The thread where Skidude asks stupid questions
 

I'm taking the engine out of my car, and I have never done that before. It doesn't look like that big of a job, but I'm sure there are some things I'll come across that I won't really know what to do with. Let's start:

What do I do with the AC system? Is there a correct way to discharge it, or some way to avoid having to discharge it?

Assuming you want to keep the A/C system, all I did was attach an engine hoist to the engine when it was ready to pull, moved it up a few inches, then unbolted the bracket the AC and PS were attached to (Be sure to tie them to something so they don't hang on their hoses). No need to discharge it or even fark with it if you want to keep it.

Yes, I am planning to keep the AC. The pumps won't be in the way of getting the engine/trans out?

Also, one of the items on my list is to address what appears to be an AC system leak at the compressor. I had to recharge the AC this summer, and the compressor is covered in oil crap.

There are 4 10mm bolts that hold the AC compressor to the bracket. You can simply take those off and it is possible to lift the engine in and out. You just have to zip tie the compressor out of the way. The same goes for power steering.

They will be in the way, it will be annoying, but I've done it and you can too. Take this chance to spray everything down with degreaser and scrub it really good.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1327066476

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1327066476

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1327066476

And as usual, Brainy shows everyone else up :(.

That's actually a neat way to do it Brainy.

Next stupid question: What are my options for slim cooling fans? I'm thinking I might like an over-the-top IC route, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on new fans. Spal and Mishimoto are the two I've heard of, but they're both a little more than I really want to spend. Are there any other good ones, or is my only option to find some of those used?

So I guess there aren't any other good options for slim fans?

Next stupid question: What do I have to do before I disconnect the fuel supply line? I opened the gas cap to relieve the pressure there, but do I have to do anything else to prevent it from going everywhere?

spal are worth the cost. These china fans lack the CFMs.

fuel will still spill, but not keep pouring. I simply unplug at the hardlines, and typically take a spare hose and loop the two.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1327679558


I dont think you'll ahve issue with your returnless...just make sure the hardline isn't the lowest point between the filler.

Ok. So, how do I disconnect these weird fittings? I've never seen connectors like this before... do I squeeze or press or twist? I'm guessing the little white thing in the "holes" is what I manipulate?

---- the NB fuel line connectors. I hate them, I have no clue how to properly undo them.

Can a v-mount intercooler setup be any good without cutting holes in the hood, or is that necessary to get good flow through it?

I went to Pep Boys and bought a fuel line removal tool, and it STILL didn't work. I ended up using a couple small screwdrivers. Those connectors suck, though I suppose it's good that they won't come off by accident.

Spray some pb blaster in the fitting, push and pull the fittings together and apart, then push the tool in, push the hoses together, then pull them apart with the tool still pushed in. Should come free with ease. If the seal is OEM, it'll be nice and tight.

I don't know if it's possible or not, but it acted like I had a "standard" size tool and the mazda fuel lines were metric. The tool had two ends, and one was just a little too small to fit around the hard line, and the other end was just a little too big to fit inside the fitting. I also broke the tool trying.

So no info on whether a v-mount setup is any good without cutting a hole in the hood? I assume it would work, but wouldn't be worth the work over a proper front mount setup.

What is the proper method to re-round those coolant fittings that go through the firewall to the heater core? One of mine is slightly D-shaped after wrestling the hose off of it. It's not bent very much, but probably enough so I should fix it.

I fixed mine with a 1/4" socket extension. Made it round enough and it sealed fine after that.