Noticed a problem with my oil pressure about two weeks ago. My Miata didn't come with a real oil pressure gauge, just a gauge that worked like an idiot light, "on or off". So the first thing I did was convert my oil pressure gauge to a real analog unit. (I found all the info I needed on how to do this on Miata.Net)

After getting a reading of actual oil pressure and asking a few questions, I determined that the oil pressure relief valve in the oil pump was sticking open on cold starts. This caused extremely low oil pressure on cold starts until the valve unstuck, which was usually only a few blocks. Now that I've been driving it this way for a week or two, I've gotten to where I can "make" the pressure come up quicker, within about a block, by just revving out 1st and 2nd gear to 4k. I don't think it's the RPM's that are unsticking the valve, but the rapid reduction in flow when the RPM's drop.

Aaaaanyway. Sticky oil pressure relief valve means new oil pump. New oil pump means the engine has to come out. Did I mention that my clutch has been slipping a bit over the past few months? Yeah. So, I'll be putting in a new clutch, too. Hmmm... new clutch... sounds like a good opportunity to UPGRADE! (more about that later)

As of last night, my car was taken off the road. I borrowed a friend's Beater Pickup (thanks, Nick!) and my car is now on jack stands with the coolant draining out of the radiator.

- posted by loren @ 1:47 pm

For basic info about my car that may or may not be current, check out my CarDomain site

I think it's up-to-date except for my last suspension upgrade, which was to install the Flyin' Miata rear shock mounts and a stiffer set of front springs. (spring rates are now 450 front and 250 rear)

- posted by loren @ 12:50 pm