...but there's no holes there.
I got my oil changed once at a Sooper Lube (in Valparaiso IN)
because I didn't have
the time (or enough skin on my hands) to change it myself, and they
pushed out two of the little nuts that are embedded in the bottom of the
air filter housing. Of course they ignored them, and lost the bolts,
nuts and my patience! While there, they seemed to think that it wasn't
necessary to remove the wind guide under the engine, and ended up
breaking it! Of course, I didn't get to see any of this, but it will
be a cold day in hades when *I* pay for that to be fixed!! Of course
I didn't see this stuff until I had cause to get into the engine a
couple months later!
The most recent accident left damage in the front passenger side
and after getting the thing fixed at the shop reccommended by (and part
of) the Mazda dealer in Schaumburg IL, I found that there was a coat
of overspray all over the body of the car!! This really really pissed
me off!!
Thanks to all who read through this. Like the rest of you, I
love my car!! When things like this happen to it, I feel like it's been raped!
Any suggestions? Anyone know of a REAL mechanic or body shop to
take my baby to in Chicago when it needs work?
Thanks,
Chad Bohlmann
bohlman@cig.mot.com
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:52:17 1995
From: "Ken Stoorza"
Subject: re: oil filter
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:51:55 -0500
I bought an "official" tool from my Mazda dealer several years ago. This, plus
a 3/8 drive and a 3/8 flex joint seemed to do the job. The tool, however, would
constantly jam on the filter (going in or coming out) requiring a couple of
love taps with a small hammer to break it free. At the last oil/filter change,
the tool merely slid around the top of the filter when I applied torque to the
tool so I could not loosen it. I guess the sloppy fit plus the tolerances of
the oil filter housing finally stacked up against me.
During a recent trip to a local parts store (to replace the spark plug wires
which, at 48K miles caused the four banger to bang on three) I brought along
the official Mazda filter and tried fitting it to their low class, non-official
tools. One fit *much* better than my present tool did; I paid my $6.00 and do
not expect further problems.
On my '90 I do everything from the top with the help of a fender apron. I keep
the drain pan under the filter and always spill a little, but not much, of the
old, gungy oil. As oil filters go, it's not all that bad.
Ken Stoorza
White, nameless '90B
On Mar 30, 9:58am, Peter K Koster wrote:
> Subject: Oil Filter
> >From: "Schnabolk, Judy"
> >Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 10:39:25 -0500
> >
> >Anyway a question... What type of special tool do you need to take off the
> >oil filter and
> >where can I get it? We like to change our own oil .
> >
> >
> >Judy
> >jchnabolk@powersoft.com
> >
>
> Judy, I'm a red '90 owner myself and have been changing the oil for years.
> However, I have access to automotive garage, my father's a mechanic, and I
> have been using Motocraft? Motocar? (whatever Ford's name brand is) oil
> filter. I did notice that the diameter of the oil filter for the Miata is
> different for each manufactures oil filter. So If you find a tool which
> fits the oil filter then you better stick with one brand or get a tool which
> is adjustable, although I have noticed that fitting any type of tool in the
> space Mazda provides is next to impossible.
>
> When I change the filter on my car I go with the old brute force method:
> put the car on a lift, remove the air jam from the bottom of the car, take a
> LARGE screwdriver and hammer and cut in to the side of the filter until the
> filter breaks loose enough to remove by hand. If anyone knows of an easier
> way please let me know.
>
> Good luck, and try not get too much oil on the ground!
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=
> Peter K Koster, P.Eng (416) 425-7800 peterk@eda.com
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=
>
>-- End of excerpt from Peter K Koster
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 11:55:40 1995
From: "Ken Stoorza"
Subject: Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:55:15 -0500
Here in California, I had to get the warranty work performed before they would
issue a smog certificate. The Mazda dealership (Putnam...Fremont) did it all in
about an hour. My '90 was *way* out of warranty at the time.
Ken Stoorza
On Mar 30, 10:23am, Kenneth R Prince wrote:
> Subject: Re: Heat Shield Quick Fix
> >I was not aware of a heat shield recall, but mine rattled like heck at
around
> >4000 RPM. I fixed it by bying a steel hose clamp from the local Auto parts
> >store and wraped it around the heat shield and header. I clamped it down
real
> >good and have not had a problem in over a year!
