i'm trying really hard not to pull the block and take it apart - i have a 2-day track event next month that i definitely will not make if i go that route. i was going to put it back together, run it to confirm i'm getting oil to the head (or not) then drain that oil and refill/change filter and put some miles on it.

i appreciate any input you can provide. sorry so long, had to chop it up into three pms.

i removed the oil filter/sandwich plate/oil cooler and cleaned and inspected them. i hooked up a vaccuum with a thin attachment and sucked whatever i could from the oil filter feed and port. nothing noticeable there. i also ran compressed air into it from there, and i definitely get air coming up through the oil control valve. i saw that you enlarged yours in your build - is it simply a plug with a thin orifice or is it more of a valve? i didnt push anything into it but i will if you can tell me i'm not doing any harm.

also, directly below that on the pass side of the block is that threaded port to nowhere. i cleaned it and looked inside and it appears plugged. is there a way to remove what's in there to clean it, or is the only way to drill it?

hey crowder,

i've desperately searched for info on this topic but found very little until i stumbled on your build. i had an 'incident' with my motor, documented here:
Carnage w/ pics - what caused my exh cam to seize? theories wanted. - MX-5 Miata Forum

i am nervous that my motor may have swallowed a little permatex and somehow blocked oil from going to the head. i have a freshly rebuilt head on standby, but i'm afraid to put it on just yet.