Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 57

Fig. 12: Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolt Removal & Installation Sequence (Protege) Removal 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

  

Fig. 13: Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolt Removal & Installation Sequence (Protege) Installation 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL 

Removal & Installation 

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove transmission/transaxle and flywheel. For automatic 

transmission removal procedure, see REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article in TRANSMISSION 
SERVICING. For manual transmission removal procedure, see appropriate article in CLUTCHES. On all 
models, pry out rear oil seal.  

2. To install, apply light coat of oil to seal lip and push seal over crankshaft. Tap seal into rear cover until it 

is flush with edge of rear cover. DO NOT bottom seal in cover.  

3. Completely remove used sealant from flywheel bolts. Apply lock-type sealant to bolts and install 

flywheel to crankshaft. Tighten bolts to 71-76 ft. lbs. (96-103 N.m) in a star-pattern sequence. Install 
clutch assembly (if equipped) and tighten cover bolts to 13-20 ft. lbs. (18-26 N.m) in a star-pattern 
sequence. Install transmission/transaxle. See appropriate article in TRANSMISSION SERVICING or 
CLUTCHES.  

WATER PUMP 

Removal & Installation 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

  

1. Drain engine coolant. Disconnect battery cable. Position No. 1 cylinder at TDC of compression stroke. 

On Protege, remove right side cover and undercover.  

2. On Miata, remove air cleaner intake duct from between throttle body and air cleaner/filter assembly. On 

all models, remove upper radiator hose and by-pass hoses from thermostat housing.  

3. Remove drive belts and water pump pulley. Remove power steering pump with hoses attached and secure 

pump away from engine (if necessary). Remove timing belt, tensioner and idler. See TIMING BELT.  

4. Unbolt water inlet pipe from water pump. Water pump inlet pipe has lower radiator hose and by-pass pipe 

attached to it. Remove bolts from water pump. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolt to 
specification. See 

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

 .  

OIL PAN 

Removal & Installation (Miata) 

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Drain engine oil. Remove dipstick, tube and "O" ring. Raise vehicle on 

hoist. Remove engine undercover. Disconnect steering column shaft at steering rack coupling. See Fig. 
14 . Remove engine mount nuts. Lift and support engine using jack.  

2. Support crossmember using transmission jack and remove crossmember bolts. Slowly and carefully lower 

crossmember until clearance between oil pan and steering rack is about 4 inches. Remove oil pan bolts 
from engine block and transmission.  

3. DO NOT damage sealant contact surfaces. Remove oil pan by prying between oil pan and transmission 

support. Remove oil pan baffle by prying it from engine. See Fig. 14 . DO NOT deform oil pan baffle. 
Replace oil pan baffle if deformed. Clean sealant from oil pan, bolts, engine block and both sides of oil 
pan baffle.  

4. To install, apply oil resistant sealant to engine block and oil pan. Install oil pan baffle and oil pan within 5 

minutes of applying sealant. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to 
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Fill engine with oil to specification. See ENGINE 
LUBRICATION SYSTEM under ENGINE OILING. 

NOTE:

For further information on cooling systems, see SPECIFICATIONS & ELECTRIC 
COOLING FANS article in ENGINE COOLING.

NOTE:

On Miata, engine must be supported in order to remove oil pan.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder

  

Fig. 14: Removing Crossmember & Oil Pan (Miata)

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder