MX5Ireland

I have a 93 Roadster. I have had it under cover since last year. Now when I drive it I find that she is sluggish and not performing her best. I know that she needs attention after the winter but I don't want to take it to a mechanic just yet as I don't really know what to say to him. Is there anyone in the Enniscorthy area that could take her for a drive and do a diagnosis for me!?

Hi Molly,

Hope you are enjoying the 5 now that the fine weather has finally arrived.
The engine is pretty much 'bullet proof' and the chances are it just needs a basic service after being laid up after the winter. Presumably when you say under the cover, it was outside...certainly the brake discs will have 'furred up' and will clean up after a few days driving.

I would recommend to change the HT leads every 60k miles..so depending how many miles it has done since the last major service , think about this.
Also timing belts should be done around this mileage and do the water pump at the same time.

1. Engine oil and oil filter circa.. €30
2. Spark plugs " €16
3. HT Leads " €60
4. Water pump(when needed) " €25
5. Set of timing belts " €70

Certainly if your Hubby/Boyfriend is handy he can do steps 1. 2. 3. for you.


You can price all of the above items at http://www.mx5parts.co.uk

Definitely changing the oil and oil filter and spark plugs Will make a big difference.
Hope this helps and perhaps we will see on a run during the year.

Regards John.

Thanks John.

Do you recommend that I get is it a supped up oil filter. I saw it on the programme that buys old cars and then sells them for a profit. The car was outside but I had a cover over it and it was in a its own car port. The front drivers side breaks gave off a bit of a rubber smell but that seems to have eased.

Hi Molly,

Yes I follow that 'Wheeler Dealer' programme as well, very interesting.

There is a 'cone' type AIR filter which gives the engine a heathier 'growl' sound, but it will make the car a bit noisier. So its up to you. If you do this you will have to modify the original air filter box somewhat.

The ordinary oil filters are very cheap say...€5.

Regards John.

I will take your advice and follow your list. I don't really want to modify the car just keep her as is and take her out every summer. She's like a christmas present every April when I dust her down!

I work every weekend so I miss out on all the runs but maybe sometime, when I win the lotto I will join in.


Regards,


Cathy

Hi Cathy,

If it is just oil and filter you need for the moment , your regular Motor factors can supply you with you with these.

The other bits will be much cheaper from an online source. Is it a 1.6 or 1.8 engine.

Dont think we have anybody in Enniscorthy who is near you.

We will let you know if anything is happening down in the sunny South-East during the year.

John.

Its a 1.8. I think the steering is a bit stiff and I would love another MX5 driver to give their opinion. I just feel that when I go to my mechanic (who keeps my other taxi buses on the road for me) He will do the usual things but not like an MX5 driver!

hi molly i live in wicklow but spend my weekends in cahore in wexfordi can take a look for you if you want im down next weekend

Hi Johnv,

I missed your reply and only found it tonight. I would love you to take a look at my car. I live in Enniscorthy but I could meet you somewhere. Had the speakers fitted tonight. They sound great but the zip broke in one of them!

Cathy

hi cathy wont be in wexford for the next two weeks will be in touch when im down

No prob. Will talk to you then.

Thanks

Cathy

hi cathy did you get your car sorted. ill be in wexford next weekend if want me to have a look .

Well I dropped the car to my mechanic yesterday and well there seems to be a lot wrong. I need a new power steering pump. I bent something that had to be straightened... (very technical I am) I need 2 new discs and now more new break pads. He says my tyres (4 new ones bought less then a year ago are off and one tyres is bopping along so they need serious tracking.... I have the receipts here since I bought her and they add up to €2809....... The air conditioning doesn't work but I thought I would just leave that..


Would anyone have the power steering pump for me?

http://www.autolinkmx5.com/power-steeri ... 1046-p.asp

Hi Molly,

I havent heard of someone having to replace a power steering pump before, to replace with new one is very expensive £400, see the above link for 2nd hand one at£25. . Just wondering was the car parked up for a long time..? Perhaps when you have replaced all the belts including the power steering belt, this may cure your heavy steering feel.

Keep us informed how things go.

Regards John.

It was parked up over the winter but with a cover and in a car port. I spent so much on it last year I thought I had nothing to do this year but tax it and drive off into the sunset.....