Recommended Mechanics in Annapolis Area

by **psmit** » November 28th, 2006, 1:29 pm

My '93 Miata is within 20 miles of its next timing belt change. Could anyone recommend a mechanic to whom I can entrust my baby? I am a cash challenged career changer who wants to "make it last forever." Thanks very much.

by **Miatamadman** » November 28th, 2006, 2:04 pm

In honesty, I would suggest undertaking the job yourself to save LOTS of money.

Anyone know what the going rate is for the 4 hours of labor on the timing change? I would assume at least $250 for labor alone.

by **moxnix** » November 28th, 2006, 2:09 pm

I assume you are talking about the 60,000 mile change interval?
How many miles will you put on it before the spring?
If you are that cash challenged I would hold off until the first spring tech day and do it yourself with help. You might be able to find somebody local to help you with it before then if you want to get it done before spring.

by **mj71** » November 29th, 2006, 8:51 am

I'll chime-in with the DIY recommendation. I did mine at a local tech-day this past spring and had lots of help. It's not a difficult job, just lots of stuff to remove/reinstall. If my schedule permits, I'd be happy to lend a hand at a tech day. Best membership dollars I've ever spent.

by **psmit** » November 29th, 2006, 9:13 am

Thanks very much to those who posted suggestions. Yes, I did mean the 60k interval. The odometer tripped 180,001 miles yesterday and the engine immediately began cutting out at every stop light. The car is now at the shop of a mechanic a friend of mine has done business with for 17 years. I'll report the results once they're in.

The club sounds like just what I've been looking for. I would love to learn how best to modify and maintain my Miata myself. I've loved and enjoyed it for 13 years and look forward to getting my "Historic" Maryland tags!

Thanks again.

by **mistanfo** » November 29th, 2006, 3:09 pm

I doubt that the timing belt is already in need of replacement, if it was done at 120,000. IIRC, in California, the same belt that was in place in the rest of the country was rated to go 100,000 miles. I know that I put over 80,000 on my first belt, and have over 60,000 on my current one, and will most likely wait until I have at least 80,000 on this one to change it.

Most likely, some other ailment has come at what is coincidentaly when Mazda says you should change the timing belt.

by **bill_keksz** » November 29th, 2006, 3:36 pm

Depends. For instance, mine has only ~12000 miles on it, but it's 12 years old...

by **Miatamadman** » November 30th, 2006, 9:28 am

bill_keksz wrote:Depends. For instance, mine has only ~12000 miles on it, but it's 12 years old...

How did you manage that? Was that supposed to be 120,000?

by **mistanfo** » November 30th, 2006, 11:05 am

If you look in his sig, you'll see that his car has a '94 engine. His died (oil pump failure IIRC (do you remember what that means, David?), and he replaced it with a new '94 engine from Mazda.

by **Miatamadman** » November 30th, 2006, 12:03 pm

Ok I understand that it is a 94 but only 12,000 miles on it? When was it replaced? I think I recall 30,000 when the oil pump went?

by **bill_keksz** » November 30th, 2006, 1:14 pm

Chassis had 39K at replacement, 51K now.

Back on topic - I suppose if I needed something done, I'd give Fitzgerald a try.