What have you done to your MSP today?
- Thread starter baconbitz
- Start date
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
I checked my brake pads when I got back from the track and rotated my tires and I already need new rear pads. The fronts have about 40% and the rears are at 15-20%. I replaced them all at the same time about 18 months and 35k miles, Bendix ceramic pads. They have a few days of track driving but have been excellent pads and very quiet. I have never had pads wear unevenly front to rear like that, usually the fronts wear faster.
Blown Head Gasket?
Without being able to to a compression test at the moment here are my issues:
1. Saw oil on my heatshield
2. Coolant in coolant tank keeps getting low and after a flush and replacement it was blackish in color after a few days
3. When driving along at times I feel like I am hitting a wall when pushing the gas pedal (loss of power)
4. MPG is sucking bad lately
5. car engine temp hits halfway mark almost immediately after startup (even when temps were cold outside)
Without being able to to a compression test at the moment here are my issues:
1. Saw oil on my heatshield
2. Coolant in coolant tank keeps getting low and after a flush and replacement it was blackish in color after a few days
3. When driving along at times I feel like I am hitting a wall when pushing the gas pedal (loss of power)
4. MPG is sucking bad lately
5. car engine temp hits halfway mark almost immediately after startup (even when temps were cold outside)
Ricktalife
Member
- :
- 2012 Subaru WRX
If the oil is mixing with coolant, you can pretty much guarantee it's at least a bad headgasket. So that is the best place to start.
Maiello169
Member
- :
- Mazda, Protege, Speed
I want to replace most if not all my vac hoses , what size should I get for it ?
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege 1660, 2004 Winning Blue RX8, 2005 Mazda6
It's not too bad until it's at WOT then it's ridiculous! The turbo spools up a hell of a lot faster, though!
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
I royally ****** myself yesterday trying to change my trans gear oil. I used a 4" piece of clear platic tube to fill the stupid DOWNWARD facing fill hole which decided to fall off INSIDE the trans. Even with the black end cap/access cover removed you can't see inside where the tube is and I can't reach it from the tiny fill hole and it won't come out the drain. Short of pulling the tranny, what the **** can I do?
I apologize for the language I am NOT thrilled about this.
I apologize for the language I am NOT thrilled about this.
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- MSP 1145
i can't imagine a lot of places that thing went.. the thing i would do is get a super bright light and try and find it. Then I would get a long hook.. like the tool or fishing line with a hook and try and get it with that. it'll take some time, but that's how I'd do it.
SeR_Cyclops
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed Protege
I doubt you are going to be able to see the hose. But its worth a shot before you take the trans out of the car and split the case in half.
never had to replace one before, how much is this going to cost me roundabouts? Im assuming I will also have to flush the coolant, replace it, and change the oil wile Im at it
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
I think I'm just gonna put cheap gear oil in it and let the tranny grind up the soft plastic tube.
Ricktalife
Member
- :
- 2012 Subaru WRX
Well a Cometic head gasket is priced over $100 on crossover, but you could talk to a local Napa or random parts store near you for a cheaper option. Surely you would need to replace the coolant and oil like you said, as well as the head studs since they need replaced every time you remove the head. Other than that, I'm really not sure and if you are having it done professionally then labor will probably be an arm and a leg.
Spiced MSP
Member
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- 2016 Peterbilt 579
a shop in my area quoted a friend of mine around $1500 for a head gasket replacement. I personally wouldn't know as I have never had a shop do one for me
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
- :
- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
I replaced my head gasket last year, it wasn't that hard at all. You need new head bolts which are $40 aftermarket or $200 from Mazda or ARP head studs are about $120. Felpro makes an awesome gasket kit that I includes the head gasket and manifold gaskets and everything you need to complete the job. I also recommend you use copper gasket spray on the HG and IM gasket. Be careful torquing the bolts in the correct sequence and the cam caps as well. I would never pay a shop $1500 for a HG.
