Tech Column by Paul Reinmann

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 Paul Reinmann

SOFT TOP REPLACEMENT So, this top replacement was actually done by a shop in Wilmington. If anyone wants to know how to do it yourself there are lots of videos on the Miata Forum. Most admit it takes over 20 hours with no prior experience. Mine took two hours; one hour to drop the car…

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Soft Top Zipper Care

Do you know the best way to take care of the zipper on your 90-97 Miata’s rear window? When opening your top, you should always unzip the window before lowering it to protect the sensitive plastic window from being damaged. If you already do this, great! However did you know that there is also a…

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Mazda In-Dash 6 CD Changer/Cassette/Radio Installation for 90-97 Miata

This tech tip gives step-by-step instructions on how to install and Mazda in-dash 6 CD Changer/Cassette/Radio in a 90-97 Mazda Miata. A special thanks goes out to the following Miata.net folks for their contributions in helping develop this resource: Drake A. Daum aka MVMC Nr 1 Santa Rosa Steve Mitro aka John Chet99 Ray aka…

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