Why?….Rod do you knock on my door at the worst times.
Here I thought I was being proactive and replacing the clutch on the Miata before Baja. That took a day and half spread out by eating some food and watching a movie. Once it was all back together and running smoothly I went to track down the aluminum undertray rattle.
Removed the undertray and it still rattles at 2800-3000 rpm. Very noticeable but light sound.
Great must be the damn motor and being starved of oil I’m sure at some point. Fuck.
Diagnostic Time
Overall things went well. The pistons were all covered in oil, which sucks. However the cylinder walls were in great condition. I’m happy considering the bad news on likely bearing issues.
Cylinder #1 - 185 psi compression; leak down had significant intake valve leaks
Cylinder #2 - 170 psi compression; leak down had minor intake valve leaks
Cylinder #3 - 185 psi compression; leak down had significant valve leaks
Cylinder #4 - 190 psi compression; leak down was solid
Meaning bearings and a valve job should get us up an running for Baja. No major break in required. Let’s hope I caught it early and can rebuild correctly. Some fun pictures below of the engine interior.
