New to cars - First car is an MX5, what should i do?

[Nikki]

Hey people!

Just seeking some advice about my mx5 I just got.

For context:
I am a young female with absolutely no experience or knowledge about cars (other than what I have learnt online by myself, which is minimal as I don’t understand a lot of terminology) as I am the first person in my family to ever get their licence.

I have always thought mx5’s were really cute and cool cars, so when I past my p’s test a month ago I knew I had to get one. So two weeks ago I purchased a black, manual, 1999 NB8A from a lovely old lady for what I thought was a pretty good price.

My issue is now – is I want to fix it up a little bit with the remainder of my savings, to make it safe and reliable (cosmetic stuff could obviously be nice, but I don’t have the funds for that). But I am not sure what I need to do and what should be the priorities.

I first looked though the original log book to see where it was up to in regards to servicing. I managed to change the engine oil, oil filter, coolant oil, diff oil and gear box oil by myself with the help of YouTube videos.

But I also noticed that there is no records of the car ever having a major 100,000 service (like the mx5 mania website says)
-Replace tensioner spring
-Replace Cam Seals/Crank Seal
-Replace Cam Cover Gasket
-Replace Waterpump
-Replace Waterpump Gaskets and o-ring

How important is it to have these done?
How will I know if they need to be done? (maybe it was done and just not recorded in the log book).
How difficult is it to do these by myself?

There is a squeaking noise coming from the engine bay – could it be a result of one of these items?
I feel like if I take it to a mechanic and ask what needs to be done, they will just say a tone of stuff that doesn’t actually need doing, just to make money.

Additionally the brakes seem to be almost finished. They don’t seem to ‘bite’ (is that the right term) well, and from looking at them the pads seem to be very thin. The tires also have minimal tread left. So im worried it wont pass an inspection if I don’t get these done. I will post in the wheels/brakes thread for help about these. (viewtopic.php?f=30&t=77450 )

But overall should I focus more on the big service or the wheels/breaks?
Sorry for the long post, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ManiacLachy]

Welcome, and well done on the maintenance you've already done! For many of us, the MX-5 was/is the first car we've actually done work on ourselves, there are so many resources of information available, and it's simplicity really lends itself to DIY work.

The MX-5 engine is a non-interference engine. That means if the timing belt snaps that the should not be any danger of internal damage to the motor. You'd be stranded, but your engine will be fine. On an interference engine, the valves and the pistons would come into contact with one another, causing expensive damage. So, on that front, delaying your 100k service isn't critical. If the water pump were to fail, the car could over heat and if you don't catch it quickly enough you could cause damage. The water pump is rated for a longer life than the timing belt, but is almost always replaced at the same time because you have to remove the timing belt to get to the pump so it makes a lot of sense to do it while you're in there.

IMO, the service probably hasn't been done, it's an important one to log so it's absence is telling. You don't say how many Ks are on the car currently, but even by age it's probably due. If you have to delay it a little while gathering funds that's fine, but I would put it on the list to do soon. It's a job you could do at home, you seem willing to give everything ago, but it could be a daunting job. Take a look at this video, see if it's something you'd do (this is on a 1.6 NA motor, but it's very similar to your 1.8 NB). The labor on this job can make it a little expensive in a shop, maybe see if there are others in your area who would help, put your location in your profile it will help locals better help you.


The squeal you hear is probably an accessory belt, it's getting tired, you'd replace the accessory belts at the same time as the timing belt. You could look at adjusting the tension in the short term.

How's your radiator looking? It should be black. If it's turning brown/green it's a time bomb, start looking at replacements. If it hasn't been replaced its probably coming to the end of it's service life.

Brakes and tyres are important, brakes are pretty easy and you could manage them on your own. While the car is in for tyres, get an alignment done, it will change the way the car feels on the street. Do a google search for "miata street alignment" and you'll get some good numbers to give to the tyre shop (don't go with their default numbers).

Priorities IMO:
1) Tyres
2) Brakes
3) Radiator
4) Timing belt & water pump service

It's a bit of an outlay on a new to you car, but with all of this done you'll be good for a while other than regular oil changes.

