Mazda MX5 (1998-2005) - '53 1.8 spark plugs | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Mon 31 Dec 2007 01:15

'53 1.8 spark plugs - bathtub tom

My daughter complained her MX5 has been a reluctant starter of late, and I thought I might look at her plugs, but when IRTFB it said the plugs only needed 'inspecting' at up to 108k miles. I presume it's got platinum or iridium as standard, but the book doesn't elucidate.
Can anyone clarify please?

Edited by Pugugly {P} on 31/12/2007 at 01:17

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 01:21

'53 1.8 spark plugs - bell boy

seriously bt you read the plugs only need attention at 108,000 meelies
youve never run a peasant moter then when the plugs roll over and die?

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 09:27

'53 1.8 spark plugs - ChicksFan

And what was their condition when you inspected them?

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 10:48

'53 1.8 spark plugs - bathtub tom

I haven't got round to that. It hasn't done 30K yet, but I originally thought I'd just renew them when the factors re-open, but if they're exotic, I'm thinking they won't need changing.

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 11:32

'53 1.8 spark plugs - Carrow

According to Autodata, you should check them at 27,000 miles or 36 months (whichever is sooner) and replace as necessary. I've checked my NGK book and it should be fitted with either BKR5E-11 or BKR6E-11, neither of which are "fancy" plugs. A tenner at your local factors should cover it.

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 11:37

'53 1.8 spark plugs - mjm

I cannot find a change interval in the MX5 manual I have, only inspection/adjusting intervals.

A set of plugs is about £7.50 from MX5parts. www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/235

At that price, in my opinion, it isn't worth not replacing them.

If the milage on the car is about 30k then the problem is more likely to be plug leads. They tend to have a life of about 30k and then play up.

Look at
www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/234
for some idea of the replacement cost.

(You will have to check for correct plugs/leads with your model, these are just examples,)

We have used MX5 parts and can thoroughly recommend them.

If you haven't the gap details or fitting torque, post back and I'll look the details up in "the book".

hth.

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 12:08

'53 1.8 spark plugs - bathtub tom

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to prise her purse open the next time she's here long enough for the motor to cool.

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Mon 31 Dec 2007 12:19

'53 1.8 spark plugs - mjm

Don't let it get too cold this time of year, you can keep your hands warm on the cam cover.
:)

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