My top replacement, 3X and counting…
My rag top has now been replaced three times due to rips at the pull straps that help fold the top when putting it down. That means I now have the third new replacement top. I thought all was well when (Play the music from Jaws) I found this top now ripping again in the same place. I notified the shop and await their response.
One question to you is do you have a soft top and what is the condition of your pull straps? I have to wonder if these tend to rip part way and then stop. In this case no one would notice as the top would still fold nicely when going down regardless of the straps ripped partly. I am a stickler for expecting things to work as they should. I am not giving up on this! Your input will help me understand this.
To check the condition of your straps, open the top to about the balance point and look at each side. At the crease point there is the strap pulling the top to a fold. Look carefully to see the pull straps. See attached pictures to see how mine have ripped.
SKYACTIV-X New Engine Technology
Mazda is exploring a new technology in engine design. They call it SKYACTIV-X; a compression ignition engine they say is coming soon. When In MX5? No news on this yet.
Basically a compression ignition engine is how a diesel engine operates. No spark plugs, the energy of compression ignites the fuel. Instead of timing spark as in a gasoline engine, the combustion in a compression ignition engine is timed by the injection of the fuel.
See links for more detailed info.
http://www.zoomzoommag.com/winter2017?utm_source=email1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign= groupone#!mazda-skyactiv-x-engine
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2019-mazda-3-withskyactiv-x-compression-ignition-gas-engine-prototype-drivereview
Tech Column – by Ken Schiess
As we approach Tech Day it seemed appropriate to write about some of the challenges one could encounter with the NC model. First is the top. As the NC’s age, (the newest now 5 years old and the oldest 15) tops begin to reach end of life, especially if they have been exposed to the…
Tech Column by Ken Schiess
In March of 2017, I was complaining about a vibration between 45 and 55 mph. I had put the wheels on the balancing machine during tech day and discovered that two of the wheels appeared to be out of round or slightly bent. I proceeded to have them straightened by Stevenson Mazda (thanks Howard) –…
Tech Column – Ken Schiess
In March of 2017 I was complaining about a vibration between 45 and 55 mph. I had put the wheels on the balancing machine during tech day and discovered that two of the wheels appeared to be out of round or slightly bent. I proceeded to have them straightened, by Stevenson Mazda (thanks Howard) –…