Engine Maintenance

[Absath]

I'm trying to keep my engine running as well as possible while i save up for an engine swap or rebuild. I have a couple of questions about some general maintenance.<p>Changing the oil: Since I bought the car, I've only used full synthetic. The oil was changed by the mechanic when I bought it, but I want to change it again, and I'd prefer to do it myself. I used to change my oil on my jeep, so I'm assuming the process is similar, but i want to make sure. the jeep also had more clearance for me to get under should i jack the car, or do you think i can get under there as is?<p>Coolant: My coolan seems muddy. Brownish. The resevoir is filthy. I'd like to flush the coolan, but I've never done this sort of thing. Could someone maybe walk me through it?<p>-Abs

[johnnyb]

changing your oil is the same as it is on most cars. you'll probably have to jack up the front end a bit as the clearance is a little on the low side for my tastes. As for a coolant flush there should be a drain screw on the bottom of the rad, loosen it and the coolant will flow out what i usually do is fill it up with water and run the car for ~10 mins to let the water wash the coolant out then just repeat the draining and fill with a mixture of coolant and water (mixture depends on local weather conditions) and you're all set

[mx3man83]

When you flush your coolant system dont just use water. Buy a coolant flushing agent from a local parts store. There are directions on the container. Oh, You are welcome for me paying over 40 dollars to ship your hatch cover for you. THanks.

[Absath]

ok,... how about some directions to getting to this radiater screw <p>-Abs

[Absath]

*bump* would love for someone to tell me where exactly this screw is <p>-Abs

[mitmaks]

i couldnt find it either so i cant change my coolant

[sep42]

There's a shop manual on mx-3.com
Check out section E2; page 5 refers to removal.<p>Take care of the special instructions for filling, there's a rate of fill or you will introduce air in the system.

[Absath]

hehe well... i found the screw that i guess i'm suppose to unscrew to drain the fluid... unfortunately the screw is made out of rubber or plastic or something, and it's stripped.<p>i couldnt get any other tools in there without taking off my front bumper (which i can do because there's one bolt i can't unfasten =P)<p>i guess i'll have it done professionally...<p>-Abs