> >
> >Best of all it cost me all of 35 cents and 5 min. of time.
> >
> >Matt
> >
> What size hose clamp?
> Thanks
> Ken Prince (91 Silver)
>
>-- End of excerpt from Kenneth R Prince
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:03:13 1995
From: Alan Dahl
Subject: Re: police detectors
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:02:38 -0500
C3140010@bcitvm.bcit.bc.ca
> Does anyone remember a product advertised a few years back in Road and Track
> called the CHiPs detector (I think)? Apparently, it was designed to detect
> the repeater frequency in the patrol car used for boosting the radio signals
> transmitted by the officers. Sounded like a good concept to me since every
> car would have a repeater but not necessarily a radar unit. I think it had
> a built in scanner too.
>
> Anyone (Mac?) have info about this technology?
It's called a "Bear Tracker" and is made by Uniden. DANMARK has them
advertised in their latest catalog, US$159. They pick up not only the
transponders in the patrol cars but also their radio transmissions. Receives
weather transmissions too...
A friend of mine has one and we used it on our trip to the Solo II Nationals
in Kansas last year. Works great, especially when you have a radar detector
and a CB too. If I had a choice of one of the above for a cross-country trip
I'd pick the Bear Tracker, even before the radar detector.
P.S. Funnyiest conversation heard over Bear Tracker "Well I'm here and I'm up
to my ankles in weiner dogs! [bark, bark, bark!]".
P.P.S. I *think* they can be programmed for all the Canadian provinces too,
but I'm not totally sure.
---
___ __ ___ Alan Dahl | alan.dahl@mccaw.com
/_ / / / Analysts International Co. | (NeXTMail OK) -or-
/ / _/_ /___ 10655 N.E. 4th St. Suite 804 | adahl@eskimo.com
Bellevue, WA 98004 | PH: (206) 803-4496
http://www.eskimo.com/~adahl/personal.html | FAX: (206) 803-7406
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:04:40 1995
From: BILL.ALLEN@metrokc.gov
Subject: Re: Heat Shield SB
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:04:20 -0500
Lester Seal wrote:
>Would someone please let me know the number of the Service Bulletin
>having to do with the heat shield weld breaking?
>>Gary It's Bulletin # 009/93 revised 12/10/93
>>>According to my 'Service Advisor' at Hillard Auto Service in
>>>beautiful Ft. Worth TX, that particular bulletin is not about the heatshield
(something about the reverse engage plate???). He said that >>>my VIN did not
have a recall for a heatshield. So what is this >>>Bulletin about?
>>>This heatshield rattle is obviously a problem that many of us have
>>>encounter. With customer loyalty/satisfaction so important in the
>>>industry, I would think that Mazda would want to do the right thing.
>>>Does anyone know the position that Mazda takes on this?
Jesse,
Les Seal is absolutely right. SB 009/93 is titled, "BUZZING NOISE FROM EXHAUST
MANIFOLD AREA". The SB says it may be caused by a crack in either the exhaust
manifold heat insulator, insulator bracket, or in the weld near the front
flange on the front pipe insulator. The SB has illustrations.
This is not a recall. But, Mazda wants to make it right as evidenced by the
service bulletin. Go Gettem! (Note that some owners have opted to fix it
themselves, rather than go through the hassel of possible poor dealer fixes.)
Bill Allen
Seattle
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:09:31 1995
From: "Ken Walker"
Subject: Re[2]: Shipping your baby
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:09:19 -0500
I don't know... In a rig THAT big, it would take much more than a 65
mph impact to spill the gas. The kind of momentum one of those
behemouths has is enough to carry it *THROUGH* a house without much
more than a scratch!
kjw &
TIC-TAC (who keeps her distance from those big boys)
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Shipping your baby
Author: WORLD.JOE21 at REMNET
Date: 3/29/95 2:17 PM
Maybe its me, but isn't it dangerous to have 400+ gallons of gas in a metal
container hurdeling down the freeway at 65mph *JUST* so that the moving
company/driver doesn't have to lose time/money stopping for gas?
