[Skinnyroadster]

So, I just picked up my new engine coolent temp sensor and it comes time to put it on and just like trying to get your hand back there to disconect the electrical conector, you cant get any damn tools back there. I have a long 19mm socket that should be able to take it off as well as a swivel extension( its at a funny angle that you cant just put a long extension in there) but after a half hour of slipping off and cutting my hands on the top of the damn firewall I give up.

Anyone have any ideas or tips that dont involve taking the engine out?

It seems like every simple job cant be done: changine the oil is a fricken pain in the ass, for some reason the bolt on the alternator was moved to the back on the NB so you cant change that unless you pull the intake manifold support bracket off and have the car in the air, and there are other numerous things that tick me off.

Dont get me wrong I love my miata and I defend it when people say they are girls cars, but for having such an open engine compartment you sure cant get to a lot of things and I really dont want to take it to a shop when its something that I should be able to change in half an hour. Its days like this when I still wish I had my honda.

 

[ultimateforce]

It's cause they put a FWD motor in a RWD car and it fits really funny. That's my opinion.

 

[slutz4]

believe me all cars can be a pain in the ass to work on from time to time

 

[viciousclipse]

yea work on a awd dsm for a while, youll beg to go back to the miata!

 

[kabel]

I feel your pain... add to that list the third "hidden" bolt on the coil pack :evil:

 

[Benswen]

Work on a Probe, MX-6, 626, or MX-3 with a K-series crammed into it - it'll make you appreciate the simplicity of the Miata.

 

[ExHondaMan]

Sorry, can't help you out with the back sensor...it's pain and takes a contortionist...or a really skinny girlfriend.

 

[turbopezz]

yea work on a awd dsm for a while, youll beg to go back to the miata!

definately. im glad mine (dsm) is gone.everything id a headache.i like working on my miata becuase its usually simple. =D>

 

[raen419]

Work on a Probe, MX-6, 626, or MX-3 with a K-series crammed into it - it'll make you appreciate the simplicity of the Miata.

Don't say that! I'm planning to put a KL-DE into my Miata...lol

 

[LUV2TURN]

Another reason why I loved my Neon so much. To this day, still the easiest car to work on that I've ever come across.

 

[Caldera]

Luv2Turn speaks the truth.

As for the Miata, the best investment you can ever make on this car is a set of metric swivelhead ratcheting end wrenches. GearWrench brand in particular, they make the thinnest, lowest clearance models i've seen. 90 or so bucks a set... worth every penny and then some. Great for getting to everything on the backside of the head, and they make intolerable jobs merely annoying.

 

[Skinnyroadster]

Does anyone know the operating temp of the cooling fan? when it should kick on?

 

[bryantaylor]

Work on a Probe, MX-6, 626, or MX-3 with a K-series crammed into it - it'll make you appreciate the simplicity of the Miata.

try a turboed KL, thats really tight

 

[Max_Power]

...probably because it's such a small car!
There is not space for anything in the engine bay!
I have big hands and for me it's a real pain!
The worse memories come from the intake manifold removal...the damn bolts under the manifold were such a pain in the butt!
I remember that my arms were almost bleeding from the high pressure metallic hoses that were sticking out like needles..

 

[Trent]

Work on a Probe, MX-6, 626, or MX-3 with a K-series crammed into it - it'll make you appreciate the simplicity of the Miata.

no kidding. The KLZE in my old MX6 was a fantastic motor, but dear god was that thing a pain in the butt to work on.

 

[ultimateforce]

I've seen a Protege5 with a KLZE in it. That was about as tight as it gets, my friends.

 

[thedishesrdone]

believe me all cars can be a pain in the ass to work on from time to time

very true, never had a problem doing anything on a miata. and this is my second one and which i have built up from a rolling chassis. so ive done everything.

coolant temp sensor is in a shitty place though, but maybe disconnect the PPF and driveshaft and tilt the motor forward with a jack under the tranny. then you will have a lot more room. but its still a lot of work for one little nothing. i dont know if you're working on a 1.6 or 1.8 but you did mention something about an NB. if its an NA (1.6 or 1.8) then maybe try removing the coil packs to get back there or disconnecting the heater hoses to gain better access.

 

[Miatadam]

I have a 302 in mine... :lol:

 

[Sid]

so far the miata has been the EASIEST car Ive ever worked on. hands down.

300zxtt... retarded
3000gt.... retarded
miata... fucking cake

 

[LostSoulMiata]

yea work on a awd dsm for a while, youll beg to go back to the miata!

definately. im glad mine (dsm) is gone.everything id a headache.i like working on my miata becuase its usually simple. =D>

I hear that from both of you!