Hello,

First of all, I'd like to thank you for having the time to read my thread. I am an electrical engineer that's trying to survive on side jobs while hunting for a solid engineering job. One of those side jobs is being a shadetree mechanic, and let's just say that I'm not the best one out there. Any advice, or input will be greatly appreciated.


Car: 1999 Mazda Miata
Miles: 240,000

Problems: Owner was driving at "90 MPH when the engine turned off, and noticed that there was oil underneath." The car has been sitting for three years, and I am now trying to make it come back to life.
While removing the spark plugs, I noticed that spark plug wells three and four were flooded in oil; while the spark plugs on cylinder one and two only had oil in the threads. Additionally, the engine does not turn over as it appears to be seized. I have tried to start the car, but it does not crank over. I have also tried to turn the crank pulley manually to help the engine rotate.

What do you think a possible problem might be?
How would you get the engine to turn over?

Thanks,

Angel

 

This is a must see before attempting work on any '99 Miata:

 

Pull engine.

Replace engine.

Proceed as normal.

 

Is this for real? I'm no professional mechanic but I can tell you that motor is toast. You could sell the head, exhaust camshaft, exhaust cam gear and I think the intake manifold if they're in good condition. Those are high ticket parts from a '99 if I remember correctly.

 

i bet said engine looks like this inside


jokes aside.

240k miles, engine is toast.
hydro locked from all that oil in the cylinders and likely bent the rods in the process.

get another engine, swap it, give car back to customer and profit.

 

1. Pull Head
2. Examine Carnage

I'd sell of these parts if they are in good shape. That would put a good dent in the cost of a new motor. annnnnnd swap it out.

 

i dont think the OP is interested in our opinions. posted and never came back to look/reply to the thread, no updates what he discovered.

i hate time wasters.

 

Oh wow no kidding... It's been a while.

May have realized this one probably isn't going to fire right up

 

One of the funniest videos ever made. There is another version that is even better.