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:32:01 1995
From: "Alex Little ((919) 254-5038)"
Subject: Tire pressures
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:31:45 -0500
I have heard that Miata tires should be inflated to the factory-specifed
pressures (I think 28 psi front/26 rear?) *INDEPENDENT* of the brand.
This seems a bit counterintuitive to me, but it may be true. (As Yogi
Berra supposedly once said: "Stranger things have happened, but none
stranger than this.")
1 - Anyone care to comment on this? (true/false/crazy)
2 - If it is true, this may be contributing to the shaky ride.
I can offer the following data:
In the past, I have had tires shake a bit and they were almost always
over-inflated. My new tires (less than 500 miles on them) are around 28
psi and they are smmmoooooth up through about 85 mph (fastest I've driven
since getting them).
Just a thought.....
Alex Little
Raleigh, NC
PS
No, I don't want to inflate 'em to 40 psi to collect high pressure data.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:54:01 1995
From: Tmiata@aol.com
Subject: Oil pressure
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:53:37 -0500
I am still having intermittent low oil pressure readings. Might the gauge or
sending unit be faulty? These incidents are never accompanied by a loss of
power or any other symptom. I'm taking the car in tomorrow for diagnosis,
but I thought I'd solicit from opinions from the real experts!
Tim Lawrence
Randallstown, MD
blue '90
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:54:35 1995
From: Tmiata@aol.com
Subject: Redline MTL source in Baltimore
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:54:21 -0500
For those of you, like me, who have searched for a source for Redline MTL in
the Baltimore area, the only one I have found is Harvey's Service
International, 6417 Harford Rd. He has all of the Redline oils at $7.50/qt.
He has odd hours, though - 12-5 MWF and briefly Saturday afternoon.
Tim Lawrence
Randallstown, MD
blue '90
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 12:55:00 1995
From: Tmiata@aol.com
Subject: Storage
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 12:54:38 -0500
For those of you, like myself, who need some way to organize the passenger
compartment, but don't want to spend exorbitant amounts for the pouches, etc,
from the suppliers in Miata Magazine, I found at Brookstone a nice, nylon
multi-pocket organizer that hangs behind the seat. It comes in black, and
blends in nicely with the upholstery. At $15, it is a reasonable
alternative. Now if I can only remember to put stuff in it . . .
Tim Lawrence
Randallstown, MD
blue '90
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:04:19 1995
From: schertz@KMERL.Research.Panasonic.COM (Rick Schertz)
Subject: I actually use the black plastic face plate
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:02:46 -0500
> Perfect fit. I also put a half-height equalizer below, so the
> remaining space wasn't big enough for the plastic tray, so I'm
> planning on getting some black plastic and covering this empty space.
> (would be a cool place to mount some toggle switches for something,
> except I have nothing to toggle with them..)
I actually use the black plastic face plate. Has the velcro strip
for my CD changer display. I considered the storage tray, but found
the plate to be an ideal location for mounting the display (which
REQUIRES a remote control. Duh.).
Rick Schertz
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:17:50 1995
From: schertz@KMERL.Research.Panasonic.COM (Rick Schertz)
Subject: 400+ gallons
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:15:55 -0500
> Maybe its me, but isn't it dangerous to have 400+ gallons of gas in a metal
> container hurdeling down the freeway at 65mph *JUST* so that the moving
> company/driver doesn't have to lose time/money stopping for gas?
About as dangerous as megaton oil tankers hauling crude in gigantic iron shells
going faster through the ocean to save time & money. Either way, you're in
for a mess *if* they crash.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:34:23 1995
From: Bruce Dickman
Subject: Re: Front License Plate Location
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:33:51 -0500
>Well, BaBa finally had to have that dreadful front license plate installed.
>Now, the only problem is my conscience. As a Christian trying to obey all
>the laws of the land, I knew before I started that New Jersey law says that
>the front license plate must be 12" above the ground. Mine is about 6" fro
>the ground....
I'm quite confident that God doesnt't care how high your front plate
is, or for that matter if it's even mounted or not. (Mine's in the trunk).
