Miata Mailing List: May 1999, Message #8

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In a message dated 5/1/99 12:17:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
scannon@earthnet.net writes:

<< >Maybe I am spoiled by previously driving a V8 before getting my Miata.  
But,
 >recently I have found it necessary to drive with the front defrost running
 >with the a/c button pushed in to activate the compressor.  With the odd
 >weather spell we have had recently in GA, the humidity completely fogs up my
 >windows.  As I am driving with the defroster in action, the turning on and
 >off of the a/c compressor is extremely noticeable and causes a very choppy,
 >uneven drive.  Basically, when the compressor cuts on, my car kangaroos
 >forward as if I have tapped the brakes.  Then, when it cuts off, the car
 >springs forward as if suddenly gassed.  The whole aspect is rather
 >disconcerting as it seems to degrade the ride quality substantially.  Is 
this
 >a common occurrence in the Miata (I have a '91)?  I know 4 cylinder engines
 >are susceptible to power robbing accessories more than 8 cylinder engines.
 >But, what I am experiencing does not seem "normal".  As I push in the clutch
 >to change gears, the car reacts like it is being driven by a Sears Driving
 >School freshman student.  It feels like it bucks more than it should.  Am I
 >being overly picky?  Or, does something seem out of line?         TIA
 >Sorry for the length of this post.
 >Jay
 
 
 Jay,
 
 Sorta sounds like the early symptoms of the dreaded light weight crankshaft
 problem.
 
 Skip Cannon
 

Skip:
It shouldn't be that because one of the requirements I had for the purchase 
of a Miata was a late '91 without the crankshaft symptom.  The VIN for my '91 
is ...215231.  As I understand it, any VIN after 209247, or so, is supposedly 
"cured".  Of course, anything is possible.  I will run the car with the a/c 
on and watch the pulleys for any excessive play.
Thanks for the response.
Jay