Valve Cover Gasket Issue for 1994 Mazda MX-3 GS
 

Hi, I posted this in the General trouble shooting part of the board, but haven't gotten any replies. I really need ppls opinions and help with this issue. Thanks


Hi, I'm new to this board, so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong area.

I have a 94 Mazda MX-3 GS 6 cylinder DOHC, automatic. It sat for a while while some work was being done to it, so the fluids were old in the car. I drove it around a bit and then drove it around 5-miles to get my grandson and it ran perfect. When I left, the car would only "chug" it took me forever to get it moving, and when I did it seemed ok as long as it was in first gear, when it went to second, it would start chugging again and die. The car is an automatic btw. It took me forever to get it home and I'd say it died at least 10-times on the way, but it always started for me.

The next day after I had gotten it home I went out to start it and it wouldn't start, but it would crank. When it was in the shop it was at a transmission place, and they said the transmission was fine (it was another problem they had to correct) and they also gave me a new battery. So, knowing how a car can chug if it is missing I decided to check the spark plugs. In one of the spark plug wells there was a pool of oil. After talking to several people at auto parts stores or friends that are mechanics the overall opinion is that I need to replace the Valve Cover Gasket.

Ok, so here's my questions: First: Do you think that is truly the problem, if not, what do you think it is.

Second: The value cover gasket looks huge on this car (backside plugs), and very complicated to remove. Can anyone direct me to an exploded view of this so I can see just what I'm looking at when I attempted to perform this fix.

I have worked on cars and I'm very good at following diagrams and instructions from books, so I'm going to attempt the fix. Plus I'm unemployed at the moment and don't have the money to put it in the shop. I am NOT going to give this car up, I love this car when it runs correctly and my desire it to fix it up and have a very nice little sports car.

Off the subject. The wiper arms for the windshield wipers are rusted and I'd like to replace them. I can't find replacements anywhere. It can't be that hard to find wiper arms, is it? If you know of any generic ones that work, let me know.

Thanks a lot, I'm hoping to be a regular contributor in this board and learn a great deal.

Valve cover gaskets need replaced, but that isn't the problem with it running like it is. How long ago was it tuned up? I'd suggest pull a couple spark plugs, that will tell you what is a possible issue, i.e running rich ect. If it has been awhile replace plugs, and wires, as a start.

How old is the gasoline? Sounds like water in the dgas.

I got it in 2008, and I never give it a tune up or oil change (it sat for a long time because I became unemployed and eventually homeless). The gas in the car is at least 6-months old. Thanks for your input

Actually I agree with the need to replace the valve cover gasket. The oil inside the spark plug tunnels contains carbon which is an excelent electrical conductor. That is why you get tons of misfires and no-start conditions.
Try this: remove the plug boots and dry the plug wells and the boots as much as you can with shop towels. Put it back together and start it. If it starts you found your problem.

Wiperarms: I would go to a "pull-a-part and try the wiper arms of mazda protege, 626, ford escort, Kia accent, hyundai and similar small cars. Take your rusty wiperarms with you, have them marked as you go in and try to find the closest match.

It looks like you have to take the intake manifold off in order to get to the rear valve cover.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-co...-engine-V6.jpg




This might be worth $10:
http://www.autorepairmanualdownload....-manuals.html/

Lots of great information so far, thanks a lot! In doing some research from the links you have given me, I'm even more happy to own this car. I bought it in 2008 for $1700. This is definitely a car I want to fix up and keep for many years (maybe forever).

I'll let you know how I'm doing with the repair and i'll be in touch with any additional questions. I'm glad I found this forum!

You have a gem, and I am glad you realize this.
I looked at the picture again and the angle is a bit deceiving. The rear bank should be almost a mirror image to the front bank. I don't think the intake manifold has to be removed. I am thinking the hardest part is getting to the far back bolts on the rear valve cover.

Hi, I'll be able to start on my car soon, and I appreciate all the information I have gotten so far. I bought a Chilton's Manual and $300 in parts for the car. I was already to take it on when I had chest pains and went into the hospital. I just came home yesterday after undergoing a Quadruple bypass surgery.

This will now take me a longer amount of time, and I may need more precise instructions. let me know I you are up to this challenge

Brad