1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

What’s this under my hood

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Old 09-28-21, 04:25 PM
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What’s this under my hood

I was removing my rats nest and I realized there were a couple things I hadn’t put thought into before.

Im wondering what the component I have circled Is but also what the reservoir directly under it is for.



Old 09-28-21, 05:17 PM
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I’m thinking it’s the cruise control actuator. I’m now wondering what I need to hook its vacuum line to.
Old 09-28-21, 07:21 PM
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What is the inspiration for removing the rats nest?
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Old 09-28-21, 07:33 PM
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The thing circled is the cruise control actuator. The thing below is probably the cold start reservoir, normally filled with antifreeze.

Both can be removed if:

A. You don't need cruise control

B. You won't be driving in freezing weather.

Just cap the vacuum line at the rats nest with a vinyl or rubber cap:

Amazon Amazon
Old 09-28-21, 09:56 PM
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Yes, as said above:

*Your circled item is the cruise control.
*The tank below it is the sub-zero start coolant tank. It is useless and Mazda told their dealers to remove it whenever a car came in for service.
*The item to the left looks to be a pissed-off girlfriend.
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Old 09-28-21, 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted by KansasCityREPU
What is the inspiration for removing the rats nest?

avoiding vacuum leaks and adding simplicity. I’m keeping everything in a box in case I decide I made the wrong decision.
Old 09-29-21, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by s_w_king
avoiding vacuum leaks and adding simplicity. I’m keeping everything in a box in case I decide I made the wrong decision.
What exhaust are you running?

With the removal of the rats nest, it also requires removal of the air pump and ACV block off. This in turn means you can't run a cat in the exhaust.
Old 09-29-21, 10:06 AM
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Most things are related on such a simple engine. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Old 09-29-21, 10:20 AM
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Sometimes removing the rats nest will introduce running issues and makes diagnosing issues more complicated at times. Its a very simple system that functions well and removing gains zero power gains. With the stock carburetor and emissions equipment, there's really no need to remove it. The only benefit is that it makes it easier to remove the carburetor. The carb can be removed easy enough with the rats nest in place.

At the end of the day its your car and you do what makes you happy. I've been down that road and have tried different things and were never happy with the results on a stock carburetor with the emissions rack removed. Just trying to save you some headache.
Old 09-29-21, 05:55 PM
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Having tried the alternative, I like my Rat's Nest.
Old 09-29-21, 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by KansasCityREPU
What exhaust are you running?

With the removal of the rats nest, it also requires removal of the air pump and ACV block off. This in turn means you can't run a cat in the exhaust.
my air pump went out some time ago and my continued driving led to a clogged catalytic converter. I knew had to remove the acv so I went a few steps further.
Old 09-29-21, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
Sometimes removing the rats nest will introduce running issues and makes diagnosing issues more complicated at times. Its a very simple system that functions well and removing gains zero power gains. With the stock carburetor and emissions equipment, there's really no need to remove it. The only benefit is that it makes it easier to remove the carburetor. The carb can be removed easy enough with the rats nest in place.

At the end of the day its your car and you do what makes you happy. I've been down that road and have tried different things and were never happy with the results on a stock carburetor with the emissions rack removed. Just trying to save you some headache.
what’s your opinion on stripping the carb? I’m going to be rebuilding it and I was considering removing unnecessary parts.
Old 09-30-21, 05:55 AM
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The parts only become unnecessary if you remove the other emissions components. Everything on the carb is for idle control, deceleration control, and secondary operation. Some people like making the secondaries mechanically controlled instead of vacuum controlled. I've tried a bunch of different carb configurations over the years and the stock setup provides the smoothest throttle response and idle. A stripped carb with mechanical secondaries can be a handful at first but once its right, its not bad either. I just hate headaches and the older I get, I'd rather not mess with something modified on a car I'm going to take out and cruise. Something for the track is much different, as driveability is out the window. It can have a higher than normal idle and who cares about gas mileage. I just don't mix the two anymore. Its either a nice stock or mostly stock driver or its for the track and its modified.
Old 10-04-21, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
The parts only become unnecessary if you remove the other emissions components. Everything on the carb is for idle control, deceleration control, and secondary operation. Some people like making the secondaries mechanically controlled instead of vacuum controlled. I've tried a bunch of different carb configurations over the years and the stock setup provides the smoothest throttle response and idle. A stripped carb with mechanical secondaries can be a handful at first but once its right, its not bad either. I just hate headaches and the older I get, I'd rather not mess with something modified on a car I'm going to take out and cruise. Something for the track is much different, as driveability is out the window. It can have a higher than normal idle and who cares about gas mileage. I just don't mix the two anymore. Its either a nice stock or mostly stock driver or its for the track and its modified.
I appreciate the insight and advice.
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