The weeks Automotive Challenge

EricW · Post by **EricW** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:35 am

At the risk of still being off topic, (what the heck, we are all mad car
buffs and all knowledge is valuable), who, this week, wants to tell me about
the "Bricklin Safety Car"

Regards

Eric

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:48 am

Lots of info on the web.

Try http://vintagecars.about.com/cs/famousc ... _story.htm
and http://www.cars101.com/subaru_bricklin.html
for a couple of pages of info. The second link has quite a few links to
other sites of interest.

Another question...

Why is it that when my daughter borrows the MX5 for a few days it is ideal
weather for top down motoring. She returned last night and now it's raining
again!

Grant in usually sunny Blenheim.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:48 am

Lots of info on the web.

Try http://vintagecars.about.com/cs/famousc ... _story.htm
and http://www.cars101.com/subaru_bricklin.html
for a couple of pages of info. The second link has quite a few links to
other sites of interest.

Another question...

Why is it that when my daughter borrows the MX5 for a few days it is ideal
weather for top down motoring. She returned last night and now it's raining
again!

Grant in usually sunny Blenheim.

Ross Bryon · Post by **Ross Bryon** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 9:12 am

Full specs also at:

http://www.bricklin.org/

Ross Bryon
BRG V-Spec 1991 Roadster

On Thursday, October 9, 2003, at 07:48 AM, The Simpsons wrote:

[...]

Ross Bryon · Post by **Ross Bryon** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 9:12 am

Full specs also at:

http://www.bricklin.org/

Ross Bryon
BRG V-Spec 1991 Roadster

On Thursday, October 9, 2003, at 07:48 AM, The Simpsons wrote:

[...]

xtr515758 · Post by **xtr515758** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 10:37 am

This looks suspiciously like a kit car that was doing the rounds for a while, presumably based on this car ?called the Nova I think - good old VW power in the rear for most I think, and a spectacular upward / forward hinging top to get into the thing.
[...]

xtr515758 · Post by **xtr515758** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 10:37 am

This looks suspiciously like a kit car that was doing the rounds for a while, presumably based on this car ?called the Nova I think - good old VW power in the rear for most I think, and a spectacular upward / forward hinging top to get into the thing.
[...]

biff · Post by **biff** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 3:53 pm

Don't know, but if you didn't let her borrow the car, then it would be
raining all the time ??!#@

A question ON topic (sorry)
Over the last week my MX has been coughing, if the reves are below 2000, it
seems like its fuel starved, it splutters a few times then comes right.
Any clues from the more technical
Thanks
Biff
ZOOM1N

biff · Post by **biff** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 3:53 pm

Don't know, but if you didn't let her borrow the car, then it would be
raining all the time ??!#@

A question ON topic (sorry)
Over the last week my MX has been coughing, if the reves are below 2000, it
seems like its fuel starved, it splutters a few times then comes right.
Any clues from the more technical
Thanks
Biff
ZOOM1N

lou Girardin · Post by **lou Girardin** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 4:37 pm

How old are your plug leads?
Lou

lou Girardin · Post by **lou Girardin** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 4:37 pm

How old are your plug leads?
Lou

biff · Post by **biff** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:07 pm

I don't know, as old as the car I guess?
Sorry
B
ZOOM1N

biff · Post by **biff** » Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:07 pm

I don't know, as old as the car I guess?
Sorry
B
ZOOM1N

Fletch · Post by **Fletch** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 7:33 am

As Lou was hinting at... Bad spark plug leads are THE most common cause of
hiccuping and stuttering in MX-5's.

If you suffer this symptom, and dont know when your spark-plug leads were
last changed, then change them. Might as well change the plugs as well, but
its more likely the leads themselves.

Checking them with a multi-meter will not work. Faulty leads pass that test.
If you dont feel like "risking" the $50-$70 a set of leads cost... then
just do a temporary swap with a friendly club member... Some of us even own
spare sets...

Good luck...

Fletch.

Fletch · Post by **Fletch** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 7:33 am

As Lou was hinting at... Bad spark plug leads are THE most common cause of
hiccuping and stuttering in MX-5's.

If you suffer this symptom, and dont know when your spark-plug leads were
last changed, then change them. Might as well change the plugs as well, but
its more likely the leads themselves.

