Basic service

[Yolo]

Found this on the nutz forum and really lays out the oil change. Thought it might help the newbies like me and now that the shower has been replaced I might get a chance to do it....
http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17777

[Mazda Mender]

Thats a good write up.
"Due to the obscure location you may need to talk to Mazda about getting one of their special servie tools (SSTs) but a chisel and big mallet can still work wonders!"
You will not need to tap Mazda for a removal tool, machine mart and the like will have them in stock as most will be fitted with after market filters, so Mazda's removal tool will only fit there own, don't try and get in there with a chisel and a big hammer there really is no need to, if you get stuck , ask.
But it is a really good write up to follow.
M-m

[Lazza]

"Make sure you don't tighten it up too much because it will only make your life more difficult next time. Tigthen it until you fee resistance then give it about 1/2 a turn"

1/2 a turn? That sounds like a lot to me. I'm pretty sure that once I feel it nip-up I don't give it mire than another 1/4 turn, if that.

Good guide though. It should be noted that only the early Mk1 1.6 had a real oil pressure gauge. On later Mk1 and 1.8 onwards it's a dummy gauge that just indicates that there is some pressure. It's effectively just a more interesting looking oil light.

[paggers]

If you want to be pedantic on servicing here is the full service schedule showing what should be done and when:



This is an extract from a spreadsheet that I maintain and against each item I have the date and mileage when the item was last dealt with and the date and mileage by which it next needs to be addressed.

[Lazza]

I used to do that but I never remembered to update it and now I have no idea where the file is so I gave it up.

[paggers]

I used to do that but I never remembered to update it and now I have no idea where the file is so I gave it up.

To be honest it's the first car I have done it on but I got a spreadsheet with the full service history from the previous owner and I plan to keep the car going so best to start as I mean to go on - taking care of the details. (And yeah, I know it's a bit OCD but it keeps me amused when I can't tinker with the car.)

[Mazda Mender]

I'll show you the sheets that i print off, that are left in the roadster, and you just fill them in as your going, next time you are here buddy
M-m

[Yolo]

Finally got the flush oil filter and plugs so all being well tomorrow night I am taking the first steps. Fingers crossed.

[Yolo]

Forgot the sump plug washer is this needed I am guessing yes. If so I have a Mazda dealer beside me at work should be cheap enough.

[binarypunk]

You can reuse it a couple of times as long as it hasn't been overtightened - hard to know if you didn't do it last time.

They're standard crush washers, so your local independent motor factor will be infinitely cheaper.

[Lazza]

They're standard crush washers, so your local independent motor factor will be infinitely cheaper.

True but given a choice between travelling to a motor factors to spend 60p or going next door to spend £2 I'd save the fuel

[Yolo]

They're standard crush washers, so your local independent motor factor will be infinitely cheaper.

True but given a choice between travelling to a motor factors to spend 60p or going next door to spend £2 I'd save the fuel

Local factors didn't have it and Mazda needed the chasis number to check.... Looks like an excuse to take it to work tomorrow.....

[Yolo]

you guys are not going to believe this one. Took the car to work as I figured I can't forget the chasis number that way. Went to the Mazda dealer to sort the sump plug washer. Gave the guy the chasis number only to be told I was mistaken. Showed him where I got it in the engine bay just to be asked if it was an import. At this point he said he didn't have access to imports parts numbers and he couldn't sell me the plug as it was a vital engine component and he wouldn't take the risk. Not all engines are the same and the Japanese have a different system with different tolerances which is how we end up with all these imports through the grey market. Told me to phone his other dealers to confirm the part no, note he didn't offer to do it... This is at 9.30 in the morning with no one else in the shop.... Talk about being p****d off... Going to phone auto link to order this and one of Binary's diagnostic kits to make the postage worth it.

[binarypunk]

The idea that Mazda would spec different crush washers for different territories is just laughable.
Especially as all my motor factor wants to know is the diameter. The tolerance is irrelevant because (as the name suggests) it gets crushed!

[nobow]

As with many things now a days it all depends who you talk to on the day, you might get the new green back who still needs to learn his or her elbow from ar*e, or you may drop lucky and get someone who knows what they are doing.