Need a wheel centre cap! 1996 model. Engine advice, too!

**Maputosimon** · 2-9-07, 10:22

hi, guys. erm...it's as the heading says!

Someone clipped something coming around a corner a bit tight, and now I'm minus one small wheel centre cap. Actually, the other three have worn down to the plastic, so a full set would be great if anyone can help! Silver spray doesn't last long.

(still no luck on the driver's floor mat)

Finally, she's running fine, but from outside the engine sounds a bit like a tractor. Do I HAVE to ask Mazda to look at the tappets?

**Oddball** · 2-9-07, 11:43

Cant help with a center cap, although if you ensure you lacquer them after spraying, they should be fine for a long time .. mine have been likek this for over a year now.

As for the tapping.. are we sure its the HLA's ? not the autotensioner ? If you are sure its the HLA's, then there is nothing the dealer can do apart from rip them out and replace, and you dont want to know the price for that

.. so its down to a damn good flush and quality oil.

when was the last time you changed the oil ? do you use a flushing agent when changing the oil ? which oil do you use ?

Oddy.

**Wackyracer** · 2-9-07, 12:38

i may have a centre cap...... a while ago the really nice guys at Christchurch tyre centre replaced my damaged one and gave me a spare they had.... new it was! I will have a look around.

**Maputosimon** · 2-18-07, 20:37

There's a guy on ebay selling a set of four caps for 7.50, guess I'll have to go for them if the 93 wheels'caps fit my 96...

Have been quoted 6-700 pounds, mainly labour time in stripping down, to sort out a suspected stuck tappet, though it could be a cam on the way out (?). Will get an (expensive) second opinion from a Mazda dealer tomorrow morning.
Any master mechanics out there willing to help?!

**Oddball** · 2-18-07, 20:46

I really suggest you try a good couple of flushes before throwing your money at mech's to strip down the heads to sort out the HLA's ..

Oddy

**Maputosimon** · 2-18-07, 21:52

Point taken, will do so!

I hear 5w50's the in thing these days, rather than 0w40..am still loyal to Mobil 1.

Thanks for advising this techo-novice! I can make it go faster, but diagnosing problems is beyond my do-ability!

**Oddball** · 2-18-07, 23:03

I used to use 0w mobil 1 all the time also, but the HLA's just would not stop ticking, well maybe the first 500 miles after an oil change. I've actually moved to 10w now, and there is a much improved sound from under the bonnet.

Oddy.

**Maputosimon** · 2-19-07, 17:58

Mazda's conclusion is that "ït sounds a bit tappetty, but that kind of sound's normal for an engine of that age"!

Consummate professionals...well, at least they washed & hoovered the car.

They did, however, confirm that our model should be run on "äny good name brand" 10w40, and that Premium fuel makes a big difference in mileage, the engine running cleaner, and reducing future problems.

Their price for a centre cap is around 9.50 EACH!

Said they'd give me a ring for prices on the floor mats, but of course they haven't.

I'm off to buy some 10w40!

(have never changed the oil - I know, desperately sad - and haven't got the equipment (wrench and tray), so will wait to find a knowledgeable friend for a fun afternoon (Ken Holland, where are you??!! Anyone else local to me in SW London & willing?!), or sheepishly take it to a mech to do, with my own correct-grade new oil, of course!

Tks again.

**kenholland** · 2-20-07, 5:37

Blimey Simon - hello and welcome back.

Getting stuck straight back into the 6 then?

**ElmerFud** · 2-20-07, 17:02

If it's the 16" speedlines you have, contact the company here http://www.speedlinecorse.com/ Think I paid around £25 for 4

i would also look for different centre badges to go with them. The Speedline Corse ones are a bit naff.

Elmer

**Maputosimon** · 2-23-07, 19:52

Tks, elmer. Hi,Einstein! Good to be back.

It's the 15" wheels, and I'm still hopeful for the ones on ebay.

Engine issue sorted today - had it flushed out and 10w40 synth in w/Mazda filter, smooth as anything now!

My question is, why didn't Mazda themselves know that, or listen to me when I suggested it? Aren't there ANY guys involved with main dealers looking thru these posts?!

Anyway, problem's solved (except for me putting one wheel into the inspection pit on the way out - d'oh!), and once again you guys were right.

Paula · 2-23-07, 21:28

I have been using Mobil 1 0W-40 since I bought the MX 6 but like in my Rover Metro GTI 16v, I am going over to Amsoil 10W/40 which is an awesome fully synthetic motor oil.

Anyway Mazda suggest using 10W-30 in the MX 6 for minus 10F up to 120F plus and 5W-30 for minus 40F up to 32F( Freezing Point )

So using a 0W - 40 might be too thin.

Paula

**Oddball** · 2-24-07, 0:53

Good to hear all is quiet now ...

Oddy.

**Einstein** · 2-24-07, 6:37

typical dealers !

no mechanics any more, just fitters... plug in a machine, tells them which part is faulty, they change it..

Glad it's feeling better anyway Simon...

John