Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 53

ENGINE 

Removal (Miata) 

1. Release residual pressure from fuel system. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING . 

Disconnect negative battery cable from trunk-mounted battery. Reference mark and remove hood. Raise 
vehicle and remove engine undercover. See Fig. 2 . Drain engine, transmission and cooling system fluids. 

2. Remove transmission. For automatic transmission removal procedure, see REMOVAL & 

INSTALLATION article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING. For manual transmission removal 
procedure, see appropriate article in CLUTCHES. 

NOTE:

On Miata with audio anti-theft system, radio will not operate if power to radio is 
cut. Obtain code from customer to reactivate radio. To reactivate radio after 
reconnecting power supply, turn ignition switch to ACC position. Press and 
hold FF and REW buttons until CODE is displayed. Again press and hold FF and 
REW buttons until bars (----) are displayed. Use preset button No. 1 to enter first 
number. Use preset buttons No. 2 to enter second number, 3 for third number, 
etc. Press FF and REW buttons for about 1.5 seconds until a beep is heard. 
After 5 seconds, flashing CODE will disappear and radio will operate.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

  

Fig. 2: Removing & Installing Drive Train Components (Miata) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

3. Remove all cooling system hoses and A/T oil cooler hoses at radiator (if equipped). Remove radiator and 

cooling fans as an assembly. Remove all drive belts. DO NOT disconnect power steering hoses or A/C 
compressor hoses. Unbolt power steering pump and A/C compressor from engine, and wire aside.  

4. Remove air cleaner assembly. See Fig. 3 . Remove throttle cable. Note locations and disconnect all 

necessary electrical connectors, ground wires, vacuum hoses, fuel hoses, coolant hoses and control cables 
for engine removal. Plug all fuel hoses to prevent leakage. Remove engine mount nuts and remove 
engine.  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

  

Fig. 3: Removing Engine Components (Miata) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Installation 

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. After installing engine mount nuts, mount PPF to transmission and 

tighten long bolts by hand. Ensure bolt sleeve and PPF/differential mounting spacer are installed to 

NOTE:

Proper installation of Power Plant Frame (PPF) is critical for aligning drive shaft 
and eliminating harmonic vibrations.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

  

differential housing block.  

2. Tighten PPF/differential mounting spacer bolts to 28-38 ft. lbs. (38-52 N.m). See Fig. 4 . Install PPF to 

differential. Hand-tighten long bolts. Ensure PPF-to-differential large shank reamer bolt and spacer are 
properly installed. 

3. When PPF is properly aligned between transmission and differential, tighten all long mounting bolts to 

specification. Install rear transmission-to-PPF bracket and tighten to specification. See TORQUE 
SPECIFICATIONS . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Before installing M/T shift 
lever, add gear oil to transmission through shifter hole. Fill all fluids to correct level. Prime fuel system 
before attempting to start engine. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE & PRIMING. Bleed cooling system. 
See COOLING SYSTEM BLEEDING.  

Fig. 4: Locating PPF-To-Differential Reamer Bolt, Sleeve & Spacer

NOTE:

Reamer bolt is the front long bolt attaching PPF to differential. This bolt 
aligns PPF with drive train.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder