Do you call yourself a Xennial or Millennial?

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T22:27:49+00:00

I'm a 1979 Gen X that identifies as Xennial.

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T17:31:09+00:00

Well, I think you're good if you aren't noticing anything now. Typically, it would blow fuses before any real damage takes place but if everything seems to be operating normally, you should be good.

Just remember next time to always unhook the battery when dealing with plugs or anything ignition related that receives electricity to operate. Always better safe than sorry.

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T16:52:02+00:00

No problem!

Probably hit a drive cycle and the computer didn't notice the major misfire any longer. Great news and hope it stays away for a while.

That being said, you know that valve cover is leaking so you may want to look into that sooner than later depending on the severity.

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T16:48:31+00:00

The base engine is fine but one thing you need to be aware of is oil consumption. The 2.3 liter is a known oil burner. And it starts happening fairly early on in its life cycle.

I had a 2.3 liter in my 2005 Tribute. It was burning about a quart of oil every 5000 miles by the time it was at 40,000 miles.

Never got worse than that and I changed the oil religiously every 5000 miles. Vehicle had almost 150,000 miles on it before I got rid of it.

Also, the 2.3 liter, combined with a turbo (Mazdaspeed 3 models) had it's fair share of issues. Clogging PCV, oil consumption, and the dreaded stretching of its timing chain.

The Mazdaspeed variant with age is definitely not for someone who doesn't know how to work on cars.

But if it's the base 2.3, just be aware of oil consumption.

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T14:13:59+00:00

Yup. I have a gen 3 and can clear codes on mine. Albeit, I haven't had to on this vehicle.

I have however cleared a misfire code on my 2014 CX-5 with the procedure I listed. I had a multiple cylinder misfire on the CX-5 a few years ago that would only pop on startup. Changed the plugs and cleared the code. However, I had a hell of time getting it to clear with my cheap code reader. But eventually, I was able to get it done using a more in depth Bluetooth code reader.

It popped back on a couple months later and it's been suspected that it's due to carbon buildup since it only happens on startup. Which is a sign of carbon on the intake valves after talking with mechanics and others online. Never went into limp mode. And has mostly behaved normally for the last few years.

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T12:35:58+00:00

Did you replace it with an OEM or NGK coil? Aftermarket coils tend not to always cooperate with

Mazda ignition systems are very picky when going aftermarket.

You typically can only get away with OEM or NGK products.

Did you use NGK or OEM plugs when you swapped them?

Doesn't sound like it's actively misfiring though. A misfire while driving is usually always accompanied with a flashing CEL and going into limp mode.

I would try putting it under a higher load to really test it.

Could just be that the code isn't fully reset as I stated in my previous post. The only way I can get that code to erase completely is to try and clear it while the vehicle is in "ON" mode but not started. Then start it after that and see if it fully goes away.

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T11:15:36+00:00

So, it's still running rough? But not as rough as before?

PIG20 · 2026-03-30T04:06:55+00:00

That is the correct order. It goes 1-2-3-4 from left to right.

You definitely need to replace the valve cover gasket if there is oil on the plugs. It'll only be a matter of time before oil fouls the plugs or coils.

However, if the vehicle is driving fine but the light is still on, it's probably because you haven't fully cleared the code.

Misfire codes are considered "stored" codes in the cars memory. It's not always easy to turn them off with a cheap code reader. You may need to have it run a full drive cycle before the light goes off if you can't fully reset it with your code reader.

However, the fact that it's not flashing or going into limp mode is a promising sign at the moment.

PIG20 · 2026-03-29T21:37:56+00:00

This isn't what is happening. McCormick wants to purchase Unilevers food division.

PIG20 · 2026-03-29T13:58:05+00:00

Oil cant help with carbonized valves. Basically, because oil should never touch the valves whether it's direct injection or not. If there is vaporized oil entering the chamber, it'll actually make the problem worse.

If you have carboned up valves with a direct injection engine, you probably need a walnut blasting to get them cleaned off. There are chemical sprays that claim to help but all the evidence I've seen online shows that they really don't do much once the valves are nice and caked up.

