Get a kit like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315803749784 to check if coolant seals have been compromised

Put video on youtube and post link here

Freeze spray on the ambient temperature sensor...

Unfortunately I ran over the remains of a deer That could have been so much worse... Years ago my Mum's boss was driving home from work and a deer jumped over the hedge and came right through his windscreen. His list of injuries was very impression, such that he was in hospital for weeks and was me...

It could be a wheel sensor but my suspicion is the wiring in the bootlid to the high-level brakelight. When this goes open circuit (or shorts to earth) the DSC & ABS systems are disabled. This happens when the wiring gets old and stiff, especially in cold weather, and the boot is opened - someti...

I started it up and had clouds of smoke that wouldn't stop. Had to shut it down before neighbours complained. I think this could be e the en of my 21 year old love affair. ☹️ What colour was the smoke? Black, blue, white. What did it smell like? Petrol, oil, sweet,.. Sent from my SM-G556B using Tap...

Another site I'm "staff" on is fronted by Cloudflare, and still had the issue, until we made everything members only.

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None of these bots honour that robots.txt policy.

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The forum is dog slow again today. This isn't surprising given that there are 350 sessions open with non-account holders, 99% of which look like AI engines harvesting content, with more than 30% being in "downloading file" status at any given moment. The record so far was two days ago &quo...

The two sensors feed their inputs to the gauge, that then runs an algorithm to determine what to display, given the saddle shape of the tank. Try filling tank to brim and parking on the flat, letting the engine idle for a few minutes before switching off. If the car has been in for the fuel tank rec...

If you're planning to link external images, be aware that imgur no longer works for UK users, see
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=89482

Absolute result

Check the cabin air filters, located behind the glove box.

If these are full of muck then the system can behaviour bizarrely.

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Just fixed that "awlays" typo to read "always".

Spell-checker also wanted to change "Snetterton" to "Testosterone" - which made me laugh

Also, regarding the MOT, there are two stages to the emissions test. The first is normal idle, for which the engine has to be good and hot, with AC switched off, and should be fine. However the Fast Idle check can be a challenge for the operator. They need to bring revs up to 2k, then start the test...

I have direct access to some Mazda Europe systems, in recognition for my role with the OC.

I'm not aware of any website where you can order these new.

Just call your nearest dealer with the information that's shown on the quote I attached.

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New isn't as expensive as I thought, at less than £145 for the pair, inc. VAT Note that these parts are not being made any more and so sources such as Amayama in Japan can't source them. However, Mazda Europe seem to have some stock. See attached dealer retail quote. TimeTravellingToaster quote.pdf

They were jetted a bit lean in the midrange, from the factory, as were all bikes of that era due to emissions,

A Dynojet kit is a good, simple, upgrade.

Getting the carbs balanced on these engines makes the world of difference. Dial gauges are useless for this, as not nearly accurate enough and bounce all over the place, unless so heavily damped that they're less than useless. We used a set of mercury tubes, which were perfect, except "mercury&...

I'm not aware of any UK Track Day Operator that requires Compulsory Insurance, though I'm aware that many owners have track day cover, either annually or per session.

What does that compulsory insurance cover?

Dr RX-8 wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 02, 2026 3:57 pm

Chat GPT said it was abnormally high so thought I'd double check

Chat GPT knows sweet FA about rotary engines, nothing useful at least!

The high exhaust temperatures and flow rates are why most generic aftermarket cats are lucky if they last a year bolted to a rotary engine

About 600C sounds about right, just after startup, as that's what the Secondary Air System is for, to light-up the cat.

Driving it can be anywhere between 650-900C

Why you asking?

A lower spring rate means softer springs, which is probably not what you want for track days. "Lowering springs" means the car sits lower to the ground, for stance and, in theory, less body roll. However, most lowering springs are listed as lowering by x-amount, which is compared to the Ma...

From the conundrum I had earlier in the year with the rear wheels rubbing against the car, and just generally upgrading old parts, i’m in need of some coilovers. Chances are that you just have a cracked spring, or two cracked springs, which is really common and not an issue to replace. They crack r...