Found the instructions for clutch adjustment on (where else would you want to look?) the Flyin Miata site. Here's the link if anyone else needs it:
https://www.flyinmiata.com/support/instructions/misc/Clutch.pdf
When I bought it I had assumed that there was a can of brake fluid in the car from the newly installed rear calipers. I'll start by checking the clutch master level.
Pulled the right rear tire, found this vent hose zip tied to the brake hose!
Luckily, no visible wear on the brake hose yet. I don't know what this vents, I'm guessing the fuel tank.
It was pretty obvious where the bracket belonged, so I reattached it. I suppose I'll have to zip tie the upper end with the vent on it to something. Just not something that will get me killed!
I've also got to keep my eyes open for some rear fender liners.
Ok, I thought about it. It's obvious the vent was the charcoal cannister, just never saw one that wasn't under the hood. Don't know if anyone is still reading this rather boring discussion.
Anyhow, I thought I had a blown head gasket a few days ago. I pulled in the driveway after a short drive of about 10 minutes, and noticed the temperature had reached about 224 on the torque ap (there's a tablet in the dash running torque). I let it idle for a minute, and temperature dropped as I watched. Then, when I shut off the engine, steam wafted from the edges of the hood opening.
The heater hose had popped off the back of the engine. Possible causes: blown HG with engine compression pushing coolant pressure to the point that it blew the hose off, increased pressure from a bad radiator cap, too much coolant in the overflow bottle, or the previous owner left the hose loose (and there's lots of loose fasteners on this car).
I let it cool down, filled the radiator, and ordered a tester:
Test was negative, thank goodness. It's not something I had previously heard of, but it turns out it was an overfull coolant bottle (and possibly a loose hose clamp, of course).
The bottle was discolored enough that I couldn't see the level and had filled it to near the top. I didn't know that would cause too much pressure in the cooling system.
After it tested negative on the test, I took it out for another test drive and it overheated again, so it was time for some more bafflement. Luckily, that was due to a big air pocket in the system, so once it got sorted I have seen temps between 185 and 195 on three additional drives.
I also discovered that I only had the e-brake working on the right side, so I can add to my life skills the adjustment of a rear caliper on a miata. Previous owner had installed rear calipers.
I pulled the race seat, added the missing bolts for the slider (seems important) and slider to seat adapter. Had to grind a little to make it fit. Now that I have a compressor, I think I'll pick up a die grinder, dremel for stuff like that is slow. Got the seat dropped down for good helmet clearance next month when I go to my first autocross. SCCA membership arrived yesterday!
Still got work to do. Big exhaust leak where the gasket's missing after the cat (and it saved a catalyst code tonight). Loud and obnoxious, but I've actually been enjoying the noise, although will also be glad to get it fixed. It's supposed to have all new fluids in the diff and transmission, and a recent timing belt. I don't care, fluids, hoses, TB, waterpump, and a coolant bypass will all get done next week. Plus an alignment to flying miata specs.
Oh, and BTW, I put in the air horn and got the horn button working with the momo wheel!
Sounds like you're working out all the kinks. Welcome to Miata ownership! Once you get all this small stuff done, you should get lots and lots of trouble-free miles.
In reply to cmcgregor :
Thanks for the reply. I have had lots of small stuff to deal with, but now that I've ruled out a blown head gasket, it's all been minimal expense. And I'm learning the car, so that's an additional benefit.
I'll have the timing belt, etc. done by the mechanic at the family owned tire store that has been doing my work for years. I don't get that much free time, and my first race is April first.
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