[manga_blue]

x2 on pretty much everything ManiacLachy said. It would really help you to find a mentor. Most of the jobs on an MX5 are really pretty simple but you need someone to teach you the basic skills and traps about mechanical work. Youtube is not quite enough - a lot of it is done by feel.

As he said brakes are simple but there are standard techniques and precautions. The consequences are catastrophic if you get it wrong. Try explaining to a local brake shop that you're trying to learn and would they mind if you watch while they check and service them. It helps if you rock up with safe clothes and shoes when you ask. Gov safety inspectors jump on enterprises when they see customers in bare feet or thongs inside the workshop.

Members on this forum sometimes arrange dodgy days where a lot of of people get together in a workshop to help each other with minor jobs on their cars. It's good for small jobs like radiator swaps, pad changes, brake bleeding and the like but no good for big efforts. Search for "dodgy" on this forum.

The timing belt change is a big job. There's 5 or 6 hours labour plus a few hundred in parts. It's really worthwhile tracking down the detailed service history before you start thinking about doing it. Go back to the original owner and ask if she recently had a huge service bill and does she have the receipts. Maybe go back to the workshop stamps in the service booklet and call them to see if they kept records. Many do and will print it all out if the owner at the time gives permission.

Good luck.

[ralt]

Hi.
Please advise where you are from as a location may enable people to point you in the correct direction.

[93_Clubman]

Welcome & congrats to OP, especially for approach to something new & what's been achieved so far.

Please advise where you are from as a location may enable people to point you in the correct direction.

through Macquarie pass etc

From OPs brake & tyre thread, so looks like South of Sydney.

[KevGoat]

About all I can think to add to Lachy's list is spark plugs and leads if there's no evidence of recent replacement. Leads may be fine but I've usually tended to fit new ones just for peace of mind when I've bought new(old) cars.

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[Nikki]

IMO, the service probably hasn't been done, it's an important one to log so it's absence is telling. You don't say how many Ks are on the car currently, but even by age it's probably due.

How's your radiator looking? It should be black. If it's turning brown/green it's a time bomb, start looking at replacements. If it hasn't been replaced its probably coming to the end of it's service life.

Its at 180,000km and i contacted the lady i got it off and she said that anything and everything done to the car was noted in the log books, so seems certain it was never done.

The radiator is virtually brand new - was replaced just a bit over a year ago, which is handy.

I watched that video, and it looks way to complex for me ahaha. Might just have to save up and get it done by a mechanic, or find some people local to help me (blacktown area)

Another question - how long does the stock suspension tend to be fine for? will it still be good after 180,000kms?

Thank you for your help

[Nikki]

Hi.
Please advise where you are from as a location may enable people to point you in the correct direction.

Hi!

From the western sydney / Blacktown area.

[Nikki]

About all I can think to add to Lachy's list is spark plugs and leads if there's no evidence of recent replacement. Leads may be fine but I've usually tended to fit new ones just for peace of mind when I've bought new(old) cars.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

What would qualify as new?

The log book says they were replaced like 2.5 years ago

[ManiacLachy]

Its at 180,000km and i contacted the lady i got it off and she said that anything and everything done to the car was noted in the log books, so seems certain it was never done.

OK yeah, I'd get it done soon then. But I'll stick with my initial priority order, sort out your brakes and tyres first. Stopping is important!

The radiator is virtually brand new - was replaced just a bit over a year ago, which is handy.

Excellent, that's very handy. One less thing to worry about.

I watched that video, and it looks way to complex for me ahaha. Might just have to save up and get it done by a mechanic, or find some people local to help me (blacktown area)

Having someone who's done it before or is competent on the tools would be helpful, but otherwise find an MX-5 proficient mechanic and have them do it. Knowing it's done right will be worth the peace of mind, especially if you're still learning the in's and out's of car maintenance. It's a job I'd like to do on my car, but I'm not quite sure if I'm game.

Another question - how long does the stock suspension tend to be fine for? will it still be good after 180,000kms?

