Good evening everyone
North London based , all standard , 2006 1.8
142000 miles and tired ( the car, not so much me…)
I’m currently mulling a replacement engine because I have very low compression on one cylinder and horrendous oil usage. Had I a garage, I’d attempt to rebuild the engine myself just for the adventure, but a secondhand is the likely outcome just now. Any thoughts out there about the 2nd hand or recon market? I’d like to keep it going and avoid breaking it up of course.
Still in use a couple of days a week, for a rather long commute, which takes me over practically every type of road except an Alpine pass, it seems. Just a pleasure despite the numerous niggles and general scruffiness. I’ve driven it over 40k miles since I bought it five years back. It now deserves some TLC I feel.
I was aiming to get to the Chilterns meetup last week as the commute takes me that way, but the work monster intervened, so maybe next time. West London group is also local.
Pleased to meet you all, cheers!
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Welcome to the group and greetings from J17 M25, sorry I can’t be of practicle help but I am sure some who can will be along presently. Wishing you many smiles per mile when you get your NC sorted.
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Welcome!
My NB had an engine transplant earlier this year in order to keep her on the road (not that she was worth it from a financial point of view but I’m emotionally attached!). My MX-5 specialist had a spare engine in stock but otherwise it’s ebay, FB Marketplace or places like MX-5 Heaven or Autolink UK. If you can do the work yourself then go for it.
We have just got a new Area Coordinator in post for West London. He is just finding his feet, but will be up and running soon. Keep an eye on the WL calendar for details of social meets and future events.
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Welcome from HA2! I will also be trying to get to the Chilterns meet up as soon as time allows! Look forward to meeting you there!
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If you are considering changing the engine then you might as well first try this old trick which worked several times for me when I was nursing old bangers on a shoestring in the 1960s and 1970s. It wont make it worse.
Inject (turkey baster?) an egg-cup full of Redex into the offending cylinder via the spark plug hole immediately after switching off the hot engine, and then let it trickle-soak into the rings overnight.
Next morning we turned the engine over a few times by hand. Fortunately with MX-5 if the throttle is floored when trying to start the engine, no fuel is injected so it does not start. This is handy…
But…
Beware! If cranking fast, even if only a turn or two, first remember to put the plug back in to keep the engine compartment free from any Redex being spat out the plug-hole!
Leave it another day, having jiggled the rings, then try starting as normal. Be prepared for a big cloud of blue smoke as the Redex burns off.
Good luck, and I hope those rings become unstuck.
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Thanks! Where is your specialist in case I draw a blank elsewhere please? A call there might set off a chain of events ,
Best regards
Mazdadudes, who are based in Darlington. A bit of a way for you but they might have one in stock.
Thanks, they have an engine so I have decisions to make… 
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