Cam belt replacement

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

Hi

Just bought a 1998 Mk2 1.8 and need to find a reliable technical near me at TA7.

Anyone got experience of someone or indeed a garage specialising in Mazda?

Thanks

3

Do you not Fancy having a pop at it yourself and we’ll help you through it step by step…this is a MK 1 guide just for ref,click on the link below, there is not that much differences , mainly more loom and sensors really , if we can help get in touch…

 

http://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=123&t=7557

 

M-m

4

Good shout Wayne!

Not rocket science to do this job and learn to love your little darling along the way for it’s simplicity!! And all so getatable!!

 

Cheers!

 

Russ

5

The job itself is relatively straightforward. However, be prepared for snags such as rusted fixing screws on the lower cam cover. My car is also 98 and with only 43,000 miles but the lower case had to be replaced because I had the destroy it after finding the fixing screw (lower left) had rusted into the metal insert. The screw snapped and I had to weld a nut on the remains to extract it… not easy and bear in mind that once you have started the job, the car is immobilised.

6

 

Yes I had a a similar issue with a Mk2. Snapped one of the M6 bolts, rusted on metal insert from the lower cover and the lower cover was well past it’s best.

 

For your normal DIY punter that means stripping the car on the Saturday.

 

Ordering the replacement parts you did not know you need and even they arrive by Wednesday, put of the rebuild until the weekend.

7

Yep, been there done that, in fact this time last year on my MK1. Three swollen corroded bolts snapped inside the stainless sleeves(water traps) on the lower covers. Drilling out was a partial success, welding a nut on is a much better idea. Wish I had thought about this at the time Eddie. 

This is a right of passage job that I would recommend you do yourself if the MX5 is a second vehicle, you have the will and tools and you can spare the car for a while - allow a week for all eventualities.

We are here to advise and in respect of this particular job, you would get extraordinary support.