Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual — part 56

Fig. 9: Measuring Timing Belt Deflection
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

HYDRAULIC LASH ADJUSTER (HLA)

Removal

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove camshaft. See CAMSHAFT . Mark location of each HLA for
reassembly reference. Remove HLA from cylinder head.

Inspection

Place HLA in palm of hand. Attempt to compress HLA plunger with thumb. If plunger compresses, replace
HLA.

NOTE:

If hydraulic lash adjusters are persistently noisy, check with manufacturer for
availability of modified adjusters.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

Installation

Insert HLA in original location. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten camshaft bearing
caps evenly in sequence to specification. See Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 . See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

CAMSHAFT

Removal

Remove cylinder head cover. Remove timing belt. See TIMING BELT . Remove distributor/camshaft position
sensor. Reference mark camshafts, caps and sprockets, and remove sprockets. Loosen camshaft bearing cap
bolts evenly in 5-6 steps, in sequence. See Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 . Remove camshafts.

Inspection

Check camshaft end play. Check camshaft journal diameters and bearing clearances. Check camshaft lobes for
wear. See CAMSHAFT under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. If any measurement is not within specification,
replace camshaft and/or cylinder head.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. On both camshafts, apply small amount of silicone sealant to contact area
of cylinder head/camshaft seal cover cap. Tighten camshaft bearing cap bolts evenly in sequence to
specification. See Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 . See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

NOTE:

On Miata, exhaust camshaft has a slot for camshaft position sensor drive. On
Protege, exhaust camshaft has a slot for distributor drive. On all models, match
mark camshafts and sprockets for installation reference.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

Fig. 10: Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolt Removal & Installation Sequence (Miata) Removal
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

Fig. 11: Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolt Removal & Installation Sequence (Miata) Installation
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder