Thanks so much for these video's, I just picked up an 01 a few weeks and have ordered all the parts for the change. I know the 01's have VVT so I think there are a few differences, but these video's are so in depth and awesome that I have a ton of confidence going into it. Thanks!
Great vid, aa. Nice and clear, no BS. We just picked up a '99 yesterday, first time I've ever driven one; WOW is about all I can say. The engine on this thing is beautifully uncluttered, almost like working on an older car, yeah? Looking forward to getting under the hood! Thanks.
Just take your time with it. Look at miata.net for a number of write ups on how to do it. The engine is a non interference engine, so even if you get the timing off, it won't destroy anything but ego. The 1990 has a short nose crank which needs extra care if you're going to replace the front main seal.
My thermostat housing is broken and intake timing is retarded by one tooth. It took 5 hours too do it but I failed. I still have to do my brakes. My coolant temperature sensor was so old and crusty the moment I touched it it broke in half. I also put 3 new holes in my right hand. I had all of the timing marks lined up, but the intake timing wanted to sit a little advanced compared to the timing marks so I though I would take a crescent wrench and hold the cam in the right position compared to the timing marks. Tomorrow I get to take it all apart again and replace the thermostat housing and shift the intake cam a little bit.
One last thing, my 1.6 had a short nose crank in it, until it broke in half. It had the updated crankshaft. I have no idea how strong it is I just hope it doesn't break.
Same happened to me. Did a 4 dollar thermostat replacement. The thermostat housing bolts were welded in there basically. Spent 4 hours getting them out slowly followed by another 4 hours after more bolts cracked. Followed by even more old crusty bolts. Now the timings out slightly or a spark plug wire is broken. My ego is detroyed atm...
Good job...I do have 1999 mx5, and I wondering if you will be able to do the timing belt/water pump replacement for me,I saw that your car plate is from Texas and I am from Texas too..please let me know
Lucero Madruga Thanks for commenting. Right now, I'm pretty tied up with some illustration gigs and traveling. As much as I'd like to help, I think by the time you factor in travel costs, possibly renting a car if this is your only mode of transport, parts and labor, it would be easier to have a shop do it. It seems daunting, but the Miata's engine is pretty forgiving. Just make sure to label your parts and take your time with it. there are plenty of resources for instruction like Miata.net and here for tips.
Normally you don't have to disassemble the air box but I changed out the filter at the same time as the belt. Super simple to do. There are some clips on the side of the air box holding it together.
She sounds really healthy! Not much of that annoying ticking sound at all
Thanks so much for these video's, I just picked up an 01 a few weeks and have ordered all the parts for the change. I know the 01's have VVT so I think there are a few differences, but these video's are so in depth and awesome that I have a ton of confidence going into it. Thanks!
Great vid, aa. Nice and clear, no BS. We just picked up a '99 yesterday, first time I've ever driven one; WOW is about all I can say. The engine on this thing is beautifully uncluttered, almost like working on an older car, yeah? Looking forward to getting under the hood! Thanks.
By far the best timing belt videos you CZcams. Thanks!
I get to replace the age old timing belt on my 90. It doesn't look like much fun.
Just take your time with it. Look at miata.net for a number of write ups on how to do it. The engine is a non interference engine, so even if you get the timing off, it won't destroy anything but ego. The 1990 has a short nose crank which needs extra care if you're going to replace the front main seal.
So far working on the miata has been nice. Easier than the Hondas I used to own.
My thermostat housing is broken and intake timing is retarded by one tooth. It took 5 hours too do it but I failed. I still have to do my brakes. My coolant temperature sensor was so old and crusty the moment I touched it it broke in half. I also put 3 new holes in my right hand. I had all of the timing marks lined up, but the intake timing wanted to sit a little advanced compared to the timing marks so I though I would take a crescent wrench and hold the cam in the right position compared to the timing marks. Tomorrow I get to take it all apart again and replace the thermostat housing and shift the intake cam a little bit.
One last thing, my 1.6 had a short nose crank in it, until it broke in half. It had the updated crankshaft. I have no idea how strong it is I just hope it doesn't break.
Same happened to me. Did a 4 dollar thermostat replacement. The thermostat housing bolts were welded in there basically. Spent 4 hours getting them out slowly followed by another 4 hours after more bolts cracked. Followed by even more old crusty bolts. Now the timings out slightly or a spark plug wire is broken. My ego is detroyed atm...
Good job...I do have 1999 mx5, and I wondering if you will be able to do the timing belt/water pump replacement for me,I saw that your car plate is from Texas and I am from Texas too..please let me know
Lucero Madruga Thanks for commenting. Right now, I'm pretty tied up with some illustration gigs and traveling. As much as I'd like to help, I think by the time you factor in travel costs, possibly renting a car if this is your only mode of transport, parts and labor, it would be easier to have a shop do it. It seems daunting, but the Miata's engine is pretty forgiving. Just make sure to label your parts and take your time with it. there are plenty of resources for instruction like Miata.net and here for tips.
Where did the air box come from? The top of the air box was missing in an earlier video.
Normally you don't have to disassemble the air box but I changed out the filter at the same time as the belt. Super simple to do. There are some clips on the side of the air box holding it together.