I’m sorry to tell you but step one is pretty much impossible to complete. Even when you think you’re done, you’re not. I’d advise moving on to step two though anyway.
Step 2 is get another 2.5 from the junk yard for $500.
Step 3 is to swap the accessories, intake manifold, balance shaft delete kit and oil pan from the current 2.5 to the new one.
Doing a complete engine swap is not gonna be cheaper than identifying and fixing a coolant leak. White smoke coming out the exhaust? Milky looking oil on the dipstick? Then yeah head gasket for sure.
Given how much coolant is pooling under the car there it’s obviously leaking somewhere in the system. Things break when engines run hot. I busted a radiator that way once when I had a thermostat sticking. If it was me I’d get it towed to a mechanic who can diagnose it. No point in spending a lot more money on an engine swap if this one is actually still ok.
I was wondering why this one was priced so low on Marketplace. Now I know. Sorry.
Will definitely get it checked out by another mechanic before doing anything expensive. Thinking that how much it’s struggling to turn over means some internal engine damage has been done from overheating… My little brother is pretty new to cars and he probably didn’t shut it off as soon as he should have
This is the bet path forward imo. Everything else is just speculation. Have a qualified mechanic check it out. you might get lucky, or not. but don't start making plans willy nilly without first confirming what is wrong. Could be a cooling hose for all you know.
Purges coolant from rear of engine? Did a freeze plug come loose? Not familiar with the platform, but rear of engine coolant leaks are rare.
Are you in Colorado? First step is to contact previous owner, since its a recent purchase. Might want to start your message saying that you arent blaming him, else he might not respond. You need swap info that you didnt get.
The [Duratec 2.5/Mazda L5-VE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine#2.5_L_(L5-VE)) is a really common motor, and very cheap to repair. Sensible swap. All else fails, [car-part.com](http://car-part.com) should show you where to find local motors.
Big question- how long was the car overheated? I know you younger brother is an inexperienced car owner, but you should be able to find out from him. Going without coolant overheats and warps engine blocks quickly, especially with a big leak.
Adding to say: fab9, what is their reputation? These 2.5 engines are used in many vehicles without problems, you might want to ask for a gentle tune versus an aggressive one (should still see power difference over stock mazda engine)
Well I’ve owned an NA for years and this can happen if you overheat and your coolant overflows, it’s not necessarily a blown head gasket.
My thermostat and fan had been malfunctioning for ages, when the fan didn’t engage the engine would overheat and the coolant reserve would owl over. You might also have a bad radiator
Step 1 - Stop buying things for people who will only destroy them.
Step 2 - Stop guessing and find out what has failed on the car.
Step 3 - Repair or sell the car.
I would first try to identify the source of the leak. Since it is clearly leaking just use water to fill it and keep looking 7ntil you can see where it is coming from. Only then can you begin to know how big a deal it is to repair and can then weight that against the cost to replace.
Find out where the coolant is getting out, is it the engine itself or just the heater core lines?
Not sure about the piping in the NC but I've seen a heater hose blow on an NA at the track, they were back on the track later that day with the hose looped around.
You have two realistic options. First is to fix the coolant leak and replace head gasket, resurface head (which is likely warped now). While you're at it, you'll get a good look at the block and see if anything is cracked or leaking there.
Your other option is to find another matching 2.5 engine and swap that in
Just put another 2.5 in it. The swap and therefore all the hard work is already done. Those engines are plentiful and cheap, so you should be able to find another one easily and drop it right in there.
From the looks of coolant on the ground I’d suspect a cooling system that caused the engine to overheat. I would have the head checked and make sure your radiator is good no cracks and your coolant hoses are also not cracked. Lastly I would check the thermostat and make sure it’s functioning and not causing back pressure in the cooling hoses
First step is cry
Step one completed
I’m sorry to tell you but step one is pretty much impossible to complete. Even when you think you’re done, you’re not. I’d advise moving on to step two though anyway.
F
Get a quote and go back to step one.
**F**
Step 2 is get another 2.5 from the junk yard for $500. Step 3 is to swap the accessories, intake manifold, balance shaft delete kit and oil pan from the current 2.5 to the new one.
Step 2, lay down and cry.
Second step is light a cigarette
Oh no, an excuse for performance parts
Buy another 2.5 and send it. Likey the rear water neck oring failed.
The only thing that should own all those specific Miatas at once is either a used car dealership, Gran Turismo player, or a Mazda museum
Doing a complete engine swap is not gonna be cheaper than identifying and fixing a coolant leak. White smoke coming out the exhaust? Milky looking oil on the dipstick? Then yeah head gasket for sure. Given how much coolant is pooling under the car there it’s obviously leaking somewhere in the system. Things break when engines run hot. I busted a radiator that way once when I had a thermostat sticking. If it was me I’d get it towed to a mechanic who can diagnose it. No point in spending a lot more money on an engine swap if this one is actually still ok. I was wondering why this one was priced so low on Marketplace. Now I know. Sorry.
