MR2 Roadster - A Tale Of Woe, Maybe...
Discussion
Cheers!
My mate who lives directly opposite me has a Mk2 Turbo which I've done some work on.
Alternators are, errm, interesting to replace!
Yeah, major engine work does look like it would be a bit of a pain on one of those.
Since my last update on this thread I have replaced the MAF sensor which rectified a slight sluggishness / hesitation at low revs, and fitted new front discs and pads.
In june it failed the M.O.T. on inefficient handbrake, a common issue on these, so I fitted new handbrake cables, rear pads and a rear caliper.
A few weeks ago I gave it an oil & filter change and a general check-over, I'd done about 6k miles in it by then.
There are a couple of issues though, the engine uses quite an alarming amount of oil (again, a common issue with worn cylinder bores) and the clutch release bearing has been making a right old racket for nearly a year now. I might put a new clutch in it when the weather is warm.
But I'm still using it most days and still thoroughly enjoying it.
My mate who lives directly opposite me has a Mk2 Turbo which I've done some work on.
Alternators are, errm, interesting to replace!
Yeah, major engine work does look like it would be a bit of a pain on one of those.
Since my last update on this thread I have replaced the MAF sensor which rectified a slight sluggishness / hesitation at low revs, and fitted new front discs and pads.
In june it failed the M.O.T. on inefficient handbrake, a common issue on these, so I fitted new handbrake cables, rear pads and a rear caliper.
A few weeks ago I gave it an oil & filter change and a general check-over, I'd done about 6k miles in it by then.
There are a couple of issues though, the engine uses quite an alarming amount of oil (again, a common issue with worn cylinder bores) and the clutch release bearing has been making a right old racket for nearly a year now. I might put a new clutch in it when the weather is warm.
But I'm still using it most days and still thoroughly enjoying it.
Mine is in hibernation for the winter, but last summer I had a right 'mare with it.
I took my boy to hospital fora pre arranged visit,and since the sun was sunny,and the birds were singing, the MR2 was perfect. After dropping him off in school, I was nearly home, when I heard the engine pinking, and then the EML came on, and then I noticed to my absolute horror, the coolant temperature trying it's best to get out of the top of the red on the gauge. I'm sure I bent the needle that day. I then completely compounded the error, by thinking it's only half a mile to home.
let's keep going.
So the next day, the radiator was complete toast after corrosion had killed it. Replaced the rad, plus coolant, but of course, at that stage, the engine is completely FUBAR'd.
I contemplated fitting a 2ZZ engine, but actually, I think the 140 hp is fine in the car,and it drives and handles very well. So I fitted another from a 2008 Corrolla. 46k miles, and this is a very good engine, using neither water or oil.
It's out of hibernation in a few weeks, so I'm hoping all is well. I think it's going to be suspension work this year - it's crabbing a bit during gear changes, while the wheel alignment seems bang on. Ho hum.
I took my boy to hospital fora pre arranged visit,and since the sun was sunny,and the birds were singing, the MR2 was perfect. After dropping him off in school, I was nearly home, when I heard the engine pinking, and then the EML came on, and then I noticed to my absolute horror, the coolant temperature trying it's best to get out of the top of the red on the gauge. I'm sure I bent the needle that day. I then completely compounded the error, by thinking it's only half a mile to home.
let's keep going.So the next day, the radiator was complete toast after corrosion had killed it. Replaced the rad, plus coolant, but of course, at that stage, the engine is completely FUBAR'd.
I contemplated fitting a 2ZZ engine, but actually, I think the 140 hp is fine in the car,and it drives and handles very well. So I fitted another from a 2008 Corrolla. 46k miles, and this is a very good engine, using neither water or oil.
It's out of hibernation in a few weeks, so I'm hoping all is well. I think it's going to be suspension work this year - it's crabbing a bit during gear changes, while the wheel alignment seems bang on. Ho hum.
