LainfordExpress
LainfordExpress HalfDork
11/16/13 2:59 p.m.

I'm considering a NA Miata that's been sitting for a while... What do I need to worry about?

I've heard people talk about bad gas, etc., I'm just not certain what I might be getting myself into... stuff could be seized up in the engine itself, right?

Also, how involved is dropping a fuel tank? Or is that even needed if I've got "bad gas." And if the gas is bad, what all else am I gonna have to replace/check? Fuel pump, lines, injectors?

And in general, what else would you replace for a prospective track car... belts and hoses? Hubs?

EvanB
EvanB PowerDork
11/16/13 3:11 p.m.

There is a drain in the bottom of the tank.

I would just put some fresh gas in and see if it will start.

unk577
unk577 Reader
11/16/13 3:50 p.m.

Change the oil and the fuel filter after you get it running.

ddavidv
ddavidv PowerDork
11/16/13 5:00 p.m.

Because Exocar.

bmw88rider
bmw88rider Reader
11/16/13 5:10 p.m.

Nothing. We started a friends old SSB miata that was sitting for years and took it right to the track with nothing but a fluids change.

mistanfo
mistanfo UltraDork
11/16/13 6:52 p.m.

Flush the brake lines, and the clutch line while you are at it.

z31maniac
z31maniac UltimaDork
11/16/13 7:01 p.m.

1.6 or 1.8?

I have to say with my experience with two separate engines. I wouldn't pick up another 1.6 car, unless I already had the budget to put in a VVT engine.

kazoospec
kazoospec HalfDork
11/16/13 8:14 p.m.
LainfordExpress wrote: I'm considering a NA Miata that's been sitting for a while... What do I need to worry about? I've heard people talk about bad gas, etc., I'm just not certain what I might be getting myself into... stuff could be seized up in the engine itself, right? Also, how involved is dropping a fuel tank? Or is that even needed if I've got "bad gas." And if the gas is bad, what all else am I gonna have to replace/check? Fuel pump, lines, injectors? And in general, what else would you replace for a prospective track car... belts and hoses? Hubs?

If its going to be a track car, you should probably start researching roll bars as well. A lot of sanctioning bodies won't let you run without one.

LainfordExpress
LainfordExpress HalfDork
11/16/13 8:17 p.m.

Car already has a Spec Miata cage in it.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner MegaDork
11/16/13 8:25 p.m.

Don't be surprised if it needs a set of clean injectors.

Xceler8x
Xceler8x UltraDork
11/18/13 1:40 p.m.

I bought a Miata that had sat unstarted for a least 5 years recently. I sat in place for 8. I installed a fresh battery, fresh gas ,and removed the plugs for a few test spins via the starter. After that I reinstalled the plugs and hit the key. It started immediately. I hope you have as much luck.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim PowerDork
11/18/13 1:55 p.m.
Keith Tanner wrote: Don't be surprised if it needs a set of clean injectors.

Agreed. Even decent looking ones can be quite out of spec after they sat for a while, especially if the car has any miles on them.

Not that I would currently have a set of freshly cleaned NB injectors for sale, oh noes.

ouchx100
ouchx100 New Reader
11/18/13 5:40 p.m.

We have one at work that had been sitting for a number of years. Needed a fuel pump after trying to be started with bad gas. Replaced fuel pump then the new one went bad from the bad gas. Fresh gas and another fuel pump and last I saw it was running.

The owners still havent picked it up though.. Its a 1990 loaded with hard top and everything with and only 16K miles too

Xceler8x
Xceler8x UltraDork
11/19/13 10:02 a.m.
ouchx100 wrote: We have one at work that had been sitting for a number of years. Needed a fuel pump after trying to be started with bad gas. Replaced fuel pump then the new one went bad from the bad gas. Fresh gas and another fuel pump and last I saw it was running. The owners still havent picked it up though.. Its a 1990 loaded with hard top and everything with and only 16K miles too

Mechanic's lien then sell! Remember who your friends are.

EvanB
EvanB PowerDork
11/19/13 10:07 a.m.

If you don't get it I may be interested...

LainfordExpress
LainfordExpress HalfDork
11/19/13 10:40 a.m.

Ad was posted last Monday, I saw it Tuesday and emailed the seller Wednesday. He replied Thursday, and I emailed him back Friday saying we had a deal pending working out transportation.

He email Monday saying he sold it locally. Damn.

ScreaminE
ScreaminE New Reader
11/19/13 12:24 p.m.

Mine had been sitting for almost 2 years. Pulled plugs and fogged cylinders with wd-40 just in case any rust had gone on in the cylinders. Luckily, my car has less than 1/8 tank of gas at the time. Put in a new battery and 5 gallons of new gas. I believe I disconnected the cam angle sensor and turned the car over a few times to prime the oil pump and clear/clean the cylinders.

Car started on the first kick. A little smoke and lifter tick. Let it warm up a few minutes and drove around the neighborhood like a champion. I can't believe how resilient Miatas are. I remember my DSM's. If I let them sit a month something would ALWAYS be wrong with them after they started back up.

ScreaminE
ScreaminE New Reader
11/19/13 12:25 p.m.

In reply to LainfordExpress:

Whoops. Missed this. Sorry.

Unfortunately with great deal Miatas, you better have cash in hand ready to sprint to the buyer's house to purchase. These cars move fast. I had 4 people coming in one weekend to look at my car. I sold it to the first guy who came that weekend. Had to tell the others sorry it's gone.

LainfordExpress
LainfordExpress HalfDork
11/19/13 5:49 p.m.

And it was quite a deal, IMHO. Here's the ad; now that it's already sold, I don't have to fear one of you degenerates sniping it out from under me... unless... bastards!

http://www.sccaforums.com/forums/aft/444836

thestig99
thestig99 HalfDork
11/19/13 8:16 p.m.

Well... http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/89-roadster-projects/129314-just-picked-up-miata-9-track-rat-weekend.html

LainfordExpress
LainfordExpress HalfDork
11/19/13 8:27 p.m.

That sure looks like it. Seller said it was a response from an earlier ad he posted.

The car was in Illinois and I'm in Columbus, Ohio, so distance to seller was always going to be a concern.

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