Miata Mailing List: September 1999, Message #221

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In a message dated 9/2/99 9:28:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
Matthew.A.Trostel@wcom.com writes:

> Thanks for the suggestions not to drive the car.  I tend to be the
>  independent type and like to take care of things myself and not put
>  others out, but I heeded your advice and bummed rides.

  Yeah, I tend also to hesitate to ask favors.  I probably would have nursed 
it home, even if it took a long time.  I once put the fan on my 61 GMC 
Suburban through the radiator while trying to blast across a section of 
Washington State river.  I pulled the belt, blocked the hoses, and drove 70 
miles in 5 minute stretches to a junkyard -- took me 3 days. 

>  So far there seems
>  to be no damage: the temp and oil pressure stay where they always have,
>  no white plume of smoke behind the car, and no puddles underneath the car.
>  I guess the last test will be to see what the oil looks like (milky or
>  not) at the next oil change.

  A compression test should tell you if you warped the head, though if the 
damage is mild it might take a while before the head gasket starts to leak.  
One other area that's sensitive to temperature is the piston ring grooves.  
If they distorted, then the rings will stick, not seal well, and eventually 
wear fast.  On the other hand, whatever damage may have been done won't get 
worse in time, though the symptoms may.  I can't think of any preemptive work 
that could change anything now, other than to keep an eye on the temp gauge.  
Sometimes a thermostat that's moved beyond its customary position may stick, 
but it usually sticks open.  If you notice the temp coming up slower than 
usual you should replace the t'stat.  Running with one stuck open causes the 
motor to warm up much more slowly, and thus increases wear -- no big deal 
though.

>  About the panty hose trick...  Do you use just one leg or the whole
>  garment?  I assume you wrap it around as tight and as many times as
>  you can and then tie the ends together?  Do you use the tensioners
>  to further tighten?

  Whatever fits.  The clearances around Miata pulleys are so tight that 
anything hanging out will likely snag on something.  You don't want the 
tension very tight, just enough to keep things turning.  I've found that 1/8" 
nylon cord works pretty well if you tie it with fisherman's knots, pry it 
over the pulleys with a screwdriver, then use the tensioner bolt to snug it 
up.  The key to making such stuff work is developing mechanical sympathy -- 
feeling in your bones how the injured bit is faring, and compensating as you 
limp home.  British or Italian car experience helps a lot.

  Foureagles and Rocinante (who is working on her 3rd hundred thousand miles, 
and always has a good pair of walking shoes in the trunk, er boot).