Valve seals

[MeFryRice]

I don't know if it's my imagination but I believe I saw a puff of blue smoke the other day during start-up.

With the car having 129k miles on the odo/original motor, I decided it would be a good idea to run seafoam through it to clean out some of the gunk. 3/4 of the bottle was ran through the motor running via a vacuum line courtesy of the brake master cylinder. I poured the rest into the crankcase and will the motor for a 100 miles or so. I will be changing the oil tonight along with the plugs (seafoam has fouled the plugs each time I've used it in the past).

Anyways, if it is in deed my valve seals need replacement, how hard is it to do?

[amaff]

RE: Valve seals

You ran your car for 100 miles with seafoam (a SOLVENT) in your crank!? That was smart...

[MeFryRice]

RE: Valve seals

I have not driven a hundred miles, no, but I usually do. I've used this stuff for many years and have always done it this way and NOT once have I come across any issues.

[ben91]

RE: Valve seals

maybe you didn't keep your car(s) long enough then, but that certainly is not a good idea...

[MeFryRice]

RE: Valve seals

I have only driven the car a very few miles since running it through the motor (took it down the street right after to run the rest through) but since you guys seem to make it appear to be a big deal, I'll change the oil tonight.

[metalman]

RE: Valve seals

For flushing Miata engines, I usually just use the kerosene based products available...or kerosene...run at idle for 20-30 minutes and drain. It works well to quiet start up clatter
of HLAs.

Be sure to avoid Fram oil filters...they and Miatas dont get along well.

[MeFryRice]

RE: Valve seals

I heard K&N filters don't work well either. What is wrong with Fram?

[RotorNutFD3S]

RE: Valve seals

I told you that Fram wasn't a good idea. Something about it's overall construction IIRC.
However, I have used K&N on mine, no problems at all, that's why I recommended it. I used them on my Saturn too.

[metalman]

RE: Valve seals

One, filters with anti drain back valves are preferred.
Two, some filters (like Fram) seem to lack proper flow characteristics to keep a Miata
engine happiest.

For filters from a typical auto parts store...Purolator Pure One seem to work well.
There are others too.
Many Miata folks use only filters from Mazda.

[ben91]

RE: Valve seals

I use either the $2 filters from walmart (which are actually pretty good) or OEM mazda filters every once in a while because they come with a new drain plug washer (plus they deliver to me :D )

[MeFryRice]

RE: Valve seals

I'm used to only using OEM filters on my cars and I guess I should have just bought some from the stealership...

[RotorNutFD3S]

RE: Valve seals

Getting a drain valve is a nice thing to have too. No more drain plug washer replacement ever. :)

[MeFryRice]

RE: Valve seals

Looks like I'll be going to the store before I go home then.

[RotorNutFD3S]

RE: Valve seals

You still at work?!

[MeFryRice]

RE: Valve seals

I didn't leave work till a little after 6, today was very stressful.