When she had hers the radiator in my o/h's MR2 corroded until it leaked, maybe it's another common thing with them.
How unfortunate, but if yours is a pre-facelift then the later Celica engine will have the newer style pistons and rings which aid lubrication and help prevent the bores wearing, and 46k is nothing for one of those!
Re. the crabbing under braking, have you checked to see if you have a partially seized caliper piston or slider pin?
How unfortunate, but if yours is a pre-facelift then the later Celica engine will have the newer style pistons and rings which aid lubrication and help prevent the bores wearing, and 46k is nothing for one of those!
Re. the crabbing under braking, have you checked to see if you have a partially seized caliper piston or slider pin?
Oil burning is down to old style pistons.
I changed mine
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=62697...
I changed mine
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=62697...
Martin350 said:
Good work! 
Thanks mate, me and two pals dexided to get some cars for a road tripSat in a pub thinking of what to get looking at old bmw’s Etc.
Then we started a list=
cheap to run (so no massive) cc engines
Reliable ( jap)
Rear wheel drive.
I was thinking mr2 mk2, then suddenly as I typed it on eBay I said why not a mk3 seem silly cheap and a soft top, should be a laugh.
Anyway so far we have been to wales in them.
What great cars ! Could not get over how much fun they are.
We’re doing another blat about UK this year then Nurburgring at some point
Martin350 said:
When she had hers the radiator in my o/h's MR2 corroded until it leaked, maybe it's another common thing with them.
How unfortunate, but if yours is a pre-facelift then the later Celica engine will have the newer style pistons and rings which aid lubrication and help prevent the bores wearing, and 46k is nothing for one of those!
Re. the crabbing under braking, have you checked to see if you have a partially seized caliper piston or slider pin?
Thanks for the tip - it's not actually crabbing under braking, but during gear changes. I guess it could still be a partially seized caliper. I actually have a pair of brand new calipers, discs and pads sat on the shelf waiting to go on, so getting my arse in gear and doing that would be a good first start. How unfortunate, but if yours is a pre-facelift then the later Celica engine will have the newer style pistons and rings which aid lubrication and help prevent the bores wearing, and 46k is nothing for one of those!
Re. the crabbing under braking, have you checked to see if you have a partially seized caliper piston or slider pin?
These cars are great, I know small changes in the tracking will result in this small change in direction, but I've never felt it on another car. I can usually feel if the tyres are a bit down on pressure such is the precise feel of the car. (And normally, exactly how deep the pot hole is, and what grade steel the drain covers are made from)
bearman68 said:
Thanks for the tip - it's not actually crabbing under braking, but during gear changes. I guess it could still be a partially seized caliper. I actually have a pair of brand new calipers, discs and pads sat on the shelf waiting to go on, so getting my arse in gear and doing that would be a good first start.
These cars are great, I know small changes in the tracking will result in this small change in direction, but I've never felt it on another car. I can usually feel if the tyres are a bit down on pressure such is the precise feel of the car. (And normally, exactly how deep the pot hole is, and what grade steel the drain covers are made from)
No probs.These cars are great, I know small changes in the tracking will result in this small change in direction, but I've never felt it on another car. I can usually feel if the tyres are a bit down on pressure such is the precise feel of the car. (And normally, exactly how deep the pot hole is, and what grade steel the drain covers are made from)
But I'm sorry, I can't give a definite answer to that problem, I've never experienced that on my MR2 or any other car.
I guess it could still be a brake binding issue, or maybe a a worn engine / gearbox mount..? I am guessing here, though.
Haha, I do agree, the feeling you get from the steering in these cars is fantastic.
That, as well as the gear change action, the turn in and adjustability makes them feel like a proper little sports car for very little money.
I thought I'd give a little update as a bit has gone on and I had a bit of M.O.T. luck!
I knew the handbrake wasn't great and before the M.O.T. so I checked it out and found that the left hand cable was seized.
I fitted a new cable (a bit of a faff, you have to drop the fuel tank down), tried it, and all felt good.
