Replacing Heater Hoses
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- Written by jonnykerm
- Hits: 207
This is a guide on how to replace the 2 heater hoses.
First, I purchased this heater hose set http://www.autolinkmx5.com/hose-set-heater-mazda-mx-5-mk1-2-hoses-with-clips-4004-p.asp from Autolink (using the Mazda Mender discount code.
1. The hoses are located in an awkward spot right at the back of the engine next to the coil pack.
2. You need to remove the coil pack for easy access. Unplug the coil pack at the plastic connector and unplug the leads from the top of the engine (you can leave them plugged into the coil pack). Then remove the 2 bolts either side of the coil pack and move it out of the way. I also found it easier to take the air filter out in order to get pliers in to remove the old pipe clips.
3. You should now be left with something that looks like this
4. Now you can slide the original hose clips off the old hoses to you allow access to cut the hose off (you might find it easier to take the dipstick out too to avoid snapping it). Also be careful when cutting as the copper pipes that the hoses connect to at the bulkhead are quite flimsy. DO NOT TRY AND PULL / TWIST the hose off as the pipes will bend and you will never get them to seal again.
Cutting the hose off:
With first hose removed:
5. With both old hoses removed, you can start to fit the new ones. Start with the one nearest the middle of the engine at the bottom end, a good tip here is to put a little hand soap around the edge of the pipes to make it easier to slide them on, don't forget to have your clips already on the hose.
6. Then install the last hose closest to the car wing, again putting a little hand soap around the edges of the pipes. Be gentle but firm when pushing the hoses on to avoid bending the copper pipes.
7. Then you can put the dip stick back in and put the coil pack back.
MK1 Diagnostic Fault Codes
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- Written by MrChrome
- Hits: 501
How to run the diagnostics on a Mazda MX5 MK1
Some of these codes are common with MK2s BUT haven’t checked them yet.
There are a few things you need before you start:
- A jumper – this can be as simple as a paper clip
- An LED – ideally one you can actual see
- The ability to count! If you can’t count then you shouldn’t be trying this!
Unblocking the Soft-top drain holes
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- Written by Nick Bailey
- Hits: 657
Part of every service for an MX5 should be to keep the soft-top drains clear.
If this is not done the result is rather messy because rain water will eventually end up in the cabin floor soaked up in the carpet underlay and even can fill up the body sills. So if you hear water sloshing about as you brake or corner the first thing to do is unblock the soft-top drains.
Caliper Maintenance
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- Written by Nick Bailey
- Hits: 512
Many new and reconditioned rear calipers are sold because owners or mechanics damage the calipers as they renew the brake pads. This happens because they are unfamiliar with the design and push back the pistons with a G-clamp. The correct procedure is to wind the calipers back with the adjuster located at the very back of the caliper.
Cleaning HLA's
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- Written by Nick Bailey
- Hits: 338
So here's a little guide to hydraulic lash adjuster cleaning.
Take 1 set of filthy hla's all placed in the same order they were removed from the head (be careful to keep them in the same order as they MUST go back in the correct location):
MK2 98>00 Headlight Earth Maintenance
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- Written by Nick Bailey
- Hits: 315
One common problem with the MK2 MX5 is caused by the headlight earthing blocks. They corrode causing a bad earth which will make your headlights dim and often can cause the bulb connectors to overheat and melt.
The solution is to keep the earth blocks in good condition and the connections clean, but the location is less than ideal for easy access and preventative maintenance as they are hidden underneath the headlights and require the lights to be removed for access to the earths.