Project: 1995 Miata

[Jake]

Ugh, okay, more updates.

First, we found the coolant leak. When I moved the water outlet from the '95 to '99 block, I failed to realize there was a gasket involved. On both motors, it was covered in grime. So, first I put the water outlet on and it "sealed" against the half of a gasket that was remaining on the '99 block. Then I added a new gasket but didn't realize there was one to scrape off.

THEN we figured everything out (after Cabell drove me to the Mazda dealership to get an OEM gasket) and scraped the old gasket off, installed the new one, and hooray, no leaks. Thank you thank you to Cabell for all of the help.

So yesterday, Goodspeed came over and we mounted my wheels (with sticky new tires!) and dropped the car to the ground. New problem unlocked! Clutch won't disengage.

It doesn't seem to be a hydraulic problem. The slave cylinder works - piston extends and pushes the throwout arm when you press the pedal. Goodspeed helped adjust the clutch pedal, which improved the feel of things (got rid of some slop) but still no dice.

I figure it's worth bleeding the clutch line, just to say I tried that. But nothing was disconnected and no fluid was spilled, so... it's doubtful.

The other potential issue is (according to Miata.net) the clutch disc can be installed backwards, and everything will still bolt up... it just won't disengage.

My guess is that on Saturday, we're pulling the transmission.

Sigh. It never ends.