Biennial Torment

[SparkYellow]

The SA is due for smog again this year. Two years ago we failed on our first try and passed the re-test after a tuneup. As I rarely drove her since, I went in this Tuesday hoping that we'd get lucky... Nope, we failed the test. I couldn't bring myself to look at the result until today. We're not too far gone! I will do the same tuneup before getting tested again. This is my 8th year of ownership, she still owes me money.

On my way back from the smog place, a red RF was in the next lane, I looked over and wondered how happy and carefree that driver must feel.

 

[SparkYellow]

The oil filter is substantially larger than the OEM filter for the Skyactiv 2.0! How come I never noticed this before? Been changing oil/filter on both cars since 2018.

 

[SparkYellow]

Took her for a short drive this morning before changing the oil and filter. It's been two years. Fuel is down to a bit over 1/2. Will get it down to 1/4 before adding snake oil.

 

[Antoine]

Great thread idea and updates...Would love to see more pics as well!

 

[SparkYellow]

Great thread idea and updates...Would love to see more pics as well!

Thank you for reading! My MINI is no longer road-worthy so the SA will have to step up. Last May when the CX-3 had electrical problems, she got us to our camp site and back.

 

[SparkYellow]

Cut open the Bosch filter (large) today along with a Pentius (small) from the CX-3. The Bosch filter was on for two years and worked for maybe 500 miles. Nothing alarming that I can tell. It was almost too wide for the baby visegrip mounted to the bench on my patio.

 

[SparkYellow]

Just now I put stickies on the plug wires so I will be ready to put the new plugs in. The current set saw less than 500 miles in two years but they foul easily from the premix and whatever else is going on. Maybe after dinner. Or tomorrow. What's up with this low DIY drive.

With my stomach full, I thought let me just unplug the wires first. They came off easily. Ok I will take the plugs out then. 21mm socket. They were loosened after one turn. Two years ago I was weak. The new ones are unlike anything I have seen before! Will try to see if she runs tomorrow morning. If not, will order new plugs.

 

[SparkYellow]

I bought the wrong plugs. These BUR7EQ came up on Amazon as compatible and available next-day. I was told that they are for FCs. The PN is close to what I should have ordered (BR7ET).

Either BR7ET or BR8ET will do, if I can find any. I should also look up how to clean old plugs.

 

[SparkYellow]

Both 1979 and 1980 are SA. The NGK official site lists BR8ET as available for 80 and nada for 79.

She started and ran all right.