You did your best

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 01/28/2018 at 21:01 • Filed to: None

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But it’s time to rest. Today’s adventure left you pretty banged up, and it’s clear that we’ve got some issues to sort out before we hop back on the road, let alone attempt snowy trails... Time to retire for the season. But don’t worry. We’re a team, and I’ll get you back in fighting shape.

A lazy Saturday and weeks of rain had me itching to go out and find some excitement. I was slightly more prepared than last time, with shovel and jack in the back. But I was also going solo. Six up, half a dozen down. Ah well. Bit of rain, bit of wind... Just like yesterday. And the day before. And the day before that. Pretty mild winter weather, and I wanted nothing to do with it. My current mantra, “Give me sun or give me storms!” on repeat in my head, I was determined to find a new place to test the offroadster’s metal.

So I hopped on I90 and headed east towards the pass. Half an hour in I started to see exits marked with a “forest service road” stamp. Perfect. First one was a fun little winding road—more mud than snow—but was closed off after about a mile. Could have kept going, but why risk it? This was only the first stop, there were bound to be more trails further down the highway.

On the way back to the freeway, I ended up pulling a Liberty out of a snowbank. Guy seemed pretty embarrassed, which is understandable considering he had gotten his jeep stuck on flat ground, with the front end somehow buried about three feet in snow. About half an hour of digging followed by a pull (rope attached to the rollbar) he made it out, and I continued on my way. I’d earned some serious good karma there.

The 2nd non-paved trail of the day was a muddy slush that was just on the edge of what these tires could handle. Fresh powder is significantly easier to drive in than this crap, at least with my particular setup. Who knew? As the snow on the sides continued to build up, I started to worry about turning around. Eventually the sides of the road had two feet of snow, so turning around wasn’t an option. The center was a slushy mess, but it was the only place I had grip. Forward.

I was on the Talapus lake trail. Ira springs looked nice, I’ll try that at some point

Eventually I decided to try my luck whipping a 180° u-turn in the hopes of getting out of here. Offroad gods must have been smiling on me because I managed it flawlessly, despite being on a trail that was just two feet wider than my car. Alright... Not too bad. Let’s look for another trail!

The 3rd trail started off pretty easy. Uphill, two good tracks in the snow to follow. But pretty soon it started getting deeper. I was plowing snow with the front end, but my wheels were staying on the muddy tracked section so I kept going. Bad move.

Once I decided it was time to get out of here, it was too late. There was no way in hell I could turn around, and when I attempted backing up?

SCRUNCH.

Tore the back half of my underbody tray, which acted as a scoop, carrying compacted snow into the engine bay all the way up to the top of the radiator. Fuck. Making matters worse—admittedly somewhat flustered—I let up on the clutch while in gear, killing the car immediately.

It wouldn’t start up again, either.

Fuck.

Figured if I could push the car about 50 feet back into the more manageable snow level, I could do a reverse push start. Unfortunately... The car was stuck hard. All because of the engine under tray, dug into the snow. First step was removing all the snow from the engine bay. Second step, digging our under the tires. Third, trying to dig the undertray out, in order to either remove it completely or lay it flat against the underside. That... Didn’t really work.

In what can only be divine intervention, a dude and his girlfriend come by in a Jeep Liberty. It’s even the same color as the one I pulled out earlier. They try helping me get unstuck, but after getting nowhere fast, I asked for a jump start. Figured I MIGHT be able to just break the undertray off by reversing down the hill. And... It worked! Made it down to flat section.... Where I got stuck again. This time due to loss off traction. The snow wasn’t super deep, and I wasn’t high-centered, these tires just could not grip in the slushy mess. My newfound Jeep buddies pulled me using luggage tiedowns (rated to 350 pounds), and with some careful clutch work I managed to get out of the slog without the tiedowns snapping. With heartfelt thanks, I followed them out towards the freeway and headed home.

But for whatever reason, now whenever I turn my car off, it won’t turn back on. That’s new. If I absolutely have to I can probably get away with push starting for awhile, but that’s not ideal. Hopefully it’s just a bad battery. It hasn’t been replaced since I bought the car. The undertray is absolutely ruined, and will need to be replaced. Highway speeds are noticeably squirmy without the airflow smoothing that the undertray provided, plus I obviously need to keep shit from entering through the bottom. The radiator core is somewhat bent from all the snow that pushed against it, and looking pretty beat up overall. My brass oil drain valve seems to be in good shape still. I’ll tear the remnants of the tray off tomorrow to inspect for further damage... Oh and suspension components could really use a refresh after all this. I don’t know if it’s a wheel bearing, tie rod or what, but at highway speeds I’m now getting some very heavy vibrations.