Checking them with a multi-meter will not work. Faulty leads pass that test.
If you dont feel like "risking" the $50-$70 a set of leads cost... then
just do a temporary swap with a friendly club member... Some of us even own
spare sets...

Good luck...

Fletch.

biff · Post by **biff** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 5:52 pm

Thanks Fletch,
I will get down to Repco tomorrow, any particular type/brand better than
others?
Any recommendations on plugs, and gap?
thanks for the help,
Biff
ZOOM1N

biff · Post by **biff** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 5:52 pm

Thanks Fletch,
I will get down to Repco tomorrow, any particular type/brand better than
others?
Any recommendations on plugs, and gap?
thanks for the help,
Biff
ZOOM1N

Fletch · Post by **Fletch** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 10:31 pm

I recommend the same as Mazda... NGK plugs with 1.0-1.1mm gap... Its on
the sticker under your bonnet.

You'll notice that the part number for the plug ends in 11 and the pre-set
gap is 1.1mm... This is not a coincidence

I think I have BKR6E11? but there are a number of permutations, and its not
all important...

BK ? I have no clue? Most NGK's start with BK?
R... resistor... this helps eliminate ignition noise in your radio/stereo
(ie. RPM dependant squeal)

6- the temperature range. Hotter or colder plugs may have 5 or 7, I forget
which is hotter or colder, but anything outside 5 or 7 is REALLY weird.

E ???

11... as I suggested before, somewhat related to the factory installed gap
of 1.1mm. I've never purchased plugs (that I recall) with another ending,
but I think its fairly safe to assume that 11=1.1mm, 10=1.0mm, 09=0.9mm,
etc. It is very easy to re-gap plugs away from their manufactured gap. (need
feeler gauges)

The Mazda spec for an MIX-5 is 1.0-1.1mm (39-44 thou) If you have a turbo
and no ignition mods, 0.8mm (35 thou) may be more suitable?

Most reputable brands (Bosche + Champion) will have a suitable equivalent,
but you'll have to check their cross-reference books...

Fletch.

Fletch · Post by **Fletch** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 10:31 pm

I recommend the same as Mazda... NGK plugs with 1.0-1.1mm gap... Its on
the sticker under your bonnet.

You'll notice that the part number for the plug ends in 11 and the pre-set
gap is 1.1mm... This is not a coincidence

I think I have BKR6E11? but there are a number of permutations, and its not
all important...

BK ? I have no clue? Most NGK's start with BK?
R... resistor... this helps eliminate ignition noise in your radio/stereo
(ie. RPM dependant squeal)

6- the temperature range. Hotter or colder plugs may have 5 or 7, I forget
which is hotter or colder, but anything outside 5 or 7 is REALLY weird.

E ???

11... as I suggested before, somewhat related to the factory installed gap
of 1.1mm. I've never purchased plugs (that I recall) with another ending,
but I think its fairly safe to assume that 11=1.1mm, 10=1.0mm, 09=0.9mm,
etc. It is very easy to re-gap plugs away from their manufactured gap. (need
feeler gauges)

The Mazda spec for an MIX-5 is 1.0-1.1mm (39-44 thou) If you have a turbo
and no ignition mods, 0.8mm (35 thou) may be more suitable?

Most reputable brands (Bosche + Champion) will have a suitable equivalent,
but you'll have to check their cross-reference books...

Fletch.

biff · Post by **biff** » Thu Oct 16, 2003 5:44 pm

Hi all,
Problem solved, a new set of Champion Reds, silicon leads, and a set of
plugs and the old girl goes like a spring hare.
Leads and plugs (NGK's as below) $143.00 from Repco with a 10% off voucher
for next time.
They don't give club discount, I asked why and they said know one has ever
asked, so if someone on "The Committee", would like to ask, who knows?

Thanks Fletch and all the others who offered help,
Biff
ZOOM1N

biff · Post by **biff** » Thu Oct 16, 2003 5:44 pm

Hi all,
Problem solved, a new set of Champion Reds, silicon leads, and a set of
plugs and the old girl goes like a spring hare.
Leads and plugs (NGK's as below) $143.00 from Repco with a 10% off voucher
for next time.
They don't give club discount, I asked why and they said know one has ever
asked, so if someone on "The Committee", would like to ask, who knows?

Thanks Fletch and all the others who offered help,
Biff
ZOOM1N

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