Miata NA 90-97 Basic Maintenance Information
This is just a brief starting point with basic Maintenance information that I got from a my Haynes manual. (This is not a how to information). I just wanted to share it with anyone who might need the information to do minor tune-ups, but most enthusiast here will already know this. The information with parenthesis came from gathered info from on the web.
Listed here are manufacturers recommendations at the time this manual was written.Manufacturers occasionally upgrade their fluid and lubricant,so check with your auto parts store for current recommendations.
Engine Oil:
Type: API grade "certified for gasoline engines"
Viscosity: depending on temperature
5w-30 oil for -20 and below to 100+ F (Basically 5w30 has a wider range) I sometimes use 0w30 but that's just me.
10w30 oil for 0 to 100+ F
Engine coolant 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol based antifreeze and water
Fuel:Unleaded Gasoline 87+
Manual Transmission fluid:API GL-5 SAE 75w90 Gear Oil (some people still use GL-4)
Automatic Transmission fluid:Dexron 2 or M-111 ATF ( higher Dexron numbers' also fulfilling the specifications of the lower number fluids)
Brake clutch fluid: DOT 3/4 (According to Wikipedia,Brake fluids with different DOT ratings can not always be mixed. It must be of the same type, and at least the same rating. DOT 5.1 can replace DOT 4 and 3, DOT 4 can replace DOT 3. DOT 5 should not be mixed with any of these as mixing of glycol with silicone fluid may cause corrosion because of trapped moisture.)
Power Steering Fluid: Dexron 2 ATF ( higher Dexron numbers' also fulfilling the specifications of the lower number fluids)
Capacities:
Engine Oil (including filter)
1.6 engine:3.6 quarts
1.8 engine:4.2 quarts
Engine coolant:6.3 quarts
Transmission Lubricant:
Manual: 2.1 quarts
Automatic (oil pan):4.2 quarts
All capacities are approximate . Add as necessary to bring up to approximate level
Ignition System:
Spark plug type: NGK BKR5E11,BKR6E11 or equivalent
Spark plug gap: 0.040 to 0.043 inch
Spark plug wire resistance 400 ohms per inch
Engine firing order 1-3-4-2
Cooling System:
Thermostat starts to open
Main Valve:188-193 degrees F
Sub-Valve:182-188 degrees F
Fully open 212 degrees F
Torque specs:FT-LBS (unless otherwise indicated)
Engine oil drain plug: 22-30 Ft-lbs
Spark plugs:
93 and earlier engines: 132 to 204 in-lns
94 and later engines:132 to 192 in-lbs
Automatic transmission:
Oil Pan Bolts:52 to 69 in-lbs
Oil Strainer/Filter:
93 and earlier-
Bolts:27-34 in-lbs
Nuts:44-60 in-lbs
94 and later: 58-69 in-lbs
Manual transmission:
Level and fill plug:19-28
Drain Plug:29-43
Wheel Lug Nuts:66-86
Clutch Pedal:
Height including Carpet:6.89 to 7.28 inches
Freeplay:0.02 to 0.12
Disengagement Height (minimum-including carpet) 2.68 inches
Maintenance Schedule:
Every 250 miles or weekly Check:
Engine oil level
Engine coolant level
Windshield washer fluid
Brake Clutch Fluid
Check tires and tire pressure
Every 3000 miles:
Change engine oil filter
Rotate tires
Every 7500 miles:
Check PS fluid
Check ATF fluid
Check or replace windshield wiper blades
Check clutch pedal for proper Height and freeplay
Check and service battery
Check and adjust engine drive belts
Inspect or replace under hood hoses
Check cooling systems
Every 15k or 12 months, which ever one comes first:
Replace air filter
Check manual transmission lubricant level
Inspect steering and suspension components
check drive axle boots
Every 30k or 24 months, which ever comes first:
Inspect fuel systems
Replace spark plugs
Check or replace spark plug wires
Service cooling system drain or flush and refill
Inspect fuel evaporative emissions control system
Inspect exhaust system
Change automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Change manual transmission fluid
Replace if necessary the PCV valve
Every 60k miles or 48 months, which ever come comes first:
Replace fuel filter
Replace timing belt