Hope this helps ease your conscience. :-)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| R. Bruce Dickman || Email: bruce.dickman@ae.ge.com |
| GE Aircraft Engines || or bdickman@tso.cin.ix.net |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:35:20 1995
From: BILL.ALLEN@metrokc.gov
Subject: Retirement!!!
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:35:03 -0500
Well, tomorrow is my last day as a wage-earner! Hooray! Lotsa Miata drivin!
For anyone who's keeping addresses, I'm closing down this connection,
Bill.Allen@metrokc.gov. I can be reached at BillyA@eWorld.com till I arrange
for better mail software.
unsubscribe
Bill Allen
Seattle, WA
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:39:40 1995
From: "Ken Walker"
Subject: Mouth grill... what problem?
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:39:24 -0500
I agree that with a turbo charger or super charger, maximum air flow
through the mouth would be desired. However, I think 50% is a little
high for an "air flow reduction" figure for normal driving
(auto-crossing may be a different story). TIC-TAC and I drove from
Houston to Los Angeles in early August of '93. It was HOT. The temp
gauge stayed just to the left of center the whole way... even through
the TX hill country. I bought the grill at Torrence Mazda while I was
there and four days later on the trip home, the temp gauge still never
moved from its regular place just to the left of center.
My grill is the metal one (re-painted tan to match) with all of the
little holes in it. It was the cheapest one they had, and did not
specifically mention that it was one of the "high air flow" variety...
just a garden variety mouth grill.
kjw &
TIC-TAC
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Painting Miata's Braces (Mouth Grille)
Author: WORLD.SAMUEH01 at REMNET
Date: 3/30/95 7:17 AM
Most mouth grilles decrease air flow about 50%. There was a letter in
Miata Magazine indicating that the car tended to overheat in the
summer with the grille in place. This was in spite of the fact that
several sellers of the grill stated that it did not interfere with air
flow. If you have a supercharger or a turbo you should definitely not
install a mouth grille. If you have a normally aspirated car try it
be watch the temp gauge in the summer.
Herb Samuels
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:51:10 1995
From: krichmon@dgbat02.er.usgs.gov (Mr. Impractical)
Subject: Water Wetter?
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:50:48 -0500
i pulled this information off of a web page about Red Line products:
> Water Wetter has a high Ph, but also has silicates, so it can be used in
> aluminium radiators. However, if left for a long time,
> the silicates are depleted, and damage will occur. The liquid versions
> of Water Wetter do not have phosphates.
i've got Red Line's Water Wetter, and was about to use it when i change the
coolant next month. since i change the coolant less than once every 12 months,
is it a bad idea to use the Water Wetter? (ie. how long is 'a long time'?)
Keith
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
{} Keith L. Richmond (krichmon@dgbat02.er.usgs.gov) {}
{} A/V Technician (703)648-6551 {}
{} US Geological Survey Member MCA/MSCW {}
{} Reston, VA '93 Mariner Blue Miata {}
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 13:57:32 1995
From: jsimmons@ainet.com (Jim Simmons)
Subject: Re: Oil Filter
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 13:57:10 -0500
>>From: "Schnabolk, Judy"
>>Date: Wed, 29 Mar 1995 10:39:25 -0500
>>
>>Anyway a question... What type of special tool do you need to take off the
>>oil filter and
>>where can I get it? We like to change our own oil .
>>
>>
>>Judy
>>jchnabolk@powersoft.com
>>
>
>When I change the filter on my car I go with the old brute force method:
>put the car on a lift, remove the air jam from the bottom of the car, take a
>LARGE screwdriver and hammer and cut in to the side of the filter until the
>filter breaks loose enough to remove by hand. If anyone knows of an easier
>way please let me know.
>
>Good luck, and try not get too much oil on the ground!
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=
>Peter K Koster, P.Eng (416) 425-7800 peterk@eda.com
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=
>
Gee, Peter, that sounds like a lot of work, and not very environmentally
responsible.
I use filters purchased at the local NAPA auto parts store. To make the job
of removing and installing the filter easier, I pop out the o-ring of the
new filter, and lubricate it with Dow-Corning #55 O-Ring Lube. To remove
the old filter, I remove my watch (I'm right handed), and reach in with my
left hand, then unscrew the filter. Then I pass the filter toward the
radiator, and remove it from the engine compartment with my right hand.
