mx5 misfire problem?? pls help?

[Mr Morlock]

also this all might be subjective- is it really cranking for too long and does it have anything to do with leads or something else? If the battery is on the way out a trickle charger ( do not charge an AGM with a standard fast charger) might not be a bad idea if not dríven or planned to be dríven regularly. If the battery is on the way out the next thing to consider is staying with a quality AGM batttery the ones that last 10 years or so.

[shuey]

thanks, guys. i'll head over to super cheap auto later to pick up a battery tester to check on the battery life. I guess if it ain't broke, why fix it. well, during cold starts it does take a few cycles (maybe 3 seconds) to get it started. but after the car has been warmed up, its pretty much starts up at first crank.

[Mr Morlock]

Shuey- do not bother with Super Cheap etc for battery testers- you go to a Auto Elect or a tyre and battery supplier who will do a proper test including putting the battery under load- free tests. My bet its ok. A new quality AGM battery is probably +$350

[93_Clubman]

Well, during cold starts it does take a few cycles (maybe 3 seconds) to get it started. but after the car has been warmed up, its pretty much starts up at first crank.

The three NAs I've owned have always started instantly cold or hot, & would imagine this is usually the case with NBs. Sounds like there is a developing issue of some kind. Doubt it's your battery, but if you need to replace it then explore your options - plenty of info on here to make a fully informed decision.

[shuey]

ok, so i'm trying to replace my plugs and ignition leads. Having a little trouble removing the coil boot/terminal connectors from the coil on plug cos it's a very snug fit. Any advise on how to take them out without having the risk of damaging the other wires? Or should i just man up and just the bejesus out of it

Also the engine strut bar seems to be in the way, do u reckon i should remove it (one side) to give me a little more space? preferably i wouldn't want to move it. thanks!

[hks_kansei]

Depending on the strut brace you should be able to leave it in situ.

It makes it slightly more awkward to get out lead #3, but it also gives you a nice handrest to use.



As for the plug boots, just keep pulling, if they're the originals they'll probably be stuck on pretty hard (the rubber can stick to the plastic base)

I ended up using pliers on mine, but I wasn't re-using my old leads so didn't mind if they were damaged

[shuey]

thanks hks_kansei, i managed to get it out by nudging it out with a needle nose plier and it popped out.
dang, that felt like a doh! moment

[93_Clubman]

If possible, prefer to carefully twist stuck sparkplug caps initially to release sticking then lift off.

[shuey]

If possible, prefer to carefully twist stuck sparkplug caps initially to release sticking then lift off.

Thanks, Paul.
Yup, I did that.. the leads to the plugs were easier to pull out, just needed to niggle and wiggle around..but found the other end to the coil on plug much harder cos of the rubber sticking together. Just used the needle nose plier (in a close position) to just push it out and it popped out quite easily. I was expecting the condition of the plug to be more worn, but wasn't too bad. oh well, good thing that the replacement plugs came pretty cheap.

Cranking from a cold start seems a tad smoother, but it may well be psychological.. but the experience of DIY'ig something is priceless for a n00b like me

[chefie]

I had a misfire at Morgan park today NB8A and after returning to pits and checking plugs and leads it died completely, I was a long way from home ???

It ended up being the CAS lead had snapped its lillte grab in the plug and vibrated loose but was still connected.

Cable tie and off we went, A big thanks to the other MX5 guys on the day, they directed me to the CAS

If anyone else experiences Nil spark think about the CAS