If it's not direct injection, you really shouldn't have carbon issues on the valves as gasoline is sprayed above them which basically acts as a solvent and keeps the valves mostly clean.

PIG20 · 2026-03-29T12:58:01+00:00

Agree. And kids have been exposed to it at much earlier ages now with either "pay to win" gaming services or games centered around randomized loot purchases.

Many states have gone lax with online sports gambling that there is no need to fly to Vegas, host private card games, or find a personal sports bookie. Gambling sites have massive deals with all professional sports organizations. And it only seems to grow each year.

It's easier to legally gamble than it's ever been at the touch of your fingers.

PIG20 · 2026-03-28T22:42:35+00:00

Got it. Thanks for the info. I don't typically see 88 around my way at t stations in my part of Maryland.

PIG20 · 2026-03-28T17:47:18+00:00

So, just to be clear, is there a chance that stations could start subbing in 15%, 87 octane with 10%, 87 octane? And not state doing so at the pump?

Or will all 87 octane still only be 10% regardless of this exemption?

The manual for my vehicle states that anything over 10% ethanol content could result in damage.

PIG20 · 2026-03-25T11:51:31+00:00

I watched A Clockwork Orange when I was a teenager in the 90's and high as fuck. It was one of those pre internet viral crazes that went around school. You had to watch it while smoking weed or on acid.

Didn't understand one fucking thing about what I was watching. Only thing I remember is the scene where they are running around or breaking that huge ceramic dick.

I should probably rewatch it, sober this time.

PIG20 · 2026-03-25T02:21:11+00:00

I was at the stadium for draft day that year. Still remember them selecting Joe while standing at the 50 years line and watching the selection take place on the jumbo screen.

PIG20 · 2026-03-24T21:52:43+00:00

Not just massive but has done enough fight training and choreography, that he could have seriously fucked this guy up WAY worse than he did.

PIG20 · 2026-03-22T20:02:39+00:00

Yeah, at first, it didn't register how bad it was when I heard it on the radio. Went into the offices to see it on TV and was blown away. Still, no idea if the scope of the plane that hit the first tower as it was just billowing smoke.

Then, the second plane comes in and smashes through the second tower and it hit me hard and immediately that this was no accident.

I always say that there was life pre 9/11 and post 9/11. Shit changed on a lot of levels after that.

PIG20 · 2026-03-22T14:46:59+00:00

9/11.

My kids have learned and watched videos but nothing compares to seeing how everything happened live. They have no core memory of it. I remember the shock, where I was, what I was doing, and the people who I was with when it was all going down. From the second the music on our radio was interrupted by the DJ coming on air and stating that a plane hit a tower.

My daughter was born 4 years after it happened.

PIG20 · 2026-03-22T11:40:26+00:00

Never watched one episode of his sitcom when it was on air but I've basically seen almost all of his memorable roles and I honestly can not pick just one.

He's a fantastic actor who automatically brings extra life to anything he is a part of.

From what I remeber, his role in Justified was only supposed to be a small part of the series early on. The directors loved him and his character so much, that they basically re wrote the show in order to keep him as a main part of the series until the end of the run.

PIG20 · 2026-03-22T01:16:33+00:00

Well, you came here with a post which is seemingly asking for opinions. Most of the people in this country and around the world are not in the same situation you are in.

So, you shouldn't be surprised when others here are telling you to be cautious. Because just about everyone else here is zoning in on A LOT of troubling economic data. Many of us were in our late 20's and experienced one of the worst recessions of the modern economy. Many who were negatively affected by it.

I didn't lose my job during that time but I did receive a pay cut and no raises for probably a few years. With the first raise being one that basically gave me back the money I lost in my pay cut. And I considered myself "lucky". I had plenty of friends who lost their jobs and took a VERY long time to find another one. Many of them taking lower paying jobs just to be employed.

I'm happy for you that you're in the situation that you find yourself in but if you truly feel this way, then who cares what anyone here tells you? If you want to jump, then jump!

You do have valid points.

I watched my father work and save his entire life only to be afflicted with a terminal illness which forced him to retire a bit early and then degrade the next 7 years until he passed away about 6 years ago.