Well, that was my day. Not the best, not the worst. I’m already daydreaming about next year’s winter build. I’m pretty deadset on nokian hakkapeliittas, in a taller, narrower size than the generals Arctics I have now. Maybe even try out some All Terrain tires. I’m not sure which would be better given my driving preferences. As great as the budget Artic altimax’s have been in fresh snow and ice, they performed pretty poorly in the mud and slush today. There’s gotta be something that can handle both. The 3" lift kit will be in, and some kind of underbody protection, whether it’s just a skid plate in the front, or full under protection bumper to bumper. And of course, more recovery gear!

Lots of people stopped to compliment the Mazda before it got stuck. It always seems to bring out a smile from all the guys four-wheelin’ lifted diesel trucks and old built-up Cherokee’s. The families in Subaru’s and Audi’s seem equally enthusiastic about the unexpected bright red roadster cruising along in the snow.

For now though, it’s time to tackle some maintenance projects, both major and minor. The winter build is done, and I’m looking forward to turning this back into the razor-sharp track weapon it was previously!

Here are the winter adventures if you missed ‘em!

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TheTurbochargedSquirrel > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:11

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With your antics you should look at getting a skid plate to replace the undertray. Get a bit more protection than the plastic provides.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:13

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Dude bravo! You’re doing more with this Miata than most bros with their pickups. Love it.

AestheticsInMotion > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/28/2018 at 21:14

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Yep, that’s definitely in the cards. Or have a full underbody tray fabbed up. Unfortunately the (admittedly pretty) aftermarket Miata skid plates are all show, and lack the sections that went along the side of the engine, that are needed for proper air flow.

AestheticsInMotion > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 01/28/2018 at 21:17

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Thank you, I certainly try! By the way, this is absolutely my favorite thing to hear. Dissing bro-trucks and complimenting the Miata all at once... Beautiful. You and Fintail rock

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:27

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Oh no! You’ll get it fixed right up I’m sure

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:27

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Hopefully the no-start issue is an easy fix!

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:29

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Guess it really is always the answer. Well done.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:29

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Yeah so now seems as good a time as any. This Miata has seen more dirt than my 4Runner.

AestheticsInMotion > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 01/28/2018 at 21:46

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If you’re ever in the area I’ll show you some fun trails

AestheticsInMotion > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/28/2018 at 21:46

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Agreed. That’s the only thing I’m really worried about. My electrical knowledge is minimal

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 01/28/2018 at 21:47

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Seems to be. This summer I’ll finally take it out for some track days. Hopefully it will shine

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:50

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Push start and take it to somewhere they can do a battery test (or call AAA, if you have it). It’s probably the battery, but it could be something else entirely with that mishap.

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 01/28/2018 at 21:54

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Good call, I forgot AAA did that. I’ll definitely give them a call. I’ve been planning on getting a much more heavy-duty battery and relocating it to the engine bay for a while now, so worst case this just expedites the process

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:54

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I couldn’t get a Miata as my only car because, in the end, I couldn’t figure out a feasible way to fit my wheelchair and any other person. So, you’re kinda sorta a hero for me.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:54

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Not looking at a cross country drive right now but thanks for the offer. I’ll probably just buy a crappy jeep.

vicali > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 21:59

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Vibes at speed could be your rims full of ice. That plastic stuff underneath should come off and be replaced with skids.

You should get a spot with all the fun your having..

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 22:15

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The cold may have sucked the last little bit of life from your battery. Also check your plug wires?

AestheticsInMotion > Spaceball-Two 01/28/2018 at 22:28

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When you say check your plug wires.... What exactly do you mean? Just make sure they’re inserted fully or..?

TheRealBicycleBuck > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 22:57

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Vibration could be mud/snow/ice packed in the wheels. Or you could have lost a wheel weight. Remember, add some tow hooks, and a strap to your kit. I’d also think about a portable jump-starter and a recovery ratchet. That last bit, combined with the hooks and strap, will help you self-recover.

AestheticsInMotion > TheRealBicycleBuck 01/28/2018 at 23:17

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I’m thinking it might have been ice, because it slowly improved as I drove home. New tow loops and a strap are on the way. The rest will have to wait, there’s a growing list of things to take care of with this car...

