Recent content by tomk17

I would start with the basics: - is the air filter good - are the spark plugs reasonably new - run some Techron or Seafoam thru a tank of gas to help clean the injectors - could clean the throttle body - not sure how mechanical you are but I can give you a quick "how to". Involves removing air...

Like many others, the headlights on my 04 are poor. I have polished the lenses crystal clean with the 3M kit and they look great. I even adjusted them upward slightly as they seem to point low (an issue I've heard others rail about as well). My next option would be to replace the bulbs...

Sorry for the late reply but I'm very familiar with the engine cover and there is NO WAY it would ever melt on top of the engine. That white stuff is a little sound insulation or something, rip it out and put the cover back on if you want or leave it off per other posters.

Changed Valve Cover Gasket I changed the valve cover and plug tube seals this weekend and dropped in some new OEM NGK's. Job was pretty easy, had to pry the old cover off a little then she came off. Ordered the gasket that came with the plug tube seals from Rock Auto for $26 shipped. There...

Answered my own question. Took back the G-05 stuff although it probably was OK, and instead got the Ford Motorcraft Specialty Green Coolant which is identical to the Mazda FL-22 recommended silicate free coolant. The G-05 is "low" silicate and again was probably fine. Mazda dealer wanted a...

I did perform a search and looks like there is still a lot of discussion about the coolant type that should be used in my 2.3L engine. Based on some other posts, I got the ZEREX by Valvoline G-05 coolant. Current coolant is dark green so it's definitely not Dex-Cool. Is the G-05 stuff good to...

Understood on the OEM plugs. One compromise might be the NGK Iridium IX plugs vs the Iridium Long Life ones. Both are Iridium and look the same, just $2.50 les per plug. The manufactures like the long life ones so they can claim lower overall maintainence but I, like most others, change them...

Going to change the plugs in my 04 3s with 63K miles. I can get the factory NGK plugs for $10 each shipped to my door from eBay but before I do, is it worth considering the Autolite Extreme Iridium plugs which are about 1/2 the cost? Being a semi-Ford product, wondering if the Autolites would...

I just purchased a 2004 3s and noticed there was a little oil inside one of the spark plug holes (2nd on from left so not likely due to a still like I have read). No other leaks. A little research indicates that a valve cover replacement with tube seals (~$15 from Rock Auto) will fix the...

Just bought an 04' 3s sedan with only 62K miles on it. Hope to give and get some valuable info here. Love car forums and am active on some other non-Mazda ones. Great resources. Already done some basics like tranny fluid change and clean throttle body. Will post some comments and questions...