Installing the new filter is just the reverse. With filter in the right
hand, put it down by the radiator, and pass it to the rear into the left
hand, and screw it on. The trick is getting the filter tight enough, but
not too tight. No tools involved. It is important to put your watch back
on. After the oil is replaced, start the engine and look for leaks under
the car. If after a minute, there is no oil running out, then all is right
with the world.
BTW, I change my oil every 5k miles. This makes it easy to remember to do
the change. Whenever a 5 or 0 appears in the one thousand window on the
odometer, it's time for service. Some say that this is not often enough,
but my experience says otherwise. I have over 135,000 miles on my
turbocharged Mazda 626 GT, with the original turbo using this method. And,
it's rare that this engine does not get into boost on acceleration.
Try it you'll like it.
It just occurred to me that stuff may be arranged differently on our Miata,
as we have ABS, so I don't know if this helps.
____
Jim Simmons, R&D Director, Airship Remote Technologies
E-mail: jsimmons@ainet.com
Snail: 1050 North Carpenter Road, Ste E, Modesto, CA, USA
Phone: +1-209-578-9565 FAX: 549-8784
Building tomorrows airships for the business of today.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 14:26:34 1995
From: edringtj@austin.ibm.com
Subject: I've got the shakes.
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 14:26:15 -0500
My '90 has the 65mph shakes. After the 3rd balance job (finally by
someone who cares!), it is minimized. He pointed out that one of the
tires (Yok 008rs) is not perfectly round. I had best luck with the
Not-round tire on the front. Since you have new tires, have them check
the roundness carefully (not after the card has been sitting still for
a while, as most any tire will take a set). Demand new tires if they
are not round.
This shake is my only but major disappointment with the car, as it
seems too sensitive. Could this be the natural resonance freqency of
the chassis?
-Jimmie
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 14:28:17 1995
From: Jay Andriot
Subject: Hippy Hippy Shakes
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 14:28:00 -0500
I've had four different sets of tires on my 93 base.
Bridgestone 325's on steel wheels, Perelli P190 snow
tires on the steel wheels, Dunlop D60 A2 on BBS
wheels and finally Yoko AVSi on BBS. Iÿve had the
shakes on only one combo. The D60's and BBS. It
turns out that the D60's weren't round. In fact it
took 9 tries to get 4 semi-round D60's on my car.
Four months of the shakes with the Dunlops and I
had enough and got the Yokohama's put on the BBS
wheels, no more shake. If you have the shakes take a
good look at the spin of your tires. If they wobble as
one of mine did or if they hop like the other out of
round tire I had did, you will shake. One difference
in my shake was the vibration did not dampen out
over 70 mph.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 14:59:01 1995
From:
Subject: Chassis stiffening, Caterham 21
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 14:58:47 -0500
Just out of curiosity ... Why do people stiffen their chassis? It
must be either (a) for aesthetic reasons (less squeaks and rattles) or
(b) for performance reasons (not screwing up the suspension
geometry???). Which is it? The latter seems improbable to me: you'd
have to have a *lot* of movement of one part of the chassis relative
to the other to have a noticeable effect. The former makes sense but
doesn't explain why it's always the go-faster types that seem to be
stiffening their chassis.
Presumably the bars that join the lower mounting points of the
suspension A-arm things are for the latter reason, while roll/style
bars and the behind-the-seats side-impact bar (in the >=94s) are for
the former reason. So maybe both reasons are valid?