Are you at all familiar with Kito chain hoists? I was looking at a super compact 1/2 one for the Miata. Seems like it would be a pretty good fit

TheRealBicycleBuck > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 23:38

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A chain hoist is meant for vertical use and probably wouldn’t work well horizontally. There are lots of hand winch and come along options. Look up hand winch tow recovery on google and you will find something more appropriate. Fire a message to hammerheadfistpunch to get a real offroader’s take on it.

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion 01/28/2018 at 23:42

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Possibly. Just thinking with the shit flying around maybe something got kicked loose

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 00:23

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I have yet to work with their battery people up here and I’ll admit to finding our local club pretty pitiful (particularly slow for rows) compared to AAA of Southern California (the flagship club), but down there the people they contract with for mobile battery service are great, fast, and will have a battery for your car already in stock on their truck. Let me know how it goes.

The visual of snow getting pushed up over the back side of the tray was positively cringe-worthy as well. Had to pull it off the wife’s car while wrenching today; that’s both a crazy amount of snow and could damage so many things so easily. You definitely need a proper skid plate firmly attached and blocking anything from getting inside.

Berang > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 00:23

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I wish there was snow in Texas, the SAAB is pining for it.

AestheticsInMotion > Berang 01/29/2018 at 02:11

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I feel your pain. But remember, if you did have snow, you’d have to deal with Texans driving in the snow. Probably 90% in vehicles much larger than the Saab. That sounds like a very unsafe situation

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 19:32

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From the title/intro I was expecting far worse - I suspect a battery and visual inspection should sort out the no-start (especially since jumping gets it going). Looks like a good time as always!

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 01/29/2018 at 19:45

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Yeah, not the end of the world by any means. There’s a lot of deferred maintenance that needs to be done too, though. I’ve built the Miata up quite a bit, but other than oil changes I never really got around to any of the general maintenance. Problem is I don’t know if I should do seals/water pump/belts/plugs/etc. Or look for a new engine. It’s past 300k miles so probably isn’t the best candidate for boost. But on the other hand.... Maybe a rebuild would fix that?

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 19:47

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Taking some time to catch up on all the deferred maintenance is always worthwhile, especially for a car you drive so much.

As for the engine... that’s a good question. Really, if rebuilt correctly it shouldn’t matter if it’s got 300k or 150k on it post-rebuild, The question is if you would rebuild that engine then boost it, or boost that one while building another to swap in. Unless it’s got some problems I don’t see much benefit from swapping in another stock engine to boost, then rebuilding the one you have now - seems like just another step.

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 01/29/2018 at 20:51

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Good point. What what be a good way to determine healthyness of the engine? Compression test?

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 20:57

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Well, there’s the easy “does it smoke” and “how does it run” factor, also is the top end noisy at all? How’s the oil pressure? A compression test is probably worthwhile.

Personally if there were no apparent issues, I’d catch up on maintenance and boost the one in there, then while driving it around build the replacement for when it lets go. Worst (?) case you swap in the built one next time you had some unrelated downtime and have the original on hand to do... something with.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Spaceball-Two 01/29/2018 at 22:41

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On a Miata the plug wires come from the top rear of the engine and drape down directly to the plugs. Transmission is in the way at the rear as well. Would be hard for crap to get up there. But still an easy check!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 22:43

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With the battery in the trunk I’d find it oddly coincidental that snow in the engine bay could kill it instantly like that. A more likely culprit would be wiring that got knocked loose. Battery might also be due for replacement according to a test anyways but the no start condition would probably persist. I’d recommend tracking down the connections in a wiring diagram if nothing is obviously loose

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 01/29/2018 at 23:00

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Battery replaced by AAA. Twenty minute wait, friendly guy, and he replaced my busted positive terminal ring for free. Not bad

AestheticsInMotion > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/29/2018 at 23:03

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On no, I let up on the clutch when in gear. Totally my fault the battery died. As to why it didn’t start up again after that.... I think it was just old. It looked worn out when I bought the car two years ago. Battery test confirmed it had almost zero cold cranking amps. AAA replaced the battery and it started up just fine. Hopefully it continues to do so!

I’m still planning on eventually relocating the battery to the engine bay though. So much more convenient

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 23:49

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Nice. What brand batteries do you get here?

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 01/29/2018 at 23:52

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They’ve brought an interstate battery for the Miata and the Outback years ago

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 01/29/2018 at 23:59

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Cool. So the same as elsewhere.

I’m glad it was that easy to fix the starting problem. I hope everything else is pretty painless.