During the test the guy doing the test called his mate over to operate the handbrake from inside while he looked at the caliper, so I immediately knew he'd spotted a problem.
He then put the back wheels in the rollers and the left hand recorded nothing at all!
We were both surprised, so he tested it again, and also got no reading.
He then put the front wheels in the rollers and tested those, nothing on the left hand side.
Their left hand roller had broken, so he passed it!
He did mention corrosion on the front chassis rails so, as it's been the driest two weeks ever, I decided to treat these today with a rub down and sprayed them with a schutz gun.
The outer body is starting to get a little bit ropey, particularly on the right hand front arch,
The right hand rear arch,
And I did have a bit of an accident with a jack and the left hand rear sill / rear quarter a couple of weeks ago,
This car really is a very tired and tatty example of this model, but its purchase cost to me is effectively £572.
I've spent £568.19 on parts for repairs / servicing in two years (largely due to the unfortunate spark plug incident when I first bought it) and I'm hoping that I'll get another economical year out of it.
I won't ever sell this car, I'm going to keep it going as long as I can, and despite all its faults, I still f
king love it!
I knew the handbrake wasn't great and before the M.O.T. so I checked it out and found that the left hand cable was seized.
I fitted a new cable (a bit of a faff, you have to drop the fuel tank down), tried it, and all felt good.
During the test the guy doing the test called his mate over to operate the handbrake from inside while he looked at the caliper, so I immediately knew he'd spotted a problem.
He then put the back wheels in the rollers and the left hand recorded nothing at all!
We were both surprised, so he tested it again, and also got no reading.
He then put the front wheels in the rollers and tested those, nothing on the left hand side.
Their left hand roller had broken, so he passed it!
He did mention corrosion on the front chassis rails so, as it's been the driest two weeks ever, I decided to treat these today with a rub down and sprayed them with a schutz gun.
The outer body is starting to get a little bit ropey, particularly on the right hand front arch,
The right hand rear arch,
And I did have a bit of an accident with a jack and the left hand rear sill / rear quarter a couple of weeks ago,
This car really is a very tired and tatty example of this model, but its purchase cost to me is effectively £572.
I've spent £568.19 on parts for repairs / servicing in two years (largely due to the unfortunate spark plug incident when I first bought it) and I'm hoping that I'll get another economical year out of it.
I won't ever sell this car, I'm going to keep it going as long as I can, and despite all its faults, I still f
king love it! Edited by Martin350 on Saturday 7th July 19:37
Front rail corrosion must also be very common - mine is / was the same. I removed the spare wheel holder on mine, to get to all the rubbish and corrosion lurking behind there - a fair bit. Plus the power steering pipes had seen better days.
You were kind enough to reply to my issue regarding crabbing during gear changes - and lo and behold I found the rear right calliper sticking - Unfortunaltely, when I took it off, the handbrake cable was in a poor state, so it had a new set of brake cables (and as you say fuel tank off), an pair of callipers, discs, pads, and all the other malarky that goes with it. But it drives straight and true now, and is a right little fun thing. The hood hasn't been up since it seems like the spring.
In the meanwhile it's developed a groaning noise from the front left under turning loads. Need to check that out before the suspension comes off.
You were kind enough to reply to my issue regarding crabbing during gear changes - and lo and behold I found the rear right calliper sticking - Unfortunaltely, when I took it off, the handbrake cable was in a poor state, so it had a new set of brake cables (and as you say fuel tank off), an pair of callipers, discs, pads, and all the other malarky that goes with it. But it drives straight and true now, and is a right little fun thing. The hood hasn't been up since it seems like the spring.
In the meanwhile it's developed a groaning noise from the front left under turning loads. Need to check that out before the suspension comes off.
Oh, that sounds expensive!
I think rear calipers aren't cheap for these..?
Most of the suspension and steering stuff on mine is quite heavily corroded, it's not pretty underneath!
