3. Install main bearing caps with square mark facing front of engine. Tighten main bearing cap bolts in 2-3
step, working outward from center bearing. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . Thrust Bearing - Install thrust bearing before installing crankshaft. Check
crankshaft end play with crankshaft bearings and caps installed, but without connecting rods attached to
crankshaft. DO NOT turn crankshaft until bearings are lubricated. If crankshaft end play exceeds
specification, grind crankshaft and replace thrust bearings with oversize thrust bearings, or replace
crankshaft and thrust bearings. See CRANKSHAFT, MAIN & CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS.
Cylinder Block
Check cylinder bore out-of-round, taper, ridge and piston-to-cylinder bore clearance. Check head gasket surface
for warpage. If warpage is not within specification, machine or replace cylinder block as necessary. See
CYLINDER BLOCK under ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove, clean and install oil jets for piston oil
spraying.
ENGINE OILING
ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM
NOTE:
See cross-sectional view of engine oil circuit. See Fig. 21 .
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
1997-98 ENGINES 1.8L 4-Cylinder