Overheated my Monster Miata -Please help
#1
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Overheated my Monster Miata -Please help
Hi everyone,
I am the proud owner of an original 1994 Monster Miata from Monster Motorsports. I have had it almost three years now and have never had any overheating issues. Unfortunately, it overheated last weekend when I was in the middle of nowhere and about 2 hours from home. I was able to limp it to a corner store and borrowed some tools from the owner's son. Thinking it was the thermostat sticking, I pulled it and got back on the road.
It drove fine for about an hour and a half but after stopping at a rest stop on the turnpike for no longer than 10 minutes, it began to overheat again. Unfortunately, I was in a construction zone and there was no breakdown lane so I was forced to drive it for several minutes/miles before I could safely take the next exit. The Mazda gauge just about pegged all the way out for several minutes.
I let it cool down for about an hour and topped off the radiator with about half a gallon of water and was able to make it home, which was about another 25 minutes.
I let it cool down overnight and to my horror, it was making a loud tapping noise when I started it the next morning. I think it may have been a stuck lifter as the noise went completely away after it warmed up.
At this time, it is idling roughly when I first start it and it is also blowing white smoke/mist at start up and on occasion as I drive. The smoke has no odor of antifreeze or oil, which is odd but I am running synthetic Mobil 1. Does that not smell like oil if it is burning in the motor?
If anyone has any thoughts on the likely damage, I would really appreciate it. I am hoping I didn't permanently damage the motor/block. Maybe just a head gasket?
I have a mechanic who is going to pressure test the cooling system and each cylinder next week but was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and/or any thoughts.
Finally, if it is only a head gasket, I am considering upgrading the heads while making the repair. Any suggestions on a good set of aluminum heads would be appreciated. To my knowledge, the motor was from a 1993 Mustang and is fairly stock. It does have the GT 40 intake and Monster Motorsports valve covers.
Thank you all in advance!
I am the proud owner of an original 1994 Monster Miata from Monster Motorsports. I have had it almost three years now and have never had any overheating issues. Unfortunately, it overheated last weekend when I was in the middle of nowhere and about 2 hours from home. I was able to limp it to a corner store and borrowed some tools from the owner's son. Thinking it was the thermostat sticking, I pulled it and got back on the road.
It drove fine for about an hour and a half but after stopping at a rest stop on the turnpike for no longer than 10 minutes, it began to overheat again. Unfortunately, I was in a construction zone and there was no breakdown lane so I was forced to drive it for several minutes/miles before I could safely take the next exit. The Mazda gauge just about pegged all the way out for several minutes.
I let it cool down for about an hour and topped off the radiator with about half a gallon of water and was able to make it home, which was about another 25 minutes.
I let it cool down overnight and to my horror, it was making a loud tapping noise when I started it the next morning. I think it may have been a stuck lifter as the noise went completely away after it warmed up.
At this time, it is idling roughly when I first start it and it is also blowing white smoke/mist at start up and on occasion as I drive. The smoke has no odor of antifreeze or oil, which is odd but I am running synthetic Mobil 1. Does that not smell like oil if it is burning in the motor?
If anyone has any thoughts on the likely damage, I would really appreciate it. I am hoping I didn't permanently damage the motor/block. Maybe just a head gasket?
I have a mechanic who is going to pressure test the cooling system and each cylinder next week but was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and/or any thoughts.
Finally, if it is only a head gasket, I am considering upgrading the heads while making the repair. Any suggestions on a good set of aluminum heads would be appreciated. To my knowledge, the motor was from a 1993 Mustang and is fairly stock. It does have the GT 40 intake and Monster Motorsports valve covers.
Thank you all in advance!
#2
V8 Miata Participant
Speak with Mike or Manny at M&M Lube and Auto in Pottstown, tell them I sent you. They will treat you fairly.
Or
Contact Chris Ruberight at Ruberight racing as he can assist you as well.
Bill S.
Or
Contact Chris Ruberight at Ruberight racing as he can assist you as well.
Bill S.
#3
V8 Miata Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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The first thing I would do is check for a blown head gasket. Go down to Autozone and borrow their coolant test kit. It comes with instructions, and it's pretty easy. They'll charge you $80, and you get it back when you return it.
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