Also ... [I haven't read the list for a couple of weeks so this may be
redundant, but ... ] if anyone's interested there's an article on the
Caterham 21 [i.e., a Seven in which you can go more than 50mph without
your glasses blowing away] in the April issue of "Sports Car
International". The article is forgettable but the pictures of the
sinfully curvaceous prototype are cool. Who cares about speedsters
and M-editions? 1500 pounds and 250hp is way wicked. Of course,
there's also the minor detail of the $70K price. :-)
Simon H.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 14:59:57 1995
From: joe@aimnet.com (Joe Flanagan)
Subject: Re: 400+ gallons
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 14:59:34 -0500
Yes and no, it can be argued that oil tankers, just like the trucks that
actually fill-up individual gas stations are needed so their risk is
justified... My complaint was that they have *NO* reason to be hauling 400+
gallons... no reason at all.... We all need trucks to fill up our local
shell gas station, so the risk is justified, but we Don't need thousands of
truckers without enough sleep driving around with 400gallons of gas in a
big steel tank. No offense to the truckers, I'm sure it wasn't their
decision... I personally wouldn't want to ride on top of 400 gallons of
gas... and after a few thousand miles would probably appreciate stopping
for gas :)
>> Maybe its me, but isn't it dangerous to have 400+ gallons of gas in a metal
>> container hurdeling down the freeway at 65mph *JUST* so that the moving
>> company/driver doesn't have to lose time/money stopping for gas?
>
>About as dangerous as megaton oil tankers hauling crude in gigantic iron shells
>going faster through the ocean to save time & money. Either way, you're in
>for a mess *if* they crash.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 15:03:09 1995
From: joe@aimnet.com (Joe Flanagan)
Subject: Re: Front License Plate Location
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 15:02:53 -0500
I just bought a used 92A Yellow... The owner took off the front
plate/bracket when he bought the car in May of 1992... and it was still off
when I bought it last week, and I intend to leave it that way... So in
over 2.5 years none of the various CA police have been bored enough to pull
me over for lacking a front plate and give me a no-fee fix-it ticket...
There are a lot of things the US government SAYS you have to do, that
people just go along with... even though those of us that don't are never
bothered because the government doesn't have time/manpower to enforce its
silly rules, and because the punishment for disobeying said silly rules is
pretty trivial...
NOTE: Taxes do *NOT* fall into this category :)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 16:03:27 1995
From: russotto@pond.com (Matthew Russotto)
Subject: Re: Retirement!!!
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:00:31 -0500
Say, do you have a citeable source from the Big Guy-- divine intevention
might help in court, the 1st amendment notwithstanding. And how does he
feel about speeding? :-)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 16:19:51 1995
From: BILL.ALLEN@metrokc.gov
Subject: RE: Retirement!!!
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:18:59 -0500
There's no other explaination for being able to stop early, in good health, and
with a Miata! As for tickets, I'll ask for a Senior's discount, and let him do
some more magic!
Bill Allen
>Say, do you have a citeable source from the Big Guy-- divine >intevention
might help in court, the 1st amendment >notwithstanding. And how does he feel
about speeding? :-)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 16:40:52 1995
From: "Ken Stoorza"
Subject: Re: Front License Plate Location
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:40:29 -0500
On Mar 30, 3:03pm, Joe Flanagan wrote:
> Subject: Re: Front License Plate Location
> I just bought a used 92A Yellow... The owner took off the front
> plate/bracket when he bought the car in May of 1992... and it was still off
> when I bought it last week, and I intend to leave it that way... So in
> over 2.5 years none of the various CA police have been bored enough to pull
> me over for lacking a front plate and give me a no-fee fix-it ticket...
-----------snip----------
This may be the kiss of death, but in over five and a half years of Miata
ownership, more than five of which have been sans front plate here in CA, I've
not gotten any heat from the heat.
Ken Stoorza
'90 B with a bigger smile than designed ;-)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 16:55:33 1995
From: "Ken Walker"
Subject: Re[2]: 400+ gallons
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:54:41 -0500
Ok, wait a minute. Remember, that in addition to driving cross
country, truckers use the fuel to keep the engines idling while they
sleep, eat, etc... those big diesel engines run more efficiently when
they stay hot, and when the driver sleeps in the camper, the engine is
what powers the air conditioner, TV, whatever. I think that 300-400
gallons is required for them to put in their "8-hour day" effectively
without having to re-fuel.