They'll be tired for sure, but I wouldn't worry about it too soon unless you're bottoming out super easily while driving. After the big maintenance items are taken care of see how you go with your driving and maybe start saving for some quality coilovers.

[StuwieP]

Hey people!

Welcome! Great choice - it was my first car too and you've tackled WAY more than I would have right at the start so you're not as far in over your head as you think you are.

Good luck with the journey!

[apsilon]

I watched that video, and it looks way to complex for me ahaha. Might just have to save up and get it done by a mechanic, or find some people local to help me (blacktown area)

I'm local (Baulkham Hills) so could possibly offer some advice on some items if you get stuck. I'm certainly not an expert and have never done a timing belt or anything internal on an engine however but I've done a lot of other stuff.

This forum is great for help and most tasks are well covered by Youtube vids which can help greatly in figuring out how to do things. Most things aren't hard, with a bit of a primer from watching a couple of Youtube vids (some are questionable so make sure a few are doing the same thing and double check by asking here for unsure) and some common sense you may be surprised what you can do without prior experience. These are a good and simple car to learn on as well.

Lots of options for tyres though if you have 14" wheels there's not a lot of what I'd call street performance tyres around. There's a few track options but if this is going to be your daily driver you probably won't be impressed with the wear rate of tyres intended for track. Larger 15" or 16" wheels and more options open up.

Brakes are an easy job, pad changes and rotor swaps can be done in half a day even if it's your first time. Rotors may not need to swapped, it depends on their condition. I like DBA rotors, they also have a few options from OEM style replacements up to ones a little more performance orientated. Pads there's people more knowledgeable than myself that can advise the best options. I'm shortly going to be trying Hawk Performance pads based upon comments found here.

Some of the items you've mentioned should be part of standard servicing so while that part may not specifically be mentioned, if the corresponding service has been done then they should've been. Seals if they're not leaking I wouldn't put near the top of the list, cover the basics and safety items first. If your tyres and brakes need attention then tackle those first because not being able to stop or turn is a problem. Basic fluid and filters should also be up there and if you've still got the original shocks at 180k km then yes, they'll likely be pretty tired by now. Squeal is probably one of the two belts, likely just needs adjustment which is an easy task but might also need replacement if worn.

One thing I don't think has been covered is what tools do you have available? You don't need anything too fancy but a basic socket and spanner set (only need metric) along with a set of hex keys (4mm i think it is to adjust the rear calipers/parking brake), #2 philips and around 5mm flat blade screwdriver are the basics that'll cover most jobs. A torque wrench is definitely recommended and possibly a breaker bar to help crack fasteners loose. Most importantly if you'e going to do brakes and other work under the car are reliable set of jack stands and a floor jack are really required.

If you need an MX5 specialist, you're not too far from MX5 Mania at Dural. I haven't used them for any mechanical work myself but they've been around for a while so they must know what they're doing and they're also a good local source for parts but unfortunately rarely open weekends so you can't drop in to pick things up at the last minute.

[Mr Morlock]

Peace of mind- driving and owning cars is about doing the important stuff- check the service recommendations ( owners manual) and do whats really important - you can spend buckets of money and worry about the sky falling in. Spark plugs and leads last a long time and preventative maintenance on a car is not the same as servicing a fighter jet or a passenger aircraft.

[hks_kansei]

I tend to agree with Morlock there, to a point.


Plugs i'd change regardless, since it's a simple job, and also a cheap one (normal NGK coppers are only $5 each)

Plug leads i'd leave unless you've got a misfire, since they're always ridiculously overpriced, and dont really wear out.
My Magnecor leads have seen 10 years of service, and about 400,000km of use (about 300,000 on the first car, and another 100,000 on my car)

The only thing I'd noticed is that one of them doesnt seem to click onto the plug end as well as it used to, but still grabs fine.

[Lokiel]

You're going to love this car.

Can I convince you to change your username to "Nikki Fivve"?

FYI: "Nikki Sixx" is an American musician, songwriter, radio host, and photographer, best known as the co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of the band Mötley Crüe.

- just seems "right" for an MX5 forum.