Hi, I’m looking to remove the cam cover on my 1995 1.8 to do a bit of work. I know some people say you can reuse the old gasket but I don’t want to go down that road.
MX5 parts do the genuine Mazda one at £24 and a aftermarket one for £16.50. I don’t mind spending the extra if the product is better, but spending the extra just because it has a Mazda badge seems a bit silly.
What do you guys think ?
Many thanks.
D
I’ve always used Mazda cam cover gaskets as the general opinion seems to be that the pattern parts gaskets leak and don’t last as long.
The (genuine) gasket on my car is still good after 3 years and has been removed several times without a problem.
Remember to put some gasket sealant either side of the camshaft bearing caps, 6 small blobs of sealant.
Probably ( perhaps!) better off with re using the original as described tbh.
Read of a few issues over the years with pattern copies.
Mazda every time
Never known a non Mazda one not to leak.
Seen dozens on aftermarket ones leaking and there is only about 5 pounds in difference between aftermarket and genuine.Go genuine all the time
I won’t buck the trend and differ, Mazda genuine is the one to get.
Thanks everyone, so a genuine Mazda one it is then. Bannedbiker says to use some blobs of sealant by the camshaft bearing caps, what sealant would you recommend ?
Many thanks again.
D
Experiences & opinions differ Nick.
I went through 2 patterns supplied by a well respected Club supplier… one paid for the other a free replacement.
And yes, they were perfectly seated with the silicon blobs.
I had the original at hand, popped that on in desperation, result.
(Edit)
This was after others told me that non OEM were totally fine…which is what I omitted to say.
One thing I learned too…never ever go cheap on head gaskets either. OEM every time.
Sealant is not required with an OE gasket IMHO It may even cause damage if became dislodged and ended floating about oil galleries.
Never used any and I don’t have leaks.
If the gasket does not run in a groove ALWAYS use a tiny blob of silicone sealant in the corners where the flat surface meets the cam shaft raised arches. Its common practice and recommended by most manufacturers (including Mazda specialists)
I use non genuine gaskets without issue. Leaks are caused by not sequencing the tightening and by over tightening. Use Loctite 242 on the threads.