I still feel some hesitation when accelerating, only during the warm up phase. I thoroughly cleaned the portholes and also the throttle body while it was off and put it all back together with the new gasket. I poked in there with a wire while using the inspection mirror and flash light to see the upper porthole. I removed the throttle body and looked inside the intake plenum: all black! The EGR portholes were at the 6 and 12 o’clock positions. I got a can of throttle body cleaner, a throttle body gasket and an inspection mirror. Inspection costs nothing and a fix costs about $10. I should have done this first: With a high mileage engine there is a high probability that the EGR ports are clogged with gunk. I tested the oxygen sensor and replaced it for lack of trust ($70). None the less I wrapped two layers of duct tape around the ripples. The cracks did not go all the way through. I also inspected the air intake hose again and found some cracks. I used a propane bottle and rubber hose to look for vacuum leaks while the engine idled. With their hints and pointers I might actually win this battle. There is a review of a 1999 Protégé with 130+ comments titled: “Low price, low quality…” I want to thank some commentators there: the guy with the duct tape, the 16 year Mazda mechanic and the guy who posted the content of the shop manual. Once the boys have left the nest I intend to get a nicer car (BMW, maybe) and use my freshly honed skills to maintain it. The parts cost about $100 but the shops quote $800 to $1300 for the job. I need to fix the manifold vacuum leak on the '03 Windstar. If I have to take a bit extra time I can use the Mazda. I can manage to save a bit more by doing some repairs on the minivan as well. The rear brakes need cleaning and lubing. The front struts are shot, but the sway bar links seem fine. While the wheels were off I noticed that the rear struts were recently replaced, but without boot kit. I had no idea how many things you can do wrong putting on a wheel: he first tried it inside out, then he put on the lug nut inside out. Past weekend we changed the brake fluid and my oldest enjoyed helping me with pumping the pedal and putting on the wheels when we were done. I just have to remember to get the parking permit out of the Mazda. If we get stuck with something I will jump in the minivan. My main excuses for this vehicle are that my boys will learn the stick shift and to do basic car maintenance and repairs. It saves enough gas to pay for the insurance on a monthly basis, but that's it. Indeed, the purpose of this vehicle is not to save pennies. You will love the insurance premiums too! If your 50 relatives are as reasonable and practical thinkers as you are, you all fit right in here in Iowa.
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