Miata Mailing List: February 2000, Message #97

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Miataians,
OK, something is bugging me and I need your input:  I have a '96, (stock,
including the timing.)  It just turned 20K miles yesterday.  It runs great
and always has.  I have never let anyone touch it but me, as I do all of the
maintenance.  I change the oil at 3000 or before if the 3 months limit
occurs.  The only thing I have done is replace spark plugs wires at 13K
(blue NGK) as a precaution.

Here's the deal:  I suspect (I.e. worry) that the car is running rich.  It
smells as if it has a rich mixture sometimes and it also does the
cough-sputter thing the next time I start it, if I don't let the car warm up
before I shut it down (as many have discussed).

The motor oil seems to have more of a gasoline smell than other cars I
have/had.  The oil always smells like gasoline compared to my wife's car.
The oil always looks clean enough.  I'm also starting to think the oil
"feels" thin. (???)  The best mileage I have ever recorded is 26 mpg.  I was
wondering if there might be a sensor out of whack or something.  Any
thoughts?

Thanks,
Jay