As I have just obtained my much neglected 1999 Mazda MX-5 Mk2, it would make sense to prepare for giving it a major service before turning attention to more cosmetic issues. Luckily most of the parts I want to get to seem to be accessible without too much of a problem.
The Mk2 MX5 is available with two engine sizes; a 1.6 and a punchier 1.8, both with very similar layouts, but some parts differ so it is important to check comparability. Pictured above is my 1999 1.8i 16v engine. Spark plugs and HT leads will be replaced, located in a line down the center of the engine. The oil filler cap is also located here. Brake and clutch levels will be checked via the reservoirs in the top left and screen washer fluid to the top right of the picture. Located between the screen wash and the engine is the engine oil dipstick. Coolant will be flushed and refilled via the radiator cap located in the middle of the bottom of the picture.
The picture above shows the left hand side of the engine when viewed from the front. The throttle body in the middle of the picture will be cleaned to remove deposits. Directly below the throttle body, attached to the engine block, is the oil filter. We will be replacing this when we drain the oil and refill using semi-synthetic oil combined with Slick 50 friction reducer. The carbon canister located bottom right will be checked for cracks and leaks along with all related hoses.
The picture above shows the right hand side of the engine as viewed from the front. The air filter located in the middle of the picture will be replaced. The element can be accessed by removing several clips (and a couple of bolts on older models). All connected pipes, hoses and connections will be checked. Power steering fluid levels will be checked via the dipstick located in the lower left. Screen wash will be topped up via its container, as shown towards the lower right.
There is a fuel filter located underneath the car towards the back. It will be replaced if doing so does not present a problem as I do not have garage facilities, all the work above will be carried out as roadside repairs.
A trip to eBay and a visit to my local car parts store should provide everything we need for the service. It pays to shop around online for MX5 parts!
* Indicates my personal preference and not required as such.
SERVICING MX-5 Mk2 NB (1998-2005)
The Mk2 MX5 is available with two engine sizes; a 1.6 and a punchier 1.8, both with very similar layouts, but some parts differ so it is important to check comparability. Pictured above is my 1999 1.8i 16v engine. Spark plugs and HT leads will be replaced, located in a line down the center of the engine. The oil filler cap is also located here. Brake and clutch levels will be checked via the reservoirs in the top left and screen washer fluid to the top right of the picture. Located between the screen wash and the engine is the engine oil dipstick. Coolant will be flushed and refilled via the radiator cap located in the middle of the bottom of the picture.
The picture above shows the left hand side of the engine when viewed from the front. The throttle body in the middle of the picture will be cleaned to remove deposits. Directly below the throttle body, attached to the engine block, is the oil filter. We will be replacing this when we drain the oil and refill using semi-synthetic oil combined with Slick 50 friction reducer. The carbon canister located bottom right will be checked for cracks and leaks along with all related hoses.
The picture above shows the right hand side of the engine as viewed from the front. The air filter located in the middle of the picture will be replaced. The element can be accessed by removing several clips (and a couple of bolts on older models). All connected pipes, hoses and connections will be checked. Power steering fluid levels will be checked via the dipstick located in the lower left. Screen wash will be topped up via its container, as shown towards the lower right.
There is a fuel filter located underneath the car towards the back. It will be replaced if doing so does not present a problem as I do not have garage facilities, all the work above will be carried out as roadside repairs.
Required Service Parts
- Replacement Air Filter Element
- Replacement Oil Filter Cartridge
- Replacement Fuel Filter
- 3L Anti-Freeze/Coolant
- 3L Distilled* Water (or Tap Water)
- 3L 10w40 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil
- 1L Slick 50 Friction Reducer*
- 4 Spark Plugs
- HT Lead Set
- 1 Can Intake / Carb Cleaner
- 1 Can Engine Cleaner (clean as we go)*
- Container to Catch Oil, Rags, etc.
A trip to eBay and a visit to my local car parts store should provide everything we need for the service. It pays to shop around online for MX5 parts!
* Indicates my personal preference and not required as such.
Let's get to work...
SERVICING MX-5 Mk2 NB (1998-2005)