New Miata Owner
I just want to introduce myself. I just recently took ownership of a 1994 Mazda Miata with a 1.8 motor. First off I was given this car by a friend who really does not know much about cars. This Miata sat in his driveway for about 8-10 months and was never started during that time. The reason being is that the battery lost power and caused the aftermarket alarm to disable the starter. And due to this he just let it sit in the driveway until now. So, once I got it home the other day I took the battery out and put it on the charger. Now, since this car has not been started in some time now, I was wondering if there is anything out of the ordinary that I need to do prior to starting it. I will go ahead and drain the old fuel in the tank and maybe even put some ATF in the cylinder heads via the spark plug holes and give the engine a second or two cranks to get the cylinder walls freed up and lubed. I am really looking forward to driving this car. Since the last time I got to drive one is when I worked at a Mazda dealer ship back in the early 1990’s. So, if anyone can help me out that would be great. And I look forward to meeting you all on the open road. (I know that sounds corny.)
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Welcome! unfortunately I doubt we will be meeting on the open road. seeing as we are rather far apart from each other.
Seems like quite the nice find! I havent winterized a car, or started a car that hasnt run in that long before, but the atf couldnt hurt. I would change the oil and coolant while your at it though. You never know what that stuff is like at this point. |
Welcome to the forumz
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Crank it over a little with no spark to lube it up too after the fluid change maybe? I would do Diff and tranny, brake and clutch to be all lubed up and safe.
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Welcome! Congrats on your purchase! Pics or gtfo...
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Change the fuel for sure.
Do an oil change so you can get oil all over that ---- before it starts. Make sure you fill up the oil filter. And floor the throttle pedal and crank it for about 3-4 seconds to get oil flowing everywhere (no worries, floored throttle will stop the ECU from firing the injectors. flood switch). Once you get it running, enjoy it for a bit. cut it off, and dump the coolant (wait till it cools down some of course). Flush the coolant out completely and put in new stuff. Thats about it other than regular maintenance (trans, diff, clutch, brake fluids, fuel filter, etc.). |
Thanks for the information guys. As soon as I get the Miata running I will get some photos. I am kind of new to the forum world...what does "gtfo" mean?
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he is joking with you. it means "get the ---- out"
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Originally Posted by Track
(Post 9344)
he is joking with you. it means "get the ---- out"
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In for pics/video of first startup. May want to throw some Seafoaming in the new gas. May want to check the timing belt and water pump
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Welcome! You have never owned a Miata before correct? You're going to have fun, these things are a blast. Don't worry too much about it sitting for 8 months, a change of fluids, a good seafoaming, and some behind the wheel time will cure what ails her. My 92 sat for 10 years at the dealer, and she's fine at 160K, same engine. We're here to help if you need assistance.
Oh, and pics or it didn't happen. :D |
I am going to move this to intro section guys. more appropriate there.
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Welcome! These guys are on target. Holding wide open throttle and cranking for a bit after you see the oil pressure gauge come up and before trying to start it is excellent advice. The stock computer goes into "flood clear" mode and stops injecting fuel.
Also don't be surprised at loudly ticking and clattering hydraulic valve lifters for awhile. The oil gets into them very slowly and they will gradually quiet down between one minute and one hour after starting depending upon how collapsed they are and how gummed up the oil passages are. Don't fear. Good luck. |
That is good information to have Six. I have ordered a battery and it should be here the first of the week. Until then I will be dropping the oil and putting in fresh. I will also be ordering a replacement top and will attempt to install it myself. I have watched a few YouTube videos on replacing it. Is there any other types of installation instructions that would be in PDF format? Also, these instruction videos talk about drilling out the rivets. Do I then also have to replace them with new rivets or can I replace them with larger self taping screws?
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You'll need the rivets, sharp screws on a fabric/vinyl top = disaster waiting to happen. But don't worry, you can pick up a rivet gun at your local harbor freight for $4.99, and you'll have a new tool to add to your collection!
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:)Well I dropped in the new battery, yanked out the aftermarket alarm system. And it fired right up. The lifters ended up ticking for about 1/2 hour and now it is quiet. I ended up driving it with the top down for about 25 miles in the 32 deg weather. Damn these are fun cars. Now I get to order a new top and install it myself! :):):):)
Thank you everyone for all the information. It helped out alot. |
Glad to hear!! always nice to see a miata put back on the road. Let us know what your plans are, and maybe we can give some suggestions, or just shoot the ---- with us in the off-topic section.
Either way, Stick around! we are a fun group :D |
Originally Posted by Deerkiller
(Post 10200)
:)Well I dropped in the new battery, yanked out the aftermarket alarm system. And it fired right up. The lifters ended up ticking for about 1/2 hour and now it is quiet. I ended up driving it with the top down for about 25 miles in the 32 deg weather. Damn these are fun cars. Now I get to order a new top and install it myself! :):):):)
Thank you everyone for all the information. It helped out alot. |
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