I would like to try one, already expressed an interest via IM.

Couple extra pics from the grass autotest too. Write up here: https://www.facebook.com/100063456275903/posts/pfbid02kekrU4fhL4eg9aVq4fL5d8s8vybHL47DRyzYjsguStem2Ri2CqZ5LCFrsUb4BQdBl/

Fast and furious style 🤣





Really need to paint the bumper 😅

Chilli my facelift 2002 had a supposed leak mentioned once or twice on its vehicle check. I never noticed anything in 9 years of ownership and to my knowledge is still the same!

A friend of mine who races an MX5 in a sprint series had some issues with his engine, so he was going to take his rally Micra to Gurston Down this weekend instead, settle for last, and at least pick up a couple of points. I wasn't having that. A deal was done, a swap was made...



I got a Micra for a weekend! I felt like a teenager again, it was a lot of fun. I even took it to a wedding, and found a friend:



What are the chances 🤣

Anyway, while I was struggling to get up to motorway speeds, wrestling the vagueness around country lanes, and bump starting the car, my friend was picking up points...



He was up against a Caterham and F Type so was aiming for third place, and that's just what he managed. I believe he was the fastest MR2, too... 👀



It's come back with a couple of battle scars/badges of honour, and a missing rear bumper infill, so will get it patched up and ready for the next event which I think will be Formula G at the end of the month. My new silencer hasn't arrived yet, so hopefully I can get that on too...

Quote from: Gaz mr-s on August  3, 2026, 19:45Don't rely on the temperature gauge.  If it moves upwards of 'normal', it's 'Oh shit' time.

As someone once described the Celica temperature gauge it three position, Cold , Normal, Fire

Quote from: Gaz mr-s on August  3, 2026, 19:45Don't rely on the temperature gauge.  If it moves upwards of 'normal', it's 'Oh shit' time.

+1
Once up to temp, the 3 o'clock position, it remains rock solid. Fans can come on, but the needle does not move.
@SurreyMR2
Plugging in an obd dongle will reveal the true temps. They do move up and down. Just not the needle.

A leaking water pump was mentioned in the Mr T service notes that came with my 2002 2 when I bought it in 2011.
It was also mentioned, again by Mr T when I had a first service with them. No mention of it in either two or three subsequent and I couldn't find any trace of a leak when I took over the servicing myself.

My daily Ford is North of 100k and when I had the cam belt changed the Ford recommendation was to have the water pump changed.
The Service Manager , son of the Main Dealer owner. didn't agree , saying he had never had to replace a water pump on that engine type. Coming up to a second cam belt changed, might have it given a good looking at this time.

I rather like the @SurreyMR2 suggestion of replacing the radiator cap. That was  not uncommon to hear of in the 60's .

Mine was losing coolant when temp 30+ but absolutely no sign of a leak anywhere!

Radiator replaced 2 years ago, water pump last year & system bled as per all the guides. Coolant level would stay level unless exterior temp was 30+ and then it would drop without any evidence 

I had tried 2 caps, the one that came with car so probably a 2001 cap & another that came with my replacement 2006 engine so a bit newer but same fault with both. On suggestion from another mk3 driver that I try a new one anyway, I did with a new blueprint item that I had in my spares and my coolant has been level since.

Don't rely on the temperature gauge.  If it moves upwards of 'normal', it's 'Oh shit' time.