Glad yours is sorted, though, they are a lot of fun, and I've been loving it in this great weather recently too!
My first guess on your noise would be a front wheel bearing, but it is just a guess.
I think rear calipers aren't cheap for these..?
Most of the suspension and steering stuff on mine is quite heavily corroded, it's not pretty underneath!
Glad yours is sorted, though, they are a lot of fun, and I've been loving it in this great weather recently too!
My first guess on your noise would be a front wheel bearing, but it is just a guess.
Edited by Martin350 on Sunday 8th July 21:20
This hot weather we've been having recently has made me really enjoy my heap of rubbish MR2 all the more, the roof has hardly been up!
As the weather forecast is favourable for the foreseeable future I've given it a bit of love over the last two days: a really good clean inside and out, headlamp lens polish, exhaust tip polish, black trim treatment etc.
I'm loving the summer and this tired old car!
As the weather forecast is favourable for the foreseeable future I've given it a bit of love over the last two days: a really good clean inside and out, headlamp lens polish, exhaust tip polish, black trim treatment etc.
I'm loving the summer and this tired old car!
It's been about ten months, and only 2,000 miles, since I've updated. There's not been much to report, really.
A new pair of front anti roll bar links, wiper blades, plenty of oil top-ups, and last month the battery finally died.
It's not been my main car but I still enjoy using it for commuting on a warm day, shopping, town etc.
This evening I started it up, just to move it out of the way of another car, and the engine was very lumpy and sounded like it was running on three cylinders.
The engine light came on so I plugged my code reader into it and it told me misfire on cylinder four.
If you see the first page of this thread, you'll know about cylinder four!
With great anticipation, and after just 9,000 miles, I removed plug four...
This is not a healthy engine!!
The regular oil top-ups was a bit of a clue!
Anyway, I checked the other plugs (not too bad) I cleaned that plug and put it back in (I had to move the car again),
And it ran fine, but I'll put a new set in this weekend.
Also, last year when it was being M.O.T.d, I had a bit of luck.
The handbrake works very well, but when they were testing it they noticed that the left hand one was barely moving the lever on the caliper.
Then their brake testing roller broke down, so they couldn't finish testing it and passed it!
As its M.O.T. is coming up I thought I'd change the (rather expensive!) rear caliper.
It comes with a new carrier as the top slider pin is built into it.
This is one of my caliper carrier bolts now!
Got a nice drilling and tapping job coming up there!
Oh, and all four tyres are just about done!
Oh, and someone vandalised the electric aerial one night and now it's stuck partly up!
A new pair of front anti roll bar links, wiper blades, plenty of oil top-ups, and last month the battery finally died.
It's not been my main car but I still enjoy using it for commuting on a warm day, shopping, town etc.
This evening I started it up, just to move it out of the way of another car, and the engine was very lumpy and sounded like it was running on three cylinders.
The engine light came on so I plugged my code reader into it and it told me misfire on cylinder four.
If you see the first page of this thread, you'll know about cylinder four!
With great anticipation, and after just 9,000 miles, I removed plug four...
This is not a healthy engine!!
The regular oil top-ups was a bit of a clue!
Anyway, I checked the other plugs (not too bad) I cleaned that plug and put it back in (I had to move the car again),
And it ran fine, but I'll put a new set in this weekend.
Also, last year when it was being M.O.T.d, I had a bit of luck.
The handbrake works very well, but when they were testing it they noticed that the left hand one was barely moving the lever on the caliper.
Then their brake testing roller broke down, so they couldn't finish testing it and passed it!
As its M.O.T. is coming up I thought I'd change the (rather expensive!) rear caliper.
It comes with a new carrier as the top slider pin is built into it.
This is one of my caliper carrier bolts now!
Got a nice drilling and tapping job coming up there!
Oh, and all four tyres are just about done!
Oh, and someone vandalised the electric aerial one night and now it's stuck partly up!
Edited by Martin350 on Wednesday 12th June 00:03
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