Control arm replacement

I had to replace the left front control arm, since there was play on the balljoint and the rear bushing was worn.

Luckily I've managed to do this on my parking place without a pit. The only trouble I had was with the stabilizer link - I couldn't remove it, but I've heard it's a common problem. I used a rotary tool to remove it and bought a new link.

Mazda running on synthetic oil now

Two weeks ago, I've cleaned my engine with an engine flush and poured syntethic oil (5W30) into it. Mazda is running much better now. Most importantly, it stopped emitting white smoke from the exhaust! I'm really glad I've changed the oil although most people would advise against it. They always say that you don't pour synthetic oil into an old engine and that you never change for "better" oil. This whole thing is more complex though.

This is how it looked like on 10W40:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0i3GlmL1G0&nohtml5=False

Compression check

I've checked the engine compression in my 17-year old Mazda 626 1.8 - it was very good! 200, 185, 200 and 200 psi. I guess it's true what they say about the good old Japanese cars.

I've checked it because I was worried about the white smoke coming from my exhaust. Now I think it might be due to the recent oil change. My Mazda is running on 10W40 now. The oil type recommended in the service manual is 5w30. I will soon change the oil again and see if it helps.

PS. Here is my "how-to" video made during the cylinder compression test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xnoOHZfhco

Ignition switch Mazda 626

Shortly after buying my Mazda 626, I've experienced occasional troubles starting it. The car just won't react and suddenly, after a few tries, it would eventually start. Whenever it didn't want to start, I couldn't hear anything (not even a relay), which indicated that something was wrong with the ignition switch. I removed it and checked it with my multimeter, but it seemed fine and it didn't look used or broken. Nevertheless, I couldn't think of anything else causing such troubles and I really don't like it when my car experiences starting troubles, and the new ignition switch was quite cheap (around 25 dollars), so I've replaced it and it has solved the problem for good.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

Lately I've had a chance to take a ride (as a passenger) in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition.

I've never taken any interest in race cars before. My friend showed me how this car accelerates and makes u-turn drifts. The adrenaline kick was amazing. The car was very loud when I was standing outside of it, but in the inside it was quite quiet.

Here is the heart of this car:

Sooo many switches: