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I am having a very difficult time finding a leak...and mor importantly, determining its importance.

When I bought the car 3 years ago I was told it had a small oil leak near the front. Sure enough, for the past 3 years I have a well developed oil spot on my garage. The think is, it never loses any ...

I decided to bleed the colling system. I removed the radiator cap and added coolant until it was full; not more than a half quart. I turned on the car and let it idle for a while. (There were a few tiny bubbles that surfaced but as the engine warmed up, they went away. As noted before, the ...

mitmaks wrote:When was the last time you've replaced water pump? Old water pumps sometimes have worn out impeller and it doesn't flow coolant efficiently.

Water pump replace less than 6 months ago.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I agree that a thorough flush is warranted. I will likely try it at home, however with an outside temp of around 25F most days, it makes it uncomfortable at best.

QUESTION: I notice some of the thermostats available have what looks like is an additional small ...

mitmaks wrote:Sure thermostat is not stuck open? Maybe try another one.

I've gone through 2 new ones. Gotta be something else.

After replacing two thermostats, the symptoms remain the same:

1. If leave the car at idle for 15 minutes or so, the water temp goes up into the normal range nicely, and the air blowing inside is toasty warm.

2. As soon as I start moving and air starts flowing around the engine, the water temp ...

...Remove the valve cover, then remove the plastic timing belt cover as well...

Is it necessary to remove the valve cover? I have not taken a detailed look, but it almost seems like the plastic timing belt cover can be removed independent of the valve cover.

Also, question: It would make sense ...

By the way, I recently replaced the belts as recommended and problem has dissapeard. Thank you all for your interest and suggestions.

Just discovered the water pump is shot. I'm a fairly new owner a Mazda, especially this vehicle. I've done nearly all major repairs on my vehicles and will be doing the same with the MX-3.

While water pump removals tend to be a hassle, this one seems to be a greater hassle than I've experienced ...

I just remembered another detail: I did replace the alternator approximately a month a go. No change in the "squealing factor." I will try to replace the belt and see what happens.

Thank you all for such prompt responses. I will look into both suggestions and get back to you.

CAR: 1995 MX-3 (not MX-2), 120K Miles

PROBLEM: Loud screeching, high pitched noise from under hood. Difficulty narrowing down exactly where it's coming from.

SYMPTOMS:
- sounds like a bad belt or when tensioner is going bad. Belet is good.
- happens when car is cold
- can last beyond 3 minutes ...

Have not gone through and checked the pump as suggested. Very busy and as long as I keep track of the mileage, it's OK for now, though still a hasle.

HOWEVER, here's the interesting thing: When the gas level gets so low, a yellow warning light comes on right under the faulty gas gage, which tells ...

...yes, there is 2 clips under the back seat (near your legs) that will let you remove the cushion. then there is a metal plate with 8 screws or so, then you can access the fuel pump from another 8 screws or so. make sure you relive the fuel pressure in the fuel lines before you disconnect them or ...

Nd4SpdSe wrote:You sure it's just one of those cars that never run out of gas?

I checked the mileage today for the first time...26 mpg, primarily city driving. I was pretty pleased with that.