We just bought a 1990 mazda miata and plan to upgrade when funds are available. In the meantime, the car runs great. I'm having one issue... when I come out of gear to stop/idle the car wants to shut off. Otherwise the car idles fine at 750. Anyone have an idea of what it might be? New plugs, new wires, new air filter have been installed.
Did you buy good plugs and wires?
I did.
It is a common problem. You need to jump 2 terminals in the diagnostic box (10 and ground I think) and adjust the idle with the screw on the throttle body under a cap.
There should be a write up on Miata.net under "idle droop".
At least that worked for me on my 91, searching Miata.net now there are a few solutions from adjusting the idle to cleaning the throttle body.
Common for the 90...buy a new dashpot. It's the little mushroom looking dillybob that sits on the side of the throttle body
Same with my Miata, and many other cars other than Miatas. Folks will just twirl anything they find that might increase idle speed, causing entertaining problems.
Definitely check the idle speed. It's been a well-documented problem on Miatas for a couple of decades now. It's an easy fix.
Idle speed, clean the throttle body, dashpot, and adjust the timing (in that order). My 93 needed all 4 before it idled great.
The usual fix is to set the "base" idle. That is the idle that occurs when the computer is not intervening and setting it. The pins in the diagnostic connector that you need to jump are TEN and GND. TEN stands for "Test ENgine", not the number 10. Use a paper clip to jump the terminals and then set the idle to ~800. Check the timing while you're at it.
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