Just wanted to dissolve the image of an overworked, sleep deprived
truck driver screaming down the highway with 400 gallons of highly
flammable gasoline in his back pocket.
kjw &
TIC-TAC
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: 400+ gallons
Author: WORLD.JOE21 at REMNET
Date: 3/30/95 2:03 PM
Yes and no, it can be argued that oil tankers, just like the trucks that
actually fill-up individual gas stations are needed so their risk is
justified... My complaint was that they have *NO* reason to be hauling 400+
gallons... no reason at all.... We all need trucks to fill up our local
shell gas station, so the risk is justified, but we Don't need thousands of
truckers without enough sleep driving around with 400gallons of gas in a
big steel tank. No offense to the truckers, I'm sure it wasn't their
decision... I personally wouldn't want to ride on top of 400 gallons of
gas... and after a few thousand miles would probably appreciate stopping
for gas :)
>> Maybe its me, but isn't it dangerous to have 400+ gallons of gas in a metal
>> container hurdeling down the freeway at 65mph *JUST* so that the moving
>> company/driver doesn't have to lose time/money stopping for gas?
>
>About as dangerous as megaton oil tankers hauling crude in gigantic iron shells
>going faster through the ocean to save time & money. Either way, you're in
>for a mess *if* they crash.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 16:57:20 1995
From: frank.potter@his.com
Subject: OIL FILTER
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:56:57 -0500
Peter has one theory of changing oil filters, viz:
"When I change the filter on my car I go with the old brute force method:
put the car on a lift, remove the air jam from the bottom of the car, take a
LARGE screwdriver and hammer and cut in to the side of the filter until the
filter breaks loose enough to remove by hand. If anyone knows of an easier
way please let me know."
There really are easier and perhaps better ways of doing it. The filter itself
needs to be tightened by hand as hard as you can get it. If it's that tight -
and I don;t mean tightened by Arnold S. - it will hold fine and can be removed
by ordinary humans the same way. There is a filter wrench that will fot over
the end of the standard Miata filter and that makes the job a touch easier.
That's really all you need.
Frank
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 17:00:03 1995
From: tomr@comm.mot.com (Tom Reinhardt)
Subject: Radios that will actually fit
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 16:59:54 -0500
On Mar 29, 7:40pm, Jaime C. Villacorte wrote:
> Subject: RE: Lousy factory radios et.al
> Thanks to all the folks who responded to my query about installing and
> aftermarket radio/casette player and the concern I had with the fit
> and appearance of the face plate.
>-- End of excerpt from Jaime C. Villacorte
As I am also in the market for a new radio, I visted my local stereo shop
yesterday. I have not seen a removable face plate radio that would fit in
the stock opening without cutting the dash, and asked them what could be done.
Turns out that many of the new radios can be modified to fit in a standard
ISO(international standards org.) opening, which the Miata has. Specifically,
the new Alpine and Sony radios can be ISO mounted. On the Alpine units, the
trim around the removable face plate is held on by two screws. Take out the
screws, pop off the trim, and the radio will fit in the stock opening without
further modification. It will also be recessed like the stock radio. The
radio face plate is smaller than the ISO opening, so a small gap will be left
around the edge of the radio. If it looks bad, there is a "ISO trim ring"
which
can be installed to fill the gap. The rest is just bolting it in with the
existing bolts, and buying/making a wiring harness.
As for the left over space below the new radio, it is also a full height
ISO opening. The stereo shop said that full size ISO storage bins exist, but
they don't carry them. I do not know if mazda makes one. Does anyone know if
one is used on any other mazda model? Since everything is ISO it will fit.
Also, they told me that Honda uses a full height ISO bin on some of their
cars,
so this would be another way to get one.
YMMV
Tom Reinhardt - '94 L.Blue B
tomr@comm.mot.com
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 17:07:40 1995
From: Blairs
Subject: Delurking with a barrage of questions.
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 17:07:18 -0500
Shields up, Keptin! Human VW owner delurking off starboard bow!
My name is Paul Blair. I live in Portland, Oregon, and I have what
has been termed most euphamistically as an "interesting" dilemma. I
have decided to purchase a new (for me, not necessarily a '95/'96)
car in the next 6 months to a year. Perhaps two years, if financing
looks ugly. I am (as you must have guessed by now) looking at a
Miata - not a specific MX-5, but I'm searching - preferably a BRG
(Yeah, right, I know) and a Yellow wouldn't hurt my feelings at all,
but I'd be willing to settle for Silver, Blue, Black, Red, and White
in that order. What's the problem? I'm not completely sure of the
Miata. There are two people involved in this decision, and the female
half of this equation is liking the Miata best - I, on the other
hand, have also fallen in love with a '94 Camaro Z28. Don't get me
wrong - I've wanted (almost desperately at times) a Miata for roughly
5 years, and it'd be easier to acquire. What I need to hear are
people's experiences with Miatas and children, as that I have a
two-year-old son who probably wouldn't take to the trunk too well.
