Killin skeeters

[general default]

AT 70K miles you should not be having mechanical problems on a normally aspirated car. I would consider other things other than valve or ring issues. From your description everything was fine until you installed the header. You also described a change to the EGR tube.

Loosing a quart of oil in a short amount of time is not normal for a Miata either.
You also said you had changed the oil about 500 miles ago. (have to ask)... Is it the correct filter?

There are ways to check for head gasket problems. I can think of a few but I will let the real mechanics speak up on the procedures best for Miata's.

I will be optimistic and say the motor is still good.

[brock]

AT 70K miles you should not be having mechanical problems on a normally aspirated car.

It actually has 113k but I have had it for the last 70k, and cannot speak for the previous owner's experience.

From your description everything was fine until you installed the header. You also described a change to the EGR tube.

This could be a possibility, as I first tried putting the header on the studs with the EGR tube installed. I was going to have to use too much force it on, so I decided to remove the EGR and install it after the header was mounted on the studs.

Loosing a quart of oil in a short amount of time is not normal for a Miata either. You also said you had changed the oil about 500 miles ago. (have to ask)... Is it the correct filter?

The filter is the same one that I always use. I've been buying them 6 at a time, and I still have 2 more at the house. I have also been checking the driveway every morning and there are not any spots at all under the car.

There are ways to check for head gasket problems. I can think of a few but I will let the real mechanics speak up on the procedures best for Miata's.

Please do enlighten.