Cam cover Removal MX5 1.8 Sport 2003

Technical Area Routine Servicing
2

Hi 

I am in the process of doing a Cam Belt and Water pump replacement.

I am stumbling at the first hurdle I a have been following the instructions for timing belt and front end freshen up in the technical downloads section. I have a 1.8 sport 2003 facelift so slightly different 

Having un done all the 10mm bolts on the cam cover I find i have a slightly different arrangement as i have as extra fixed pipe running across the top of the cover I believe this is for Variable valve timing and is evident in the oil line and solenoid on the driver side top of the valve cover.?

This is my problem how to separate this so the cover will lift off I have tried the 19mm bold at the firewall end of the engine but it does not want to move but it looks the most likely place to desperate the two.

I wanted to add a picture to clarify but don’t seem to be able to at the moment

 

Do i need to undo the 19mm bolt? or if not what it the best way to separate them. I have tried the 19mm bolt but can not get it to move at the moment.

 

Thanks

3

extra image

4

Problem solved thanks to me friends at http://www.mx5parts.co.uk it was just a banjo type bolt that was very stiff 

5

Put some of the cam cover bolts back in to hold it and then you need to undo that big banjo on the back. You can also fully unbolt the pipework and solenoid off the cover

 

6

Hi Nick,
Is it normal to remove the electrical connector on the coolant temperature sensor when changing the cam belt?
Regards,
Chris