A problem or not a problem?

[rockdrummer4]

OK, not sure if this is a problem, or just me

98 MK1, 99,000, 1.6

When accelerating from stop, first gear is fine, second gear is fine, if go into 3rd gear under 20 mpg the car will missfire once or twice and then is fine, if go into 3rd gear over 20mpg appears fine !! I know I know go into 3rd gear over 20 mpg... but Im pretty sure it was not like this before, I have noticed this for maybe 3 weeks now.

Is this a problem or just going into 3rd gear to soon? Have not noticed any loss of power and only appears to happen in the scenario above?

Thanks..

[Steve]

when did you change your plug leads last?

[rockdrummer4]

Have had it serviced in Mazda garage twice a yr for as long as Ive owned it (2yrs), not sure if they have been done, would have to check receipts... anything serious ya think?

[rhysmate]

Sounds like plug leads i wouldnt have though they change those in a service

[rockdrummer4]

will check this eve, thks

[pjmazda]

Plug leads definately first port of call, had identical symptoms to yours and always turned out to be the plug leads.

[MX5Spares]

If not the leads then it sounds like the coil.Common complaint and not too exoensive.Coils tend to break down at low revs in low gears basically when car is labouring a bit.We have good sued ones as new they vary betwen 250e to 450e.!!

[rockdrummer4]

Had it checked in garage - the gasket is leaking oil onto the plugs so need to get this fixed = 60 euro
Cleaned the oil off the plugs and this should stop it... will see how this goes.
He said plugs appear in good condition, but this would be next port of call..
After that coil.

Sound about right?

[MX5Spares]

New gasket on cam cover will sort it as plugs short out if sorrounded by oil.You may not even need the coil/Gasket is approx 25e plus labour so 60e seems ok.

[rockdrummer4]

Yeah they said that but when they cleaned it out it was still kinda happening.. said just to drive it to burn off remaining oil and see then... havent driven it much yet, will try tomorrow..

Thanks alot for the reply.

[rockdrummer4]

Just wondeering is it bad driving the car with a leaky gasket, or faulty plugs, or coil? Getting gasket done on Friday I hope.

[sidewaysreilly]

oil will NOT cause a misfire. Plug leads are known as a weak point . Change them first.

[rockdrummer4]

Got both gasket and plugs done = €160... all running fine now. Thks.