Should I just save up and buy the Z28? Four seats would be simpler,
though maintainence costs would be somewhat higher, and insurance is
rather insane. The Miata is a drop-top, too.... ::Insert drool
stains here:: It's literally a no-decision situation. The cars are
so different, they're appealing to completely different sides of both
of us. Can anyone offer any stunningly convincing words of advice?
Another problem is that I can't seem to find a dealer willing to take
me out on a test drive down some roads worth driving - they're all
thinking to keep low miles on their new MX-5s, I suppose. I live 10
miles from where I REALLY want to try this car out. Consequence:
Haven't driven one yet. I drove a V-6 Camaro with an Automatic (I'm
looking at the V8, manual 6-speed) which really didn't appeal to me,
powertrainwise, but other than that the car was solid, handled
_beautifully_, was well laid out and comfortable, which was
unexpected. I'm currently looking to find some way to drive a Miata
(or even just RIDE in one) down a few choice roads, sit in one while
it's moving, etc. I'll let you know if I find a way. If anyone has
some suggestions, let me know. I also need to know how reliable the
MX-5's 1.6l engine is, and if there's a reasonable chance of adding a
turbocharger without blowing it up withing 10k miles. I realize
there are a lot of questions here, and I apologize for the long post.
I read the digest daily, so I'll reply tomorrow morning to all input.
Thanks again.
Paul Blair
__. . __ . . __ .
/ /\ . / /\ . /_/\ . . . .
/ / \ / / \ _\ \ \ __ . .
/_/ /\ \/_/ /\ \/_/\ \ \/_/\ .
\ \ \/ /\ \ \/ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ __ .
\ \ /. \ \ /\ \ \ \_\ \ \ \/ /\
\ \ \ .\ \ \_\/\ \ \/ /\ \ \/ / .
.\ \ \ \ \ \ . \ \ /. \ \ /. . .
. \_\/. .\_\/ . \_\/. .\_\/ . . . . . .
blairp@ios.com
Mooching at:
--
Stephen, Ann, & Paul Blair blair@teleport.com
The T H R E E Blairs Home: 1 503 653 5901
Milwaukie, OR ÿÿÿA M O P R O B O S
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Thu Mar 30 18:13:06 1995
From: "Robert Cohen"
Subject: Re: Delurking with a barrage
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 18:12:49 -0500
Reply to: RE>Delurking with a barrage of quest
Paul Blair wrote:
>What I need to hear are
>people's experiences with Miatas and children, as that I have a
>two-year-old son who probably wouldn't take to the trunk too well.
I have 3- and a 6-year old daughters -- the older one doesn't
care one way or the other, but the younger one loves the Miata.
She tells me when to shift, and offers helpful driving advice
("go faster, daddy!" or "put your hand there [the shift knob]").
It can make driving even more fun.
Kids aside, I gotten some
great smiles and thumbs-up signs when I ride with my dogs --
a yellow lab and a dalmation.
The down side is that if I want to take a drive with my wife,
I have to get a babysitter (or call her for lunch at work, but
that's another story). I really love the Miata, and never have
regretted getting the car I always wanted (before they stopped
making it, like the MG, TR6, fiat spider,etc) -- but with a family,
you sorta have to have another car .
Now, if your wife has another car available that you can
swap when you need to, I don't think there's
much of a problem (sometimes, having only 2 seats can be helpful-
"Gee, I'd _love_ to pick up the kids today, but I only have 1
spare seat....").
You'll probably get lotsa other responses to this effect, but I
really think that once you drive the Miata, there'll be no way
you can think of *not* getting it. Best handing car I've ever
driven (even better than my '65 Corvair ). And no matter
how bad the day's been, there's always a smile on my face
when I drive home.
>Should I just save up and buy the Z28?