Repair 7

The Mazda RX-8 is a highly advanced vehicle that can cost a lot of money to maintain. Performing tune-ups and oil changes yourself can be very cost-effective and it will also teach you the ins and outs of the vehicle in case anything needs to be repaired. Tuning your engine takes time and patience, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Instructions

Engine TuneUp Preparation

1

Place your gear selector in the Park (P) or Neutral (N) position.

2

Turn off all electrical accessories, such as the air conditioner and radio.

3

Press the gas to increase speed to 2,500 to 3,500 rpm and wait until the cooling fans turn on. The vehicle will be in park or neutral, so it will not move during this step.

4

Release the accelerator when the cooling fans turn on. Wait until the cooling fans stop running before continuing work.

5

Connect a diagnostic device (WDS) to the DLC-2. The DLC-2 is located underneath the steering column and to the left of the steering wheel near the pedals. It will look like a rectangular bay that has nothing plugged into it.

6

Check that the idling speed of the vehicle is at 760 to 860 rpm for an automatic transmission or 750 to 850 rpm for a manual transmission. The code on the diagnostic device that designates rpm should read "RPM PID."

Inspect the Ignition Timing

7

Connect the timing light to the front rotor housing. The front rotor housing is on the front of the engine facing toward the front bumper.

8

Turn on the "test mode" on the timing light. In order to enter the timing light into test mode, you must use the "Test Simulation" function.

9

Confirm the positions of the "Eccentric Shaft Plates". On the front of the motor, you should see that the front cover of the rotor housing has a white mark on it. The engine itself also has a white mark. The white marks should be lined up correctly.

10

Confirm the ignition is -5 degrees. Using the diagnostic device, you should find this under the "SPARK-L" section.

11

Turn the test mode off.

Inspect the Idling Speed

12

Turn on the "test mode" on the timing light. In order to enter the timing light into test mode, you must use the "Test Simulation" function.

13

Verify engine speed, using the RPM DATA function on the diagnostic device. Because you should have all loads turned off --- headlights, air conditioner, heat, defrosters --- turned off, the idling speed should be 760 to 860 rpm for an automatic transmission or 750 to 850 for a manual transmission.

14

Turn the "Test Mode" off.

Check That the Idle Mixture Is Within Regulation

15

Complete steps 1, 2, and 3.

16

Place the exhaust gas analyzer stick into the tailpipe.

17

Verify that the emissions level is up to EPA standards. The NOx level should be 0.07. tTe NMOG level should be 0.055, the CO level should be 2.1. The PM level should be 0.01, and the HCHO level should be 0.011.

The spark plug is a vital component in the operation of an internal combustion engine. As the name implies, the spark plug creates a spark that ignites gasoline inside a combustion chamber. This creates the energy to force the piston downward. The movement of the pistons gives the engine its power. To make sure that the engine operates as smoothly and efficiently as possible, it needs to be tuned up on a regular basis. An important part of that tune-up is removing and replacing the spark plugs, a process thats fairly straightforward.

Instructions

1

Make sure the engine is cool. The spark plugs are one of the hottest components of an engine.

2

Clean any dirt or debris from around the base of the plug to keep dirt from falling into the combustion chamber. Use compressed air to blow debris away if it is available.

3

Use your owners manual to find the spark plugs. Most engines have spark plugs wires that lead to the spark plugs. Newer engines may have individual ignition coils mounted over the spark plugs.

4

Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug by pulling on the rubber boot. Do not pull on the wire itself. If equipped with ignition coils, remove the ignition coil mounting bolt to remove the coil and reveal the spark plug.

5

Install the spark plug socket on the socket wrench. You may need to use a swivel joint or a socket wrench extension to reach spark plugs in the back of the engine.

6

Place the socket over the spark plug and turn the socket wrench counterclockwise to loosen the spark plug. Use steady force to remove a stubborn plug. Too much force can shear off the top of a spark plug or strip the threads.

7

Continue to turn the wrench until the spark plug comes out of the hole. Once loosened, you should be able to remove it by hand.

A tune up ers to preventive maintenance that focuses on the cars engine. At the most basic level, a tuneup is replacing specific parts in a specific time frame.

What is a tune up?

A tune up will always replace: spark plugs, fuel filter, spark plug wires, ignition rotor and distributor cap (if the car is so equipped). Additionally, the throttle bore and throttle plate should be cleaned and adjusted. Performing this maintenance keeps clean air and fuel moving into the engine, in addition to ensuring that the spark plugs ignite the fuel at optimal levels.

When do I perform a tune up?

It depends on how your car is equipped. Platinum tipped spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. Cheaper plugs may last only 30,000 miles.

Can I do this myself?

There are many guide books and websites that can teach you to perform your own tune ups. A tune up is about as simple as modern car maintenance can get. A tune up is also fairly cheap to have done at a reputable auto shop. Doing your own tune up depends on your individual comfort level.

First available from GM in 1982, the 6.2L diesel engine was originally an option for sports utility vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, and other utility vehicles. With the dual perks of added fuel economy and durability, 6.2L diesel engines in GM two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) trucks were given gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 10,000 pounds. Additionally-equipped vehicles boast a capacity of over 13,000 pounds. A strong engine requires regular tune-ups and care to stay in prime operating condition.

Oil Lubricant

Oil lubricant is a necessity for the proper operation of the 6.2L diesel engine. Used for the lubrication of the engine, the oil for diesel engines is specially formulated and must remain at a certain level and consistency to provide the best functionality. Oil should be checked a minimum of once weekly. A common occurrence is the immediate change of newly-replaced oil to a dark black color after only a brief running of the engine. This does not mean that anything is wrong with the oil, but is rather a side-effect of the engine. Knowing how to change the oil can also save the owner money, since professionals charge as much as four times the amount to change fluids in a diesel engine than they charge for a regular gas engine.

Oil Filter

When changing the oil, the oil filter should be changed as well. Consulting the manual for the particular vehicle will inform owners of the optimal and maximum time allowed between filter changes. However, due to the heat and pressure generated by a diesel engine, the oil and filter may become contaminated more quickly that in a non-diesel engine vehicle.

Mechanical Injection Pump

The mechanical injection pump assists in the movement of the diesel fuel throughout the engine; therefore, it is important to ensure that no leakage is occurring. It is not uncommon for the seals on the injection pump to shrink when cold and allow fuel to leak out. At times, this problem is corrected through the warming of the engine, which causes the seal to swell, plugging any leaking. In order to check and perform repairs on the injection pump, it is necessary to remove the oil filler, intake manifold, and bolts. Be sure that the engine has fully cooled before attempting to work on any component. To gain access to these components, the crankshaft should be slowly turned in a clockwise direction with a 24 mm socket wrench. All wires and hoses should be removed from the pump, if it is necessary to separate it from the engine. Injector lines can be tricky, so it is important to be careful. In addition, ground wires should be removed from the batteries to avoid any mishaps.