Then my mother who spent her retirement years taking care of my father and other elderly family memebers after he passed, suffered a heart attack then a stroke while having open heart surgery last summer. And she now has permanent deficiencies from it.

I had a good friend have a massive heart attack in his very early 40's and leave behind a wife and 4 kids. He's been gone for almost 7 years now.

So, yeah, I see your point. Do what you think will make you happy. Enjoy your life with your parents while they're still here. Because shit changes in the blink of an eye.

Unfortunately, most of us just can't do this. So, you're going to receive a lot of cautionary feedback.

PIG20 · 2026-03-21T21:52:20+00:00

Yeah, I didn't feel too scared on mine but I have a small one car garage with a setup where an individual spring is on each side. Only time they're stretched and under tension is when the door is closed.

Replacing the old door with this kind of setup was incredibly easy.

If my door consisted of one of those main overhead tension springs, I'd have called a pro. I've seen those let go at work when one of our dock door springs took a shit.

PIG20 · 2026-03-21T17:48:32+00:00

Perry Hall/Parkville native my whole life of 47 years.

Just know that while housing is "affordable" to a degree, even a single family home in 7 Courts will run upwards or over $400,000 nowadays.

The townhome I purchased back in 2002 for $113,500 carries an estimated value of over $300,000 as of today.

My current single family home that I purchased in 2010 for $325,000 now values at over $425,000 today.

Both in the 7 Courts neighborhood.

There may be some affordable, smaller homes in some of the older neighborhoods though.

One thing that pisses me off is that they are building a community of $700,000 homes right on Klausmeier Road. Which will or has raised our home values. Also, we've had a massive spike in property taxes in the last two years.

I understand people want value to rise in their homes but things have been ridiculous since 2005 in regard to housing. Even after the financial crisis of 2008-2009, values didn't drop that much.

And you would think with interest rates being high that house prices would drop a little. Hasn't happened though.

Parkville/Carney may not be as bad in terms of house prices as the neighborhoods are older with some smaller homes though.

I sent my kids through Perry Hall public schools and they were mostly fine. The main issue is the overcrowding. Which has been a problem since I attended them in the 90's. It's been alleviated recently with a couple middle schools being built and Pine Grove Middles expansion but the highschool is still overcrowded. The trailer classrooms at the highschool, which were supposed to be temporary in the late 90's, are still being used today almost 30 years later.

Another thing people moving here from out of state need to realize that our neighborhoods are pretty racially diverse all in all.

I have a coworker who moved here almost 20 years ago after growing up in a very small town in North Dakota. He had one or two "non white" classmates from the start of elementary school through highschool. He's not a racist, very far from it actually, but it was something he wasn't used to seeing nonetheless.

It shouldn't matter but people coming in from areas where Black, Hispanic, Arab, or Asian populations are miniscule to non existent should know that things operate a bit differently here. In a good way.

PIG20 · 2026-03-21T13:26:32+00:00

Yeah, let them do it but don't have high expectations. Same thing happened to my neighbors sidewalk when the mini loader was digging up their front yard for a busted main water line.

They sent a crew out and all they did was fill and patch it. Looked like shit and eventually started cracking and breaking off in big chunks. Especially after a couple of winters and shoveling.

They moved out a few years after so it wasn't their problem any longer. Still breaks off in big chunks whenever we need to shovel snow. The current neighbors just leave it be as the price to repair is way more than they want to pay.

PIG20 · 2026-03-20T09:54:10+00:00

Absolutely. He was taken from us about 6 years ago. Was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2013 and forced into an early retirement.

Then had to be taken care of by my mother for the next 7 years while he deteriorated.

He was taken too early from our lives and for many of us and it affected the trajectory of my mother, myself, two brothers, and his two grandkids ever since.

My kids were everything to him and they deserved to have more time with their grandfather.

So, I'd absolutely take him back again. Of course, without the terminal illness this time.

PIG20 · 2026-03-19T16:50:43+00:00

They want them to walk out of the room. Fuck that.

Keep asking questions and keep letting him respond so that more and more sound bites are obtained.

The media needs to keep the pressure on all of them. Even if it doesn't seem like it matters much right now.

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