Kev's JDM 1997 Protege

[irishkev90]

Well I have today off from work, so hopefully I can get something car-related done today.

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Edit: The papers came back today. I just got her registered and now waiting for the inspection. Then I can finally take her for a proper drive. I already know the axles need to be replaced, but that's it so far.

[irishkev90]

Passed safety, but failed emissions. I took a short drive after the inspection and it was acting the same way my '98 did when the EGR valve was clogged up. So now I'm waiting the engine to cool down so I can take the valve off and clean it out. Should be the only problem.

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[irishkev90]

Cleaned the EGR and throttle body. Drives much better, but idles about 250-300 rpm too high. When I got home I scanned it and I get a P0505 Idle Air Control code. Need to get this fixed so I can get my inspection sticker.



Actually, I might just throw the throttle body from my '98 on there and see what happens.

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I also started the sticker removal process. The Mazdatech sticker was a pain in the ass for some reason, but they all came off. I can tell they've been on there forever because not only is the paint on the spoiler faded, giving me a ghosted Mazdaspeed, the window tint is also faded so I have ghosted DFWMazdas, Zoom-Zoom, etc. in my back window. Oh well.

[irishkev90]

Swapped throttle bodies this morning and went for a drive. Still getting a P0505 code.

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[MazdaNoob]

Check engine grounds


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[irishkev90]

Passed emissions and officially inspected for a year. Cleaned the throttle body, IAC, EGR. I also noticed some oil in the distributor so I took that apart, cleaned it, new o-ring plus a little sealant for added leak proofing. Replaced the distributor cap and rotor and also replaced the spark plugs with NGK Laser Iridiums. Runs much smoother.

Now I'm trying to replace the axels and I'm stuck just like on my '98. Driver side axle is stuck in the transmission and the passenger side is stuck in the hub.

Taking a dinner break now and watching the Mazda GX cars at Road America. I think #00 is in the lead and #70 is a lap down.

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[irishkev90]

Got the axles replaced as well as the passenger side ball joint. Driving feeling wasn't affected, but it's the peace of mind that matters. Outter tie rods need to be replaced, the boots are torn, and I'll probably do the driver side ball joint as well. Front driver side lugs probably need to be replaced as well. One of them is missing a section of threads and all four are difficult to thread the nuts on and off.

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[FE3-323]

do the lugs have grease on them?? yes grease not anti-seize crap

[irishkev90]

They had nothing on them. Could be the paint making it difficult, though. He painted the calipers while still on the car. The driver side rotor has so much paint on it that it's stuck to the hub. I'll hopefully be putting the ES brakes on it this winter, though.

[Mazda_Powered]

Lug nut and studs should be dry. Try cleaning everything with some PB blaster and a metal scrubber. It's the hubcentric section that should only see grease or anti-seize (which has never let me down btw Ryan lol).

[FE3-323]

ugh. i dispise anti-seize- **** turns into a galling putty which retains metal fragments & is a cunt to clean up- off anything.
im a firm believer in high quality grease- in any of our northern climates.
i do not agree that lugnuts should be dry tho.

[DuRWooD]

I use antisieze on every fastener. I use the slightly more expensive nickel stuff to prevent any reaction with dissimilar metals. Yes, there is nickel in it, but the nickel particles are softer than steel. Grease is good for say the bolts that hold your strut to the spindle, where water, dirt, and heat won't get in, but I just use antisieze there too. I use it on my lug nuts as well, but I check the lug nut torque often.

[irishkev90]

I antiseize almost everything and I've never had a problem with anything coming loose.

Also, I think this photo would be better without my brother's truck in the background.



Stickers are almost all gone, too. Just removed the TTL stickers on the rear doors. Just need to get rid of the Mazdaspeed on the hood and the Mazda Racing stickers on the front fenders. I think I'll remove the RSR badge under the tail light, as well.

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[irishkev90]

More stickers removed. Just need to get rid of the Mazda Racing on the driver side fender and they'll all be gone. Then I can give her a nice bath.



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[Mazda_Powered]

nice man! looking much cleaner!