Megan the Merlot M edition

[Senor_Taylor]

Add 1/2 quart of Castrol DEX/Merc with each oil change, it'll take care of the lifters. When they start making noise again, it's time to change the oil

Never heard this. Okay.

Replacing plugs and wires should be step 1 for any misfire/electrical/driveability issue on a Miata.

I didn't really want to replace the plugs since they look brand new, but they might be off brand like the plug wires were, so I'll do that first when I get back form the beach in a week. I'm starting to run out of money.

Do not get under the car with the jackstand that close to the rot. That looks structural.

I don't plan to. I've never seen a miata rust so close to the jack point and not on the actual rocker farther up. Heart breaker. I plan to salvage as much as possible.

Have you tried unplugging the ISCV completely? If not, try it. On start up you will need to get it a little gas then it should go to a set 1200 rpm idle and be fine. At that point see if you are having the misfire and report back.

I'll do that whenever the rain stops and report back.

Left field answer. Have you checked the timing or taken the valve cover off to look at the belt and cam gears? It is possible that the timing belt was put on incorrectly and is causing your idle issue which would explain why your car "feels" faster, and is running lean. If whoever did the replacement caused the issue and couldn't figure out how to fix it, that could explain how the car ended up at a shady car dealership for so cheap after having it replaced.

Whenever my sister's bf gets time, he'll bring over his timing light and I'll check the ignition timing. The problem is I can't get to the bolt that aligns the crank sensor. I have no clue how to get to it and not pull the valve cover. I really want to check the timing belt as a last resort, but it seems more and more likely every day. Is there a way to adjust it with just the valve cover off, or do I need to beak down everything?

I can probably hook you up with a free smoke test if you want to drive it to broadway. They have a smoke tester at my grandads dealership.

I may take you up on this whenever i get back to school.