I've been reading tons of stuff about it, does anyone here have any additional tips/tricks to make a long lasting repair? Already have all the fresh parts for it. Didn't want to wait for teardown, just wanted to be able to knock it out in a day.
My goal is to get the 1.6 through this season (and hopefully part of next, it still runs "strong" for a 1.6).
If the fix doesn't last long, I will miss any remainder of this HPDE season (which here goes all the way to November) while I build a '99-00 Engine to drop in. I know VVT is more popular right now, but I want overbore, compression, CAMS!, and rev's.......it seems the VVT doesn't like to be consistently taken past 7300-7400.
If it stays together and seems like it's going to, I may spring for the "Big Grip Kit" from 949Racing over the winter instead.
Bestow upon me any additional knowledge regarding this fix!
Did mine a couple months ago. I don't have any specific tips, other than to follow the Miata.net how-to:
http://www.miata.net/garage/hsue/LoctiteCrank1.html
I've put maybe 500-700 really hard miles on the car since then with no problems, but I'm not running any accessory drives other than the alternator. I've heard the A/C compressor is the most severe load on the pulley, so if you're worried about the fix lasting, then don't use it (if you still have it, seeing as it's an HPDE car).
Yeah, no P/S or A/C here.
I've read that how-to, was just curious if anyone had anymore sage advice to add to it.
Worked well for me just following the how-to.
Actually, one thing to mention; one of my buddies (jsymonds on the board) bought a parts car with a messed up keyway and the crank bolt actually snapped when he was taking it off. We hypothesized that the bolt had already backed out to some degree, which caused the pulley wobble and worn keyway in the first place. As the bolt backed out the threads got messed up and probably corroded and basically just got really jammed in place. He really went to town trying to get it loose and sheared it off in the crank.
So, if you haven't gotten as far as disassembly, take care with the crank bolt. I bought my miata with the pulley already removed so I didn't have to deal with this, but apparently the PO got it off ok on my car.
If you have access to a welder or can rent one... Don't use Loctite. Weld that E36 M3!
First, make sure you have some type of tool to remove the crank sprocket/gear, whatever it is called, without prying on the oil pump case. it may be stuck.
I have gear pullers, I believe a steering wheel puller may fit, regular crows feet pullers are too large, I cut one up. This thing is tiny and metric.
Make sure you have a tool to prevent the sprocket/gear from moving when you torque it down.
The rest is simple follow the directions, but if you are not prepared for these 2 things you may run into problems.
Also, the front seal changed a few times, you may not have the right one.
^Good to know.
Do NOT have the puller, I do have the Rennmetal tool for unbolting/bolting...............the front seal doesn't appear to be leaking, so I'm going to leave it.
This engine will likely only see another ~2000 miles before it gets yanked.
I hired someone who had a done a dozen Loctite fixes before mine. I got three years of autocrosses and track days out of it before I finally had to change the engine. unless the crank is really bad, you will like get the season of fun you are looking for. The only advise I can give is make sure everything is clean, and line it all up very carefully. Once everything sets up, you really can't do it over.
I had the cog pulley stuck on mine and used a regulat gear puller on it, had to use a dremel to cut notches in the sides for the puller to gain purchase. If its stuck that bad, your getting a new cogged pulley anyways!
My loctite fix didnt last 3000miles, probably should have degreased more streniously. Finally said screw it and replaced the motor.
Found a 28k mile 1.8 for $675 (including core charge), so it was a no-brainer.
I've already got a new pulley just in case.
If this motor has to come out, I'm going to build a nasty high comp 1.9 to replace it.
