mx5cartalk.com

There are a couple of concerns with my NB at the moment, in particular i have bubbling fluid in the overflow after running for a short period of time. I'm concerned it could be a head gasket or potentially something worse. I know about MX5 Factory but have been hearing mixed messages about them. So I was wondering if there were any recommended mechanics in the general area of MX5 Factory or if MX5 Factory itself is a good place to take my NB to?

Personally I don't rate mx5 factory, too many stories from too many people.

I've had work done at Allmaz in the past, they're in Clayton. They've always been good.

Otherwise I'd just go to any mechanic, the mx5 doesn't need a specialist since most of the stuff in them is from a regular old Mazda 323


As for he bubbles in the overflow, have you recently had new coolant put in? Or replaced a hose?
If so its probably just burping air out of the system and should stop after a day or so (just top it up if the level in the radiator drops)

hks_kansei wrote:As for he bubbles in the overflow, have you recently had new coolant put in? Or replaced a hose?
If so its probably just burping air out of the system and should stop after a day or so (just top it up if the level in the radiator drops)

I haven't had any new coolant in it since i bought the car (Jan 2016) nor have i replaced a hose. Noticed the bubbling a few weeks ago, haven't been driving it a lot recently which probably isn't helping it.

Check the coolant level in the radiator as well, (of course, with engine cold)

It should be pretty much full, the overflow should be up near max as well (if overfilled it will just burp excess out anyway)

With the rad cap off start the car and see if there's any foaming or bubbles in the coolant, give it a mild rev and look as well.
Those are another sign of a possible head gasket split.

If the oil looks sludgy or like cappuccino foam it means he head gasket has well and truely blown and you should stop driving it before you damage stuff.

A mild split that causes light coolant bubbles etc isn't great, but it's not something that needs to be looked at immediately.

If its a radiator problem ring Ferntree Gully Radiators and sound them out- thats their business and bear in mind that mechanics often don't do the specialist work but call on others in the Trade. Some guys give excellent reports for the MX5 Factory so they must be doing something right.