Genuine 2003 Mazda Protege Cylinder Head

2003 Mazda Protege Cylinder Head Parts and Q&A

• Q: How should you prepare and reassemble the cylinder head after valve servicing on 2003 Mazda Protege?

  A: Whether the head is taken to an automotive machine shop to have the valves serviced or not, make sure that it is clean before commencing the reassembly process. A number of little core-plugs or freeze-plugs or expansion-plugs, are fitted in the head, and must be changed each time the engine is overhauled or the cylinder head reconditioned. In case the head was retailing with valve servicing, the valves and other components will already be installed and you can begin the re-assembling process. Plug new seals on each of the valve guides, and remember not to confuse the various seals needed when installing an intake and an exhaust valve. Install the seals of the intake valves by tapping them into the guide until they fit and the seals themselves are seated against the guide without further hammering. Install the first valve greasing it with moly-base grease or clean engine oil on the valve stem. Install the valve spring and retainer by placing the spring seat or shim(s) over the guide of the valve. Install the keepers in the upper groove, use a valve spring compressor to squeeze the springs and install the keepers carefully and release the compressor slowly, being careful to have the keepers installed properly. Each dab of grease can be applied to each keeper in case it is needed to fix it. This should be repeated on the other valves with all parts being returned to their original positions. Lastly, and most importantly; tap the end of the valve stem 2 or 3 times with a plastic hammer to make sure that the keepers are seated completely.