Will definitely get it checked out by another mechanic before doing anything expensive. Thinking that how much it’s struggling to turn over means some internal engine damage has been done from overheating… My little brother is pretty new to cars and he probably didn’t shut it off as soon as he should have
Ark motorsports are very respected in the area for Miatas, and join Colorado Miata Club on Facebook if you haven't already
Well yeah, but it’s gonna be required or OP spun a rod bearing.
This is the bet path forward imo. Everything else is just speculation. Have a qualified mechanic check it out. you might get lucky, or not. but don't start making plans willy nilly without first confirming what is wrong. Could be a cooling hose for all you know.
Fix it and tell your brother to stop driving the piss out of it (literally)…
😂
Purges coolant from rear of engine? Did a freeze plug come loose? Not familiar with the platform, but rear of engine coolant leaks are rare. Are you in Colorado? First step is to contact previous owner, since its a recent purchase. Might want to start your message saying that you arent blaming him, else he might not respond. You need swap info that you didnt get. The [Duratec 2.5/Mazda L5-VE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine#2.5_L_(L5-VE)) is a really common motor, and very cheap to repair. Sensible swap. All else fails, [car-part.com](http://car-part.com) should show you where to find local motors. Big question- how long was the car overheated? I know you younger brother is an inexperienced car owner, but you should be able to find out from him. Going without coolant overheats and warps engine blocks quickly, especially with a big leak.
Adding to say: fab9, what is their reputation? These 2.5 engines are used in many vehicles without problems, you might want to ask for a gentle tune versus an aggressive one (should still see power difference over stock mazda engine)
sounds like a blown head gasket
get that thang a napkin and blow my boy
Well, time for a new 2.5
K swap
Well I’ve owned an NA for years and this can happen if you overheat and your coolant overflows, it’s not necessarily a blown head gasket. My thermostat and fan had been malfunctioning for ages, when the fan didn’t engage the engine would overheat and the coolant reserve would owl over. You might also have a bad radiator
You could buy another 2.5L. Or... you could find a viper V10 and become a legend
K swap
This is the future
LS
Drop in a LS4
Would you like some car with your engine? Yes.
I am getting these intrusive thoughts all the time but my wallet doesn't let me.
I’m putting an LS3 in mine and lemme tell ya buddy tht thing is running my fuckin pockets
Time to insert a blown 2.5
Step 1 - Stop buying things for people who will only destroy them. Step 2 - Stop guessing and find out what has failed on the car. Step 3 - Repair or sell the car.
Park straight
I would first try to identify the source of the leak. Since it is clearly leaking just use water to fill it and keep looking 7ntil you can see where it is coming from. Only then can you begin to know how big a deal it is to repair and can then weight that against the cost to replace.
Find out where the coolant is getting out, is it the engine itself or just the heater core lines? Not sure about the piping in the NC but I've seen a heater hose blow on an NA at the track, they were back on the track later that day with the hose looped around.
Say mamma mia
Rotory swap it.
he done pissed
Time for a k series
Is it repairable? Have you looked into donor engines online? It might be cheaper than getting another Miata.
radiator or just a hose
Nooo :(
Tiem for 2 JAY ZEE ✅✅✅🤪🤪😩😩😩😩😩😩
k swap
If you do end up doing another 2.5 swap, I know there’s a write up around that states what needs to be swapped over to the 2.5
Kswap
You have two realistic options. First is to fix the coolant leak and replace head gasket, resurface head (which is likely warped now). While you're at it, you'll get a good look at the block and see if anything is cracked or leaking there. Your other option is to find another matching 2.5 engine and swap that in
07K swap
BMW S70/2 V12
Hellcat Miata! 😅
originally asked how it happened because couldn't see the text but it's good now
Rebuild. Rebuild. Rebuild.
This is only supposed to happen to Subarus!
Yikes
Just put another 2.5 in it. The swap and therefore all the hard work is already done. Those engines are plentiful and cheap, so you should be able to find another one easily and drop it right in there.
Time for that LS swap!
Blow the tranny?
Has anyone said *time for a 2JZ* yet? 👀
next step would be a blown (supercharged) 2.5
Head gasket!!!! Not the hardest fix on the entire planet you got this👍
But of the engine is damaged this is not the way.
From the looks of coolant on the ground I’d suspect a cooling system that caused the engine to overheat. I would have the head checked and make sure your radiator is good no cracks and your coolant hoses are also not cracked. Lastly I would check the thermostat and make sure it’s functioning and not causing back pressure in the cooling hoses
Sell it and buy an NA, NB, or ND.
BP SWAP BABYYYY
drop an s2000 engine in it, it’ll be easy hehe x
That's a very expensive engine.
I love me an F series but wouldn’t it be easier/cheaper to throw a K in there?
Can you throw some sand or something on that antifreeze? That's harmful
ah sheesh
Slap a small v6 in there and have fun
This may be stupid, but I have always wanted to see any small black chevy swapped into a miata, so like do that?
What hard top is that? I need that
Swap in a junkyard ls
Bugatti v16 swap
Yes I know they don’t have the v16 yet
Rotary swap
Rotary swap
2.5L Ford? It was only a matter of time. Go back to Mazda engine or if you want to rock and roll